Computational analysis of hydrogen bubble formation and dynamics in electrolytic systems using COMSOL

Abstract

This study explores the numerical modeling of hydrogen bubble dynamics in electrolytic processes, utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics software. The focus is on the development of precise computational models to simulate the processes of bubble formation, growth, and movement in water electrolysis systems, which are crucial for optimizing hydrogen production. Using 2D axisymmetric modeling, the research applies several interface-capturing techniques, including phase field, level set, and moving mesh methods, to accurately capture the behavior of hydrogen bubbles in various operational conditions. By analyzing these dynamics, the study aims to improve the understanding of bubble-related phenomena in electrolysis, such as formation patterns, bubble size, and the terminal velocities of rising hydrogen bubbles. Additionally, the effects of density differences between hydrogen and water are examined to assess their impact on the overall efficiency of electrolysis. The results indicate that the moving mesh method offers the best performance in accurately modeling bubble dynamics, providing insights that can contribute to the optimization of electrolysis processes for efficient hydrogen production.