ICIEA 2026 Special Session

SS13: Advanced Power Conversion and Grid-Supportive Control for New Energy-Electrolytic Hydrogen Integration

Organized by:

Organizer 1: Guangdi Li

Email: liguangdi@mail.neu.edu.cn

Affiliation: Northeastern University, China

Organizer 2: Abhishek Kumar

Email: akeee@ieee.org; abhi@zju.edu.cn

Affiliation: Zhejiang University, China

Organizer 3: Deng Yan

Email: dengyan@zju.edu.cn

Affiliation: Zhejiang University, China

Organizer 4: Ramesh C. Bansal

Email: rcbansal@ieee.org; rbansal@sharjah.ac.ae

Affiliation: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Summary of session:

The practical integration of these systems presents a complex set of interdisciplinary challenges at the nexus of power electronics, electrochemistry, and grid dynamics. Key issues include the design of power conversion systems that can operate with both high efficiency and exceptional dynamic range; the development of sophisticated control algorithms that enable “grid-forming” capabilities from electrolyzer plants without compromising the operational integrity and lifetime of the electrolyzer stacks themselves; and the overarching need to ensure the stability and power quality of a grid increasingly dominated by power-electronic interfaces. These challenges demand a concerted research effort that moves beyond siloed approaches.

This Special Session is proposed to address these interdisciplinary challenges head-on. It aims to assemble leading researchers, engineers, and industry practitioners to present the latest advancements in power conversion, grid-supportive control, and system integration for new energy-hydrogen systems. The session will foster a collaborative environment to bridge the gap between power electronics, electrochemistry, and power system engineering, accelerating the development of intelligent and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Topics of Interest (include but are not limited to):

• Advanced Power Converter Topologies and Design: high-efficiency, high-power density converters for electrolyzer applications; thermal management, reliability, and lifetime prediction of power electronic systems.
• Grid-Supportive and Grid-Forming Control Strategies: dynamic power tracking and ramping control for maximizing new energy consumption; implementation of inertia emulation, primary frequency response, and voltage support; coordination control between multiple electrolyzers, renewables, and storage systems.
• System Stability and Power Quality Analysis: impedance modeling and stability analysis of grid-new energy-electrolyzer systems; harmonic mitigation and power quality enhancement for high-power rectifier systems.
• Intelligent Operation and System-Level Integration: AI and data-driven energy management for optimal operation; integration and control within Virtual Power Plants and multi-energy systems; techno-economic analysis, market mechanisms, and business models.
• Hardware Implementation and Validation: prototype development and experimental results; hardware-in-the-Loop and real-time simulation testing; industrial case studies and lessons from pilot-scale demonstrations.

Background and Justification:

Global decarbonization has spurred the unprecedented rollout of renewable energy sources, predominantly wind and solar power. Yet their intrinsic intermittency poses formidable challenges to grid stability and energy balancing, making electrolytic hydrogen production not only a promising clean fuel alternative but also a critical grid-supportive asset—capable of absorbing surplus renewable generation and delivering essential stability services. This transition hinges on addressing complex interdisciplinary challenges at the intersection of power electronics, electrochemistry, and grid dynamics, where innovations in power conversion, control strategies, and system integration are pivotal to unlocking the full potential of new energy-hydrogen systems.

This session will focus on cutting-edge advancements in power conversion, grid-supportive control, and system-level integration for new energy-hydrogen systems, providing a platform for discussing solutions that advance global decarbonization. Topics such as advanced power converter topologies for electrolyzer applications, grid-forming and grid-supportive control strategies, system stability and power quality analysis, intelligent operation and multi-energy system integration, and hardware implementation and validation will be explored. These technologies are critical for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and grid compatibility of new energy-hydrogen systems, accelerating the shift toward low-carbon energy infrastructure.

The inclusion of AI-driven energy management, coordination control between multi-energy assets, and industrial case studies from pilot-scale demonstrations in the session reflects the evolving landscape of low-carbon energy solutions. These areas are essential for addressing the intermittency of renewables and ensuring grid stability, and the session will highlight both theoretical research and practical applications that can tackle the pressing challenges faced by the energy sector worldwide. The session is organized by Dr. Guangdi Li and Dr. Abhishek.