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A comprehensive study of parameters distribution in a short PEM water electrolyzer stack utilizing a full-scale multi-physics model

Author

Listed:
  • Xu, Boshi
  • Yang, Yang
  • Li, Jun
  • Ye, Dingding
  • Wang, Yang
  • Zhang, Liang
  • Zhu, Xun
  • Liao, Qiang

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is regarded as one of the most promising technologies for hydrogen production. To meet the requirements of large-scale hydrogen production, PEM electrolyzer stack that composed by series units are necessary. However, the composition brings extra problems such as maldistribution from the manifold to each unit, which results in parameters differences among the units and further gives rise to stack degradation. In this study, a full-scale three-dimensional multi-physics model is developed to simulate a short PEM electrolyzer stack with four single electrolyzer units. All the electrolyzer components and connections (e.g. manifold) are included in the model, and the temperature distribution, liquid saturation, membrane water content and electrolyzer performance are investigated in detail. The results indicate that performance of each single electrolyzer decreases from the first to the last unit along the water flow direction. It is recommended that the inlet temperature of electrolyzer stack should not exceed 60°C. To ease the thermal management, the water supply mode for cathode side can obviously lower the stack temperature to a preferred range, and improve the temperature uniformity. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the distribution behaviors inside the electrolyzer stack and guides the operating parameters optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Boshi & Yang, Yang & Li, Jun & Ye, Dingding & Wang, Yang & Zhang, Liang & Zhu, Xun & Liao, Qiang, 2024. "A comprehensive study of parameters distribution in a short PEM water electrolyzer stack utilizing a full-scale multi-physics model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:300:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224013380
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.131565
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    1. Juan Taumaturgo Medina Collana & Luis Carrasco-Venegas & Carlos Ancieta-Dextre & Oscar Rodriguez-Taranco & Denis Gabriel-Hurtado & Jorge Montaño-Pisfil & Cesar Rodriguez-Aburto & Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez, 2025. "Analysis of the Main Hydrogen Production Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-30, September.
    2. Miao, Zheng & Jia, Tianxu & Xu, Jinliang & Xu, Chao, 2025. "Effect of the anisotropy of gas diffusion layer on transport characteristics and performance of a PEM electrolysis cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    3. Deng, Lirong & Tian, Yaoqing & Fu, Yang, 2026. "Harnessing offshore wind for ammonia production: A review of pathways and developments," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PD).
    4. Su, Hongye & Xu, Haisong & Wang, Lei & Liu, Zhiyang & Xie, Lei, 2025. "A review on thermal management strategy for liquid-cooling proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Temperature regulation and cold start," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 393(C).
    5. Du, Tao & Wang, Changjian & Ma, Hongsheng & Xu, Yunbo & Li, Yang, 2025. "Experimental investigation on the effects of water flow rates and wind speeds on the temperature and performance of PEM electrolyzer stacks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).

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