A comparative analysis of single and modular proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production- a case study in Trois-Rivières

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers demonstrate significant potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. Addressing the inherent intermittency of these sources, a modular design for the electrolyzers emerges as an essential avenue of research. This study delves into potential solutions and strategies for harnessing renewable energy efficiently to fuel these electrolyzers and presents a comparative analysis between single-stack and modular designs based on a hypothetical scenario. Using experimental data, the research projects the hydrogen output derived from solar energy in Trois-Rivières. Machine learning techniques are employed to forecast available energy from photovoltaic panel datasets. A strategic power allocation mechanism is introduced to regulate input current across each electrolyzer, aiming to optimize system performance. Experimental evaluations on a purpose-built test bench validate the conversion efficiency of the electrolyzer. Notably, the results suggest that embracing a modular design can amplify hydrogen production by over 33% annually while concurrently minimizing system degradation.