Analysys of the performance a PEM-type electrolyzer in variable energy supply conditions

Maya, Juan C.; Chejne, Farid; Gómez, Carlos A.; Montoya, Jorge; Chaquea, Hernando; Pecha, Brennan

doi:10.1016/j.cherd.2023.07.002

Analysys of the performance a PEM-type electrolyzer in variable energy supply conditions

Journal Article · Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Chemical Engineering Research and Design

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.07.002· OSTI ID:1995462

Maya, Juan C. ^[1]; ^[2]; Gómez, Carlos A. ^[1]; Montoya, Jorge ^[3]; Chaquea, Hernando ^[4]; Pecha, Brennan ^[5]

Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin (Colombia); SEI Research Group, Sume Energy C S.A.S., Medellín (Colombia)
Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin (Colombia)
Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin (Colombia); CELSIA-Colombia, Medellín (Colombia)
CELSIA-Colombia, Medellín (Colombia)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Renewable Resources and Enabling Science Center

Here in this article, the main variables related to the performance of a proton exchange membrane-type electrolyzer are analyzed along with the risk of explosion for different operating conditions, notably when the electrolyzer works with a variable solar energy power supply and at high pressure. A novel mathematical model was developed that considers all mass transport phenomena through the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for water, hydrogen, and oxygen, as well as the water evaporation in the anode and cathode channels. The main findings of this work are that for a solar energy supply operating at high pressure, the electrolyzer cannot function safely throughout the day, since in the hours when solar irradiation is lower, low current densities favor high hydrogen concentrations at the anode. Finally, it was found that greater thicknesses of the membrane increased the explosion risk due to the increase in the MEA temperature and therefore the hydrogen solubility.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1995462

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA--2800-87171; MainId:87946; UUID:6120e323-d4d8-4bfe-8af7-6a7e78080e1d; MainAdminID:70220

Journal Information:: Chemical Engineering Research and Design, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Research and Design Vol. 196; ISSN 0263-8762

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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