Plug and Play Hydrogen Microgrid

Author(s):

Jingbo Wang and Jie Zhang

Abstract:

Hydrogen storage technology and small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining popularity due to environmental concerns. Furthermore, both forms of clean energy offer exceptional mobility and stealth capability in a combat environment. In this report, we describe various hydrogen storage options, with a focus on transportation applications, and their current state of development and associated products. Compressed hydrogen is a widely used technology today. Chemical and adsorption storage have great potential for storing hydrogen as well. However, many challenges remain, and research must be conducted to improve their characteristics, such as storage capacity, slow release kinetics, storage temperature, and pressure conditions. In the advanced reactor technology review, we discuss options for microreactors and SMRs that have the potential to meet military requirements, as well as typical development timelines. Finally, we utilize existing open-source libraries such as “Hybrid” and “VirtualFCS” in the Modelica language and use the Dymola 2022x to simulate SMR power and hydrogen generation in normal mode and fuel cell supply power in stealth mode. From this review, it appears that hydrogen and SMRs have great potential for military use, and a series of preliminary simulations indicate that they can be used to generate electricity to meet microgrid demand.