Integrating Waste Heat from Hydrogen Production Into District Heating

Sammanfattning: The aim of this research is to explore the feasibility of the integration of waste heat from electrolyzers within a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and district heating (DH) network and suggest a practical setup for integration. With the escalating emphasis on the development of green hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, a substantial amount of waste heat is generated, typically left unused. This study explores the potential of harnessing this waste heat and integrating it into DH networks, thereby enhancing the system's overall efficiency and sustainability. Using advanced simulation software, the research demonstrates that an existing 37 MW CHP plant can feasibly accommodate up to 21 MW of waste heat injection into a DH network with negligible impact on the electrical power output. The incorporation of waste heat significantly increases the heat absorbed by the DH water, thereby improving the quality of heat supplied to connected buildings. The findings from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of waste heat recovery in green hydrogen production and its potential benefits in the context of sustainable heating systems.