Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles for Integration of Hydrogen and Electricity Systems

This chapter presents a groundbreaking exploration of the Car as Power Plant (CaPP) concept, where Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are utilized as dispatchable power plants within a microgrid. The focus is on the energy management system, which is crucial for maintaining the power balance in the presence of uncertainties such as variable renewable energy sources and fluctuating loads. The text introduces three control levels in power systems and reviews existing methods for power scheduling of distributed energy sources. It then delves into the development of both centralized and distributed control algorithms tailored for the CaPP system. The centralized control algorithms include a min-max approach and a disturbance feedback min-max approach, both designed to handle uncertainties in power demand. The distributed control algorithms, based on dual decomposition, the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), and proximal ADMM, ensure privacy by not requiring the sharing of driving patterns. The chapter also discusses the integration of electricity and transportation systems, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the CaPP concept. Through detailed simulations and case studies, the chapter demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies in maintaining power balance and minimizing operational costs. The insights provided are invaluable for anyone interested in the future of energy systems and the role of FCEVs in creating a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.