CNH2 strengthens its hydrogen systems validation capabilities through the HERMES project, supported by the 2025 call for the Acquisition of Scientific and Technical Equipment and funded by the AEI and the ERDF
The Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2) has secured funding to develop the HERMES project (Hydrogen Emulation for Real-Time Microgrid Experimental Systems), the name given to the action entitled “Mobile HIL node for the real-time emulation of electrolysis and fuel cell systems”, under reference EQC2025-009879-P.
The action was awarded funding under the 2025 call for the acquisition of scientific and technical equipment, corresponding to the State Subprogramme for Institutional Strengthening of the State Programme for Scientific Research and Experimental Development, within the framework of the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2024–2027.
HERMES will enable the CNH2 Microgrids Laboratory to incorporate a modular and transportable infrastructure based on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) technology. This technology makes it possible to connect virtual models running in real time with physical controllers and equipment, reproducing the dynamic behaviour of electrical and energy systems with a high degree of accuracy before their deployment in real facilities.
The new node will be able to operate autonomously or as an extension of the CNH2 Microgrids Laboratory. Its mobile nature will allow it to be transported to other facilities to conduct on-site testing, collaborate with companies and research organisations, deliver advanced training activities and perform interoperability tests with external equipment and platforms.
The infrastructure will combine a high-performance real-time HIL simulator with two regenerative bidirectional direct current converter modules, which may be connected in series or in parallel. This configuration will allow the system to operate both as a source and as a load, supplying or absorbing energy according to the requirements of each test. The converters will be able to reproduce the behaviour of different energy systems.
HERMES will also incorporate a high-speed measurement system with isolated analogue inputs, capable of measuring voltages of up to ±2,000 V and offering a sampling rate of up to one million samples per second per channel.
The infrastructure will enable deterministic real-time validations with simulation time steps of less than one millisecond. This will make it possible to accurately study the interaction between electrolysers, fuel cells, energy storage systems, power converters, energy management systems and the electricity grid.
It will also make it possible to reproduce complex scenarios such as start-ups, power ramps, voltage dips, imbalances, harmonics and other transient grid events. Furthermore, it will facilitate the validation of equipment and control strategies operating in grid-forming and grid-following modes.
The combination of the real-time simulator and bidirectional converters will enable Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop testing, through which real controllers and equipment can be connected to virtual microgrid models. These tests will make it possible to detect errors at an early stage and reduce the risks, costs and time associated with the development and deployment of new energy solutions.
The new infrastructure will be made available as a shared research service, facilitating its use by companies, universities, technology centres and other research organisations. Its commissioning will foster scientific and industrial collaboration, knowledge transfer and the validation of technological solutions prior to their application in real-world environments.
Funding
HERMES has an eligible budget of €351,550.98, of which €298,818.33 corresponds to an ERDF repayable advance, equivalent to 85% of the eligible budget. Its implementation period runs until 30 June 2027.
The action is funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Spanish State Research Agency and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), within the framework of the ERDF Multi-regional Programme for Spain 2021–2027.
