Beyond Higher-Pulse Rectification: Operational Harmonic Coordination in Renewable P2H Systems

Abstract

Thyristor rectifiers (TRs) are cost-effective electrolysis power supplies for renewable power-to-hydrogen (ReP2H) systems, but their harmonics may violate grid-code limits. In contrast to conventional solutions that rely on higher-pulse (such as 24-pulse) rectifiers, this paper proposes an operational harmonic coordination scheme that enables low-cost 12-pulse TRs to meet harmonic requirements through coordinated operation. First, a harmonic model quantifies the effects of rectifier transformer (RCT) tap positions and electrolytic currents, enabling harmonic cancellation among multiple electrolyzers (ELZs). A two-layer framework then coordinates hydrogen production and harmonic mitigation. Hourly scheduling determines ELZ commitment within the harmonic feasible region under renewable uncertainty using stochastic programming and a modified progressive hedging algorithm, while minute-level dispatch tracks renewable power and mitigates harmonics. A decomposition algorithm separates production dispatch from harmonic mitigation to improve computational efficiency. Case studies based on real-life projects show that the proposed method increases profit by 31% over current-only regulation. Annual simulations further show that coordinated 12-pulse TRs can replace 24-pulse rectifiers for harmonic compliance by exchanging additional RCT tap actions for lower transformer investment, reducing rectification-stage cost by 37.5%.