Analysis of PEM electrolyzers
Hydrogen and oxygen can be produced using a PEM electrolyzer. A PEM electrolyzer operates like a fuel cell in reverse. On the anode side of the electrolyzer, electrons are removed from water to form protons and oxygen molecules. The protons are then transported across the membrane. The protons then rejoin with electrons to form hydrogen molecules. In this way water is electrolyzed. In automobiles, the majority of pollutant emissions occur during the start-up of the vehicle. In order to reduce these harmful emissions, a burner will be placed at the end of process to burn off the hydrocarbon emissions. However, this burner must also be hot to completely burn the harmful pollutants. One method of heating this burner quickly is to burn hydrogen before start-up. The burning of the hydrogen will not produce any pollutants. The only products of hydrogen combustion are water and heat. For this reason, a theoretical design of an electrolyzer/burner system was developed.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 334216
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR--98-3335; ON: DE99002241
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
HOGEN{trademark} proton exchange membrane hydrogen generators: Commercialization of PEM electrolyzers