The analysis of dynamic operation of power-to-SNG system with hydrogen generator powered with renewable energy, hydrogen storage and methanation unit

Developing energy storage techniques is vital to address the variable demand in daily and seasonal cycles. In this study, we propose a power-to-synthetic natural gas (P2SNG) system using hydrogen produced with renewable-based electricity as a valuable complement to the sustainable energy system. The main novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the hydrogen generation and buffering devices on the operational limits of the P2SNG plant. A time-domain simulation model was developed for the detailed analysis of individual system components, as well as the entire integrated system. The average annual efficiency of hydrogen generation varied from 58.72% to 59.97%. The highest value of the stored energy share in the analyzed range (γ = 0.2297) was obtained for a system with a 4 MW hydrogen generator supplied by a wind farm with 10 MW nominal power. The operational times of the various system components are analyzed for different scenarios and discussed in detail. The results of this study are useful for considering the structural impacts of a P2SNG system on its operation, taking into account the size of the renewable energy source, hydrogen generator, and hydrogen storage capacity.