Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Sample depiction of the model interface from “H2ProSim”.
H2ProSim – The validated toolbox for comprehensive process simulation and optimization of hydrogen and Power-to-X systems
Our simulation toolbox “H2ProSim” (Hydrogen Process Simulation) is designed for the model-based, techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen plants and Power-to-X products–such as liquid hydrogen, methanol, eSAF, or ammonia–as well as complete hydrogen supply chains. “H2ProSim” is based on the established Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow software environment and enables detailed system modeling, dynamic simulations of various components, and operational analyses across any hydrogen supply chain. In addition to evaluating specific electrolysis plants and other components of a hydrogen system–such as conversion into sustainable synthetic energy carriers, storage, and the entire logistics chain–“H2ProSim” also supports the conceptual development of such supply chains (e.g., offshore hydrogen production or hybrid systems based on renewable electricity and the reforming of biogenic residues).
HYSCOPE®, our spatially resolved optimization system for hydrogen, offers an extension to this capability. With the help of HYSCOPE®, it is possible to capture the nonlinear dynamics and complex spatial interdependencies of regional supply chains and perform spatially resolved analyses of entire regions, including site comparisons, transportation requirements, and infrastructure assessments.
Fraunhofer ISE has been developing and optimizing this comprehensive tool for over 10 years. “H2ProSim” has been used in a large number of projects and has proven to be a powerful tool thanks to our close cooperation with industrial customers. Depending on customer requirements, we can flexibly implement individual customization or further develop specific non-linear models, as well as carry out scenario-based simulations. Our “H2ProSim”models are validated through the incorporation of findings from our practice-oriented R&D projects and our own research.
"H2ProSim" is ideal for addressing specific questions regarding hydrogen system design and cost forecasting. In combination with a genetic optimization algorithm, "H2ProSim" identifies optimal system configurations that achieve the lowest production costs while taking specific site conditions into account.
Modeling and Simulation of the Dynamic Operating Performance of Hydrogen Systems
Annual variation in electricity production at a local renewable energy plant for an electrolyzer and the resulting hydrogen storage pressure in an intermediate storage tank.
The simulations of the hydrogen system models created with H2ProSim are usually carried out dynamically and thus enable a more precise analysis of the system dynamics and the partial load behavior of individual components. Depending on the requirements, the models can be executed in great detail: from the characteristic, load-dependent behavior at the level of the electrolysis cell to the regulation of the status of the electrolysis system (operation, standby, etc.), including all balance-of-plant (BoP) components.
The high level of detail in H2ProSim is essential for the comprehensive evaluation of hydrogen plants and the preparation of hydrogen yield reports. In addition to the production volume, the evaluation includes important parameters such as efficiency, full load hours or the amount of electricity generated, but also the energy flows to the individual components and an analysis of possible waste heat utilization.
A special feature is the ability to simulate stack-specific degradation behavior over several years in order to determine its influence on the economic efficiency of the system.
Optimization of Hydrogen Systems
Example of a Pareto front representing a multi-objective optimization for the import of a PtX product, derived using H2ProSim.
A special feature of H2ProSim is its integrated optimization algorithm for the system models, which can be used to develop concepts for technical and economic plant optimization. For this purpose, a genetic algorithm is used in an iterative optimization process to identify global extremes of a target variable with several influencing parameters by varying selected parameters of the simulation model (e.g., installed wind power, installed electrolysis capacity, storage volume) on the basis of a search heuristic. Typical targets of such optimizations are, for example, the minimization of hydrogen production costs (LCOH – Levelized Cost of Hydrogen) or the maximization of hydrogen production volume. However, other technical or economic targets can also be specified in the optimization. A multi-objective optimization to determine compromises between two target variables (e.g., costs and volume) is also possible.
Techno-Economic Analysis of the entire PtX Value Chain
Example of a cost breakdown for the import of various PtX products from Australia to Germany, determined with H2ProSim.
H2ProSim can be used to evaluate complete hydrogen supply chains for any location. This includes hydrogen production using renewable energies, intermediate storage of the hydrogen, subsequent liquefaction/compression of the hydrogen or its conversion into synthetic energy carriers (e.g., ammonia, methanol, DME) and transportation of the products to the customer. This can be done by ship, rail, trailer, or, in the case of gaseous hydrogen, by pipeline.
The entire process chain is technically modeled in H2ProSim, simulated with time resolution, and finally depicted in economic terms using a cost model. The cost model takes into account the investment and operating costs of the individual system components and uses these to determine the product production costs. Integrated functions make it possible to identify cost drivers and carry out sensitivity analyses. The economic parameters are taken from a database containing manufacturer data and literature values. In addition, our own internal cost models are used.
Spatially Resolved Modeling of Regional Hydrogen Systems Using HYSCOPE®
Exemplary HYSCOPE® results for the East Westphalia-Lippe region from the TransHyDE System Analysis hydrogen flagship project.
The HYSCOPE® (HYdrogen Supply Chain OPtimization Engine) modeling environment, based on H2ProSim, is designed for the spatially resolved analysis of regional hydrogen supply chains. This enables the simultaneous optimization of the size, location, and operation of all relevant facilities in a region. The analysis examines various options for hydrogen transport based on local infrastructure, such as gas, road, and rail networks.
The strengths of H2ProSim–such as simulation-based dynamic optimization and a high level of technical detail based on real-world project and plant experience–are also available in HYSCOPE®. The solvability of complex problems in the additional spatial dimension is ensured by efficient spatial clustering and the state-of-the-art CMA-ES algorithm for nonlinear optimization.
Further details on HYSCOPE® can be found in the peer-reviewed publications linked below and in the webinar recording.
HYSCOPE® – Our Spatially Resolved Optimization Framework for Hydrogen Regions
We introduce HYSCOPE®, a sophisticated optimization tool developed at the Fraunhofer ISE allowing optimization of regional Hydrogen and Power-to-X systems.
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