HyTool is an innovative online tool for the simple and practice-oriented planning of hydrogen plants. It supports gas network operators and players in the energy sector in comparing different plant configurations, output sizes and project key figures of power-to-gas (PtG) plants in a techno-economic way. The tool also provides information on relevant standards and space requirements.

The user-friendly interface enables fast and efficient calculation of important parameters and variants for power-to-gas plants. HyTool provides a sound basis for decision-making for future hydrogen projects – comprehensible, efficient and practice-oriented.

The results of HyTool are based on proven heuristics from HyCentA Research GmbH, which were derived from tried-and-tested simulation models for hydrogen infrastructures. The economic calculations are based on the VALERI method (DIN EN 17463), also known as the net present value method. Specific framework conditions were defined for efficient calculation, which are documented in the tooltips, among other things.

The electrolysis is operated as the main load of the connected renewable energy source, with the renewable generation plant connected directly to the electrolysis system. The ratio between the renewable generation plant and the electrolysis is determined by a fixed scaling factor (DOI1), which ensures that at least 80% of the energy generated can be used for hydrogen production. This depends on the location and is an approximation if grid electricity is also used.

The storage capacity is dimensioned in such a way that the demand is covered evenly throughout the year with the available energy. If the energy supply is exclusively intermittent (e.g. from photovoltaics), this can lead to greater storage requirements. A combination of renewable energy sources and grid supply can reduce the required storage mass.

HyTool was developed by HyCentA Research GmbH on behalf of ÖVGW.