The preliminary techno-economic analysis and assessment of business models that paves the way for the replicability of the BIG HIT concept to other territories is analysed by using a user-friendly modelling tool, named HTP Tool. The first version of the HTP Tool was an Excel-based tool designed with a main objective: providing HTP members, particularly public entities and decision-makers, a first or initial assessment for the introduction of hydrogen technologies in their regions of influence.
The update in the framework of the projects mentioned (GREENHYSLAND, HEAVENN, NAHV, IMAGHyNE and SH2AMROCK) this excel version.
The continuous improvement of this tool takes place within the framework of projects that are part of the Board (GREENHYSLAND, HEAVENN, NAHV, IMAGHyNE, and SH2AMROCK). Currently, Version 1.1 is available, a Python-based tool with a global approach that is complemented by mentorship to facilitate the usage and proper interpretation of the resulting data.
Main view of the new version 1.1 of the HTP Tool
Innovative Transformation and Broadened Capabilities of the Replication Tool:
The evolution of the Replication Tool stands out as a pivotal moment in our project, marked by a crucial enhancement through the adoption of open-source Python programming from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Our dedication to advancing electrolyser production simulations is leading the charge towards establishing a thriving hydrogen economy.
Schematic diagram of the information processing flow inside the Replicability Tool.
In line with these improvements, we've ventured into new territories by enhancing the tool's functionality to seamlessly integrate electrolysers with a variety of energy sources and power agreement types. Our detailed analysis of the electricity market and recent policy changes ensures our tool is at the forefront of technology, aligning with the latest industry benchmarks.
Screen for "Self-Consumption + Grid Connection (PPAs)" mode, enabling selection of the type of RES-E source and the origin of the PPA.
This progress has been made possible through the implementation of a Frontend (Excel) and Backend (Python) development approach.
This approach leverages existing open-source code developed by institutions like MIT or NREL. These pre-existing packages enable us to conduct dynamic simulations of PEM electrolysers with high precision and accuracy, thereby fulfilling one of the key objectives of WP6: instilling confidence in investments.
Included in these packages are:
- SoDa (An Irradiance-Based Synthetic Solar DataGeneration Tool (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2020 IEEE): This tool is used for creating synthetic meteorological data essential for simulating the dynamics of the electrolysis plant.In turn, this package works in real time with the data that the HTP Tool 1.1 automatically acquires from the databases on the Internet:
- US NSRDB: quarter-hourly solar resource.
- MERRA-2: wind resource (from NINJA RENEWABLES website).
- PySAM (NREL): module that allows the simulation of various RES-E plants (PV, wind, etc.) depending on the RES resource input.
- Electrolyzer (NREL): dynamic simulation package for PEM type electrolysers. It allows obtaining results of production, efficiency, degradation, etc., from the equations that govern the electrochemical reactions of the PEM electrolyser.
