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Optimum pulse electrolysis for efficiency enhancement of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolyzers

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  • Cheng, Haoran
  • Xia, Yanghong
  • Hu, Zhiyuan
  • Wei, Wei

Abstract

Alkaline water electrolysis is considered as the most feasible way to realize large-scale hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. However, the poor efficiency performance in low load limits the wide-range operation of alkaline water electrolyzers. The energy loss caused by the parasitic current is the main reason of the poor efficiency in low load. Based on the electrolyzer internal structure, an improved model of alkaline water electrolyzers is proposed and the inefficiency mechanism is illustrated. It is found that by applying pulse current for electrolysis, the efficiency of hydrogen production in low load can be enhanced greatly. The influence of the pulse current magnitude and duty ratio on the efficiency improvement is studied. Under different operation conditions, they can be regulated to achieve the maximum efficiency of hydrogen production. The electrolyzer parameters also affect the efficiency trend, especially the double layer capacitance. Finally, the results are experimentally verified on a 10 kW alkaline water electrolyzer.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Haoran & Xia, Yanghong & Hu, Zhiyuan & Wei, Wei, 2024. "Optimum pulse electrolysis for efficiency enhancement of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolyzers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 358(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:358:y:2024:i:c:s0306261923018743
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.122510
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    2. Fu, Wenming & Cheng, Yoke Wang & Xu, Dequan & Zhang, Yaning & Wang, Chi-Hwa, 2024. "Reaction synergy of bimetallic catalysts on ZSM-5 support in tailoring plastic pyrolysis for hydrogen and value-added product production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 372(C).
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    4. Yang, Wenlong & Hu, Yafeng & Guo, Bingxin & Zhu, Wenchao & Xie, Changjun & You, Li & Xiong, Liangli & Zhang, Leiqi, 2025. "Adaptive operation strategy for wind-hydrogen systems integrating alkaline and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    5. Li, Yuepeng & Yu, Fan & Shang, Huiyu & Yang, Xuesong & Zhou, Bobo & Li, Zhe & Xing, Yaowen & Gui, Xiahui, 2026. "Advances in bubble dynamics regulation for water electrolysis hydrogen production: From interfacial design to external-field intensification," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    6. Song, Xiaoling & Gao, Peiao & Zhang, Jiale & Zhao, Chuandang & Zhang, Zhe, 2026. "A comparative analysis of optimizing hydrogen and battery shared energy storage in hybrid power generation systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 402(PC).
    7. Musa, Nur Nadhirah Syafiqa Binti Mohammad & Tijani, Alhassan Salami, 2025. "Effect of exchange current density and charge transfer coefficient on performance characteristics of voltage of alkaline electrolysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 394(C).
    8. Yang, Wenlong & Li, Yihang & Hu, Hongming & Huang, Yunhui & Zhu, Wenchao & Yang, Yang & Xie, Changjun & You, Li & Xiong, Liangli, 2025. "A decentralized dynamic power sharing strategy for renewable hybrid hydrogen electrolyzer systems without communication networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    9. Jin, Lingkang & Rossi, Mosè & Monforti Ferrario, Andrea & Mennilli, Francesca & Comodi, Gabriele, 2025. "Designing hybrid energy storage systems for steady green hydrogen production in residential areas: A GIS-based framework," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 389(C).
    10. Burton, N.A. & Grant, J.C., 2025. "Increasing the efficiency of water electrolysis with the application of pulsing electric fields," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).

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