Enhancing PEM Electrolyzer Stack Performance Through Water Flow Rates and Wind Environment Optimization
Key Ideas
- Analyzing the impact of water flow rates and wind speeds on PEM electrolyzer stack performance.
- Revealing the mechanism of how water flow rates affect stack performance and how wind environment loading degrades performance.
- Proposing optimization strategies for improving performance in wind environments and preventing voltage runaway due to water starvation.
- Highlighting the importance of green hydrogen production from renewable sources for achieving sustainable development goals.
The article investigates the performance degradation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer stacks due to water flow rates and wind environment loading. It explores how varying water flow rates can affect the electrical performance of the stack, with optimal rates providing heating and cooling functions. The study also shows that in wind environments, increasing water temperature, current density, or wind speed can enhance heat dissipation. The research identifies a maximum performance degradation rate of 5.11% at a wind speed of 10.1 m/s. Additionally, voltage runaway induced by water starvation is discussed, with strategies proposed to mitigate this issue. The article emphasizes the significance of green hydrogen production through water electrolysis, particularly using PEM technology, for achieving sustainable energy goals. It highlights the potential of hydrogen as an energy storage medium, essential for stabilizing systems with variable renewable energy sources. Various optimization models and strategies are presented to improve PEM electrolyzer efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure long-term stable operation. The importance of managing heat and mass transfer within the electrolyzer, along with optimizing operating conditions, is underscored. Overall, the research contributes to advancing the understanding of PEM electrolyzer performance and its application in promoting green hydrogen production and sustainable energy practices.