Optimization of the whole life capacity configuration of the hydrogen production system based on improved whale optimization algorithm

This study proposes a whole life cycle capacity configuration optimization model for the new energy hydrogen production system to tackle its late stage economic challenges. Recognizing the traditional Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)'s vulnerability to local optimality, four strategic enhancements are introduced. The improvements notably boost the algorithm's convergence speed and optimization accuracy, as validated by five benchmark function types. Through case analysis, six distinct configuration and electrolyzer proportioning schemes from a whole life cycle perspective are solved. The system's capacity configuration and economic outcomes indicate that Scheme 6 can attain a 7 years payback period and a 12.08% internal rate of return. Compared with three conventional algorithms, the Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) elevates the typical-day revenue by 7.44%, 6.48%, and 3.18%, respectively. From the aspect of capacity and operation scheduling collaborative optimization, under the objective of economic optimality on typical days across various seasons, this capacity configuration maximizes equipment capacity utilization and ensures system stability.