Decarbonisation Technology - August 2024 Issue

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Delivery

Feasibility & sizing study

Engineering study

Build

Operate

Electrical design & sizing study

Power & process simulation

Construction Construction, integration & commissioning of the wind farm, hydrogen & ammonia production plant systems Optional: Operator training system creation

Automated plant operation

‘Closed Loop’ optimisation of the complete ammonia production process ‘Digital Twin’ creation & management Supporting systems & services

Combined power & process simulation platform Engineering & design studies as inputs to EPC design

Power system stability studies BESS, generator & (optional) solar PV sizing studies Use process assumptions (ramp rates, storage costs etc.) to minimise hydrogen buer tank sizing and therefore LCOH

Figure 4 Green hydrogen project key milestones

with their design limits. This can be set up as a backbone for future operations. A pre-defined control architecture can be evolved from the integrated power and process model along with a detailed control strategy. Projects where the control architectures are only added after detailed design and the majority of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have already been pre-defined may cause substantial delays in the start-up and full synchronisation of operations. Project developers can decide whether they want a centralised or distributed control approach. However, the emphasis will be on how all the domains (water, electricity, hydrogen, and ammonia) interface and how the data forecasting and management will be handled. An integrated control architecture can not only bring Capex savings but also assist a project developer establish operation strategies at an early stage of the project. This allows for a more accurate estimation of Opex and enhances the forecasting system. The key elements of a project, such as the energy management system (EMS), power plant controller (PPC), and distributed control system (DCS), are sometimes sourced from different OEMs. It is crucial to define the interfaces (API, digital) before making a procurement decision. As an example, Schneider Electric experts prepare the modelling during the project’s very early stages, which can evolve into a detailed control architecture. This can further become the

complete digital twin, with the combination of hardware and software controllers as depicted in the power and process models. Developing a comprehensive strategy can optimise green hydrogen production Green hydrogen is positioned to play an important part in the global energy transition. However, supply must meet demand to reach its potential. Prioritising power and process modelling and simulations is a key step in improving production because it helps optimise green hydrogen design and operations from the very start of a project. Green hydrogen production projects can be further improved by working with experts to design an end-to-end strategy that meets the goals and needs of the producers. Schneider Electric has extensive experience supporting and guiding successful green hydrogen production projects. Watch the panel discussion on ‘Supercharging Decarbonization in Energy-Intensive Industries’, with industry leaders providing their unique perspectives on the topic: bit.ly/4fgC3ze Get in touch with the Process Electrification Consulting team: bit.ly/3SjH54i

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Dharmendra Umarnani