PEM electrolyzer digital twin embedded within MATLAB-based graphical user interface

In recent years, the use of hydrogen for various applications such as energy storage in microgrids [1], vehicle fuel [2] or other industrial processes has led to the proliferation of PEM electrolyzers based on water electrolysis (PEM WE) as hydrogen generators. On the other hand, a digital twin serves as a replica of the physical device within a virtual environment, whose aim is to mimic the behaviour of the physical device. By means of this digital replica, it is possible to study the behaviour of the PEM WE within the intended system or application in a controlled and safe way, without involving the other components of the system [3]. Typically, the monitoring and control processes of a physical system are supported by graphical user interfaces (GUI) [4]. These graphical tools serve as an interactive bridge between the user and the system, facilitating the monitoring of the system as well as the acquisition and presentation of information resulting from its operation . MATLAB is a programming and computing platform that provides users with a variety of applications and toolboxes with very specific functions. Among them is AppDesigner, an application focused on GUI design and development [5,6]. On the other hand, the Simulink simulation environment allows the design of models and their simulation. This paper describes the design and implementation of a MATLAB/Simulink-based application that embeds a digital replica of a PEM WE and a GUI dedicated to its control, all framed in the operation of a smart microgrid powered by photovoltaic energy and supported by hydrogen generation and storage.

References

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