Hydrogen-Based Hybrid Microgrid System

Hydrogen is recognized as a promising energy carrier to reduce carbon emissions in sectors contributing to global warming, including power generation, industries, and transportation. There is a growing interest in utilizing low-carbon energy sources for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, can disrupt electricity generation, potentially causing compatibility issues in power networks. Therefore, the generation and storage of hydrogen present a solution to enhance system flexibility. Compressed hydrogen gas, when stored, can later be converted back into energy or used in various applications such as manufacturing, building heating, and automobile fuel.

This research aims to explore multiple strategies for hydrogen production, storage, and energy management within a hybrid microgrid (HMG). The research starts with few case studies of an HMG system incorporating hydrogen as a primary energy source alongside a solar panel and wind turbine (WT). A bidirectional AC-DC converter (BAC) will be specifically designed for HMGs to maintain power and voltage balance between DC and AC grids. The key goal of this research is to introduce a control approach based on the analysis of the BAC's main circuit, achieving bidirectional power conversion functionality and facilitating seamless integration of renewable energy. It is expected that through the implementation of the hydrogen-based HMG, the developed control technique significantly reduces reactive power in both linear and non-linear (NL) loads.

How to Apply

Express your interest in this project by emailing Dr Maryam Ghodrat at m.ghodrat@unsw.edu.au with a copy of your CV and your academic transcript(s). 

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to submit a formal application for admission to the PhD program.