Elena Crespi
PhD thesis title: Electrical grid balancing with fast-ramping Fuel Cell and electrolysis systems: analysis, modelling and optimization
Academic Tutor: Stefano Campanari
Academic Supervisor: Stefano Campanari and Giulio Guandalini
PhD cycle: 34° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Energy Engineering (Power production), Politecnico di Milano
Visiting period at the University of California Irvine (UCI), Irvine, California, from August 2021 to December 2021. Collaboration with the group of Prof. J. Brouwer at National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC). Testing of a 60 kW PEM electrolyzer and refinement, calibration and validation of the system dynamic model.
Thesis abstract
My PhD research project investigates the use of hydrogen-based Power-to-Power (P2P) systems, adopting industrial scale electrolysis systems and Fuel Cell (FC) power plants based on low temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) cells, to help increasing the reliability of the power grid. I have developed dynamic simulation models of FC and electrolisys systems to verify their flexibility and optimize their design and operation strategy. I have also developed a techno economic optimization tool to assess whether the use of P2P systems for local energy storage or for the provision of flexible resources to the grid is economically competitive.
Personal interest in my research theme
I think that the transition to a low-carbon energy system is of primary importance. The role of hydrogen in supporting the clean energy transition has been recognized worldwide, given its potential to increase the penetration of renewable energy sources in the power system and to decarbonize the industrial, transport and heating and cooling sectors. Thus, I am interested in the theme of my thesis because, with my research, I give a contribution in optimizing the hydrogen-based technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
PhD student story
