Dynamic Simulation and Performance Analysis of Alkaline Water Electrolyzers for Renewable Energy-Powered Hydrogen Production

Jian Yang, Jing Zhang (), Min Liu, Jie Sun and Zixuan Shangguan
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Jian Yang: State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company Taizhou Power Supply Company, Taizhou 318000, China
Jing Zhang: School of Automotive Studies and Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center, Tongji University, 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China
Min Liu: State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd., Electric Power Science Research Institute, Hangzhou 310014, China
Jie Sun: State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company Taizhou Power Supply Company, Taizhou 318000, China
Zixuan Shangguan: School of Automotive Studies and Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center, Tongji University, 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the dynamic simulation modeling of alkaline water electrolyzers. Detailed experimental testing and characteristic analysis reveal that alkaline water electrolyzers have long startup times, rapid dynamic responses, and poor dynamic stability. These characteristics are critical for the development of accurate models and effective strategies. A dynamic simulation model was established in MATLAB R2022b and Simulink, enabling standalone simulation operation and module encapsulation. This model facilitates the construction of hydrogen production clusters and serves as a foundational tool for system strategy research. Simulations of rated current loading and unloading for four electrolyzers over 6 h showed significant differences in startup and operation. Key parameters such as cell voltage, maximum loadable power, hydrogen production efficiency, and energy consumption were analyzed. Temperature simulations indicated significant differences in thermal equilibrium points and cooling modes among the electrolyzers, as determined by structural design and cooling system efficiency. These findings highlight the need for efficiency improvements in high-current density electrolyzers. Overall, the model effectively represents commercial electrolyzer characteristics and offers a reliable tool for future research on control strategies for adapting hydrogen production systems to renewable energy power fluctuations, laying a solid foundation for the optimization of electrolyzer design and operation strategies.

Keywords: alkaline water electrolyzer; dynamic simulation; hydrogen production; MATLAB and Simulink (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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