Comparison of reliability indices with the effect of protection failure for an electrical to hydrogen distribution system

An increasing number of sensitive electronic devices and facilities are being installed on distribution and transmission systems. These are not just pumps, but large manufacturing plants, even bulk food producing facilities have sensitive equipment. Many facilities require distribution and/or transmission backup power supply. System reliability has become a significant issue. Intermittent green energy supplies, such as wind generation, pose stability issues requiring additional infrastructure. This paper anticipates avoiding electrical stability issues related to wind generation electrical by converting wind electrical power to hydrogen and then generate electrical power at load centers using hydrogen. A common model was developed to common power distribution reliability indices, SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, and ASUI, between an electrical and hydrogen distribution system with protection failure effects. SAIFI showed significant savings for the hydrogen system, but CAIDI was better for the electrical system. The results indicate that operationally, hydrogen is a viable alternative to an electrical distribution system, but more component development would reduce component and ultimately customer outage durations.