New methods for new systems How to find the techno-economically optimal hydrogen conversion system

In this paper, the method of multi-pole system analysis (MPSA) is presented, which contributes to the task of multicriterial, model-based system analysis and is applied to an innovative wind-energy converter which uses converted energy to electrolytically split water into hydrogen and oxygen. First, the method MPSA is presented in its most general form without a specific application. For illustration, MPSA is applied to the wind-energy converter in the second part and thereby the system is described simultaneously technically as well as economically. Using methods of robust optimization, the optimal system is identified. Since the optimal system design has been derived on the basis of models, methods of sensitivity analysis are applied to assess the model quality and reveal potential for model improvements. We demonstrate that MPSA enables the consideration of energetic and economic aspects simultaneously in the system design and hence supports the establishment of hydrogen energy conversion systems. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.