First pulsed control system design for enhanced hydrogen production performance in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 2024-09, Vol.371, p.132027, Article 132027
• Main Authors: Ereli, Nafi Can, Kıstı, Murat, Eşiyok, Tayyar, Özdoğan, Emre, Hüner, Bulut, Demir, Nesrin, Kaya, Mehmet Fatih
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion; Duty cycle; Frequency; Hydrogen production; PEM water electrolyzers
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2024.132027

[Display omitted] •A pulse voltage used with varying duty cycles, frequencies, and voltage amplitudes.•The least energy consumption to produce H2 was observed in the E-50-X case.•The fastest hydrogen production occurs in the DC-Z case at 2.5 V voltage.•The lifespan of PEMWE systems using pulse signals will be longer.•Using pulse voltage preserves the surfaces of the MEA and GDL. The performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolyzer (PEMWE) is heavily dependent on its operational conditions. In this study, we applied pulsed voltage with varying duty cycles, frequencies, and voltage amplitudes to the cell. We examined their effects on energy consumption, hydrogen flow rate, current consumption, and the time required to produce hydrogen. The applied frequency ranged from 1 kHz to 20 kHz, the voltage amplitude varied from 1.5 V to 2.5 V, and the duty cycle was adjusted to 50 to 80 %. According to the experimental results, the lowest energy consumption was found to be 8.82525 J.mL−1 H2 in Case E-50-X. When a DC voltage of 1.5 V was applied, the energy consumption was 13.446 J.mL−1 H2. Pulse voltage demonstrated the potential to mitigate corrosion formation on electrode or membrane surfaces during electrolysis, contributing to energy savings and prolonging equipment life for sustainable hydrogen production.