DC Microgrid For Emulating Offshore Energy Systems

Abstract

Offshore energy systems present unique challenges, such as remote locations and highly variable renewable power generation. The integration of hydrogen technologies—including fuel cells and electrolysers—offers a promising solution to reduce dependence on diesel generators and lower CO₂ emissions in these isolated environments. This study presents novel voltage control strategies tailored for the dynamic operation of hydrogen-based DC microgrids, specifically designed to support aquaculture applications in ocean settings. A testbed using commercial DC/DC converters and programmable sources was developed to emulate real-world marine energy conditions. The proposed droop-based control system dynamically manages fuel cell output and electrolyser input based on DC bus voltage fluctuations, ensuring stable and efficient microgrid operation. Experimental results demonstrate high tracking accuracy, with R² values of 0.9836 for solar, 0.9494 for wind, and 0.9606 for wave generation. The DC link voltage was maintained within ±5 V of the nominal 380 V under load variations, validating the robustness and responsiveness of the controller. This approach supports reliable energy management and efficient hydrogen integration, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution for sustainable offshore energy systems.