Comprehensive study of the technical and economic efficiency of a hydrogen energy complex with a closed fuel cycle

   Electricity consumption is uneven during the day. NPP operation is most efficient in the mode of maximum installed capacity utilization factor due to high total capital investments with a low share of fuel costs. Electricity storage systems based on hydrogen technologies can be used to ensure high installed capacity utilization factor. The paper presents a comprehensive study of the hydrogen energy complex with a closed fuel cycle in combination with NPPs developed by the authors. Based on the adaptation of the methodology for comparative assessment of the efficiency of energy complexes at NPPs, a system of specific indicators has been developed. This system allows determining the comprehensive efficiency of power plants by adding up specific indicators characterizing the effects achieved during their operation in relation to the funds invested in them, including taking into account the savings of natural gas in the power system. In addition, a specific indicator has been developed characterizing the effect of reducing hydrogen underburning due to the implementation of a closed hydrogen combustion cycle. A comparative assessment of the efficiency of the hydrogen energy complex with a closed fuel cycle has been carried out, and the conditions for its economic efficiency have been shown. The main technical and economic indicators and conditions of economic superiority of the hydrogen energy complex over alternative options are determined. The advantage of the hydrogen energy complex in terms of accumulated net present value in comparison with the sale of electricity to the grid reaches 38.34 mln. $. With a 50 % increase in the cost of capital investments in the hydrogen energy complex, the high thermodynamic efficiency allows maintaining competitiveness in comparison with the sale of electricity to the power grid, but it is significantly reduced. The minimum value of hydrogen underburning, at which it is advisable to implement measures to reduce underburning, is determined, depending on electricity tariffs and the cost of measures to reduce underburning. Based on the calculated data obtained, an analysis of the effect of completeness of hydrogen fuel combustion on the specific efficiency indicators of the hydrogen energy complex is carried out. The specific indicator of the efficiency of measures to reduce underburning is determined. It is shown that even taking into account the increased cost of capital investments in the hydrogen energy complex, a competitive advantage is ensured in comparison with pumped storage power plants in almost the entire studied range of electricity tariffs and capacity charge.

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