Water electrolysis to produce hydrogen using electric energy is classified into polymer electrolyte water electrolysis, alkaline water electrolysis, solid oxide water electrolysis, and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis according to the type of electrolyte applied. Among them, polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis has a lower operating temperature than other types of water electrolysis, and it is possible to operate high-efficiency, high-power density hydrogen production with high current density. In addition, polymer electrolyte water electrolysis has the advantage of fast response to changes in power supply, so empirical studies for green hydrogen production linked to renewable energy are being conducted most actively compared to other water electrolysis. However, research on coupling polymer electrolyte water electrolysis with renewable energy generation with intermittent and irregular power generation has mainly focused on materials, cells, and stacks. In order to keep the hydrogen production reaction of water electrolysis stack stable under the condition of supply power fluctuation, the peripheral devices should be optimally installed and controlled.In this study, a dynamic model of a polymer electrolyte water electrolysis system was developed using Aspen HYSYS®. To accurately predict the hydrogen production efficiency, a stack model considering electrochemical reactions and crossovers through the electrolyte was developed and internalized in a spread sheet. A heat exchanger model from the model library was used to simulate dynamic changes in the electrolyte temperature flowing through the water electrolysis stack. The developed stack model was extended to a system model by integrating the feed pump, separator, condenser, heater, and cooling system. The developed water electrolysis system model was simulated in connection with power ramp variations and renewable energy output, and the optimal operation strategy of each module unit was derived to ensure the stability of high-purity hydrogen production under transient conditions.
Read full abstract