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Dynamic Simulation and Performance Analysis of Alkaline Water Electrolyzers for Renewable Energy-Powered Hydrogen Production

Author

Listed:
  • Jian Yang

    (State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company Taizhou Power Supply Company, Taizhou 318000, China)

  • Jing Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies and Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center, Tongji University, 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Min Liu

    (State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd., Electric Power Science Research Institute, Hangzhou 310014, China)

  • Jie Sun

    (State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company Taizhou Power Supply Company, Taizhou 318000, China)

  • Zixuan Shangguan

    (School of Automotive Studies and Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center, Tongji University, 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China)

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the dynamic simulation modeling of alkaline water electrolyzers. Detailed experimental testing and characteristic analysis reveal that alkaline water electrolyzers have long startup times, rapid dynamic responses, and poor dynamic stability. These characteristics are critical for the development of accurate models and effective strategies. A dynamic simulation model was established in MATLAB R2022b and Simulink, enabling standalone simulation operation and module encapsulation. This model facilitates the construction of hydrogen production clusters and serves as a foundational tool for system strategy research. Simulations of rated current loading and unloading for four electrolyzers over 6 h showed significant differences in startup and operation. Key parameters such as cell voltage, maximum loadable power, hydrogen production efficiency, and energy consumption were analyzed. Temperature simulations indicated significant differences in thermal equilibrium points and cooling modes among the electrolyzers, as determined by structural design and cooling system efficiency. These findings highlight the need for efficiency improvements in high-current density electrolyzers. Overall, the model effectively represents commercial electrolyzer characteristics and offers a reliable tool for future research on control strategies for adapting hydrogen production systems to renewable energy power fluctuations, laying a solid foundation for the optimization of electrolyzer design and operation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jian Yang & Jing Zhang & Min Liu & Jie Sun & Zixuan Shangguan, 2024. "Dynamic Simulation and Performance Analysis of Alkaline Water Electrolyzers for Renewable Energy-Powered Hydrogen Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4915-:d:1490163
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Qingshan Tan & Ke Li & Longquan Zeng & Lu Xie & Man Cheng & Wei He, 2025. "A Multi-State Rotational Control Strategy for Hydrogen Production Systems Based on Hybrid Electrolyzers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Jang, Dohyung & Shin, Haeseong & Shin, Hee-Sun & Cho, Hyun-Seok & Cho, Won Chul & Kang, Sanggyu, 2026. "Dynamic modeling of alkaline water electrolysis cell with consideration of two-phase bubble transport for renewables dedicated operation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    3. Shing-Cheng Chang & Ru-En Gu & Yen-Hsin Chan, 2024. "Parameter Analysis of Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis System by Numerical Simulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-20, November.

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