Commissioning and first operation of the hybrid power system "Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven"

The EU Hydrogen Strategy, developed by the European Commission, seeks to encourage the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in Europe. An important goal is to incorporate hydrogen infrastructure into the current local distribution grid to facilitate the production of renewable hydrogen. However, this integration requires effective commissioning processes, to ensure that the systems for hydrogen production will function as required. One part of the commissioning process is the grid integration, as most of the systems are integrated in the medium voltage grid (local distribution grid), it is important to observe the technical rules for the connection of customer installations to the medium-voltage grid and their operation. In the future, regulations governing hydrogen systems, including electrolysers, will continue to become more stringent. The integration or existing integration of these systems at different grid levels is also a significant factor. Requirements vary for transmission grids compared to local distribution grids. The four transmission system operators (TSOs) in Germany have written a position paper to define the technical requirements for the connection of electrolyser facilities. This document lists and defines those requirements for electrolysis plants which the four TSOs believe must be implemented as a matter of urgency. Connecting hydrogen systems in various grid configurations, such as reduced grid connection, weak grid, or stand-alone grid, is an important consideration. Adhering to and following grid regulations is essential for system design and commissioning. Only by complying with these regulations the systems can be integrated into the power grid without losing the safety or reliability. This is an important aspect of the energy transition and the associated decentralization that is essential to meeting the EU's climate targets. Fraunhofer IWES is the operator of a hydrogen laboratory. The Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven (HLB) is a test infrastructure to test and validate hydrogen systems in a MW range. The systems can be coupled directly with the local distribution grid. Fraunhofer IWES has gained experience in the field of commissioning and the challenges involved for systems operated on the HLB in recent years.