Balance supply and demand to improve efficiency

The efficiency of electrolytic cells is improving rapidly, but for most producers there is still a mix of multiple energy inputs. To be able to switch to green hydrogen, producers must have the ability to manage and optimize from multiple renewable energy sources. ABB AbilityTM Energy Management OPTIMAX, an energy management software specifically designed to support green hydrogen production, will be launched in 2022. The software improves the efficiency of high-energy electrolyzers and ensures smooth integration of inputs from multiple power sources, such as wind, solar, and the grid. It helps reduce costs by monitoring the energy consumption of hydrogen producers throughout their operations in real time. Reducing the cost of green hydrogen is crucial. Green Hydrogen Catapult, a global industry advocacy group, estimates that we need to increase fuel production 50-fold by 2050, and the cost must be reduced by 50%.

ABB’s OPTIMAX not only deals with the production side, but also analyses the raw material and demand side. In addition to real-time demand, it can make intraday forecasts, enabling operators to plan their production and consumption according to ABB OPTIMAX. According to ABB’s estimates, the OPTIMAX energy management system can help reduce the plant’s operating expenditure full life cycle cost by up to 20% and enable more renewable energy input.

AX522

Support for electrolyzers

ABB does not manufacture electrolysers, but we have deep expertise in other equipment necessary to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of hydrogen production, namely the “Balance of plant”.

The initial design and calculation scale of the project is the key to a low-carbon or green hydrogen project. Integrated solutions run the entire value chain from capital investment (CAPEX) to operational investment (OPEX), starting with scale calculations at the planning stage. As an integrated solutions provider, ABB offers automation and control systems, electrical architectures, rectifiers, motors and drives, intelligent switchgear, power management systems and more. In the field of automation, it involves safety systems, electrical control systems, intelligent field instruments and analytical instruments, communication systems, etc.

The successful operation of any hydrogen plant requires efficient energy and process management, and this is where ABB OPTIMAX and other ABB Ability solutions come in. ABB Ability solutions support remote operations and digitization, production and energy optimization, and service and asset management to help hydrogen production improve operational safety, efficiency, and reduce costs.