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Challenges and Opportunities of the Dynamic Operation of PEM Water Electrolyzers

Author

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  • Balázs Endrődi

    (Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Square 1, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
    Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, Dugonics Sq. 13, 6720 Szeged, Hungary)

  • Cintia Alexandra Trapp

    (Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, Dugonics Sq. 13, 6720 Szeged, Hungary)

  • István Szén

    (Bükkábrányi Fotovoltaikus Erőmű Projekt Kft, Váci utca 38, 1056 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Imre Bakos

    (Bükkábrányi Fotovoltaikus Erőmű Projekt Kft, Váci utca 38, 1056 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Miklós Lukovics

    (Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, Dugonics Sq. 13, 6720 Szeged, Hungary)

  • Csaba Janáky

    (Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Square 1, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
    Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, Dugonics Sq. 13, 6720 Szeged, Hungary)

Abstract

Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in decarbonizing different heavy industries and the transportation sector. Water electrolysis is, therefore, one of the most rapidly spreading energy technologies, with PEM electrolyzers taking a continuously increasing share in the technology mix. Most often, the aim is to form green hydrogen, utilizing electricity exclusively of renewable origin. The intermittency of such sources, however, poses several technological challenges and financial questions. Focusing on PEM electrolyzers, we discuss the effect of pressure, temperature, and reaction rate changes, induced by the intermittent operation, and general thoughts regarding system component erosion caused by the regular start–stop cycles are also considered. As a case study, we present a high-level techno-economic analysis of data from a pilot 1 MW PEM electrolysis system, coupled to a 20 MW PV farm, deployed in Hungary. We underscore the importance of the often overlooked local regulations and financial incentives, which strongly influence the most beneficial operation scenario.

Suggested Citation

  • Balázs Endrődi & Cintia Alexandra Trapp & István Szén & Imre Bakos & Miklós Lukovics & Csaba Janáky, 2025. "Challenges and Opportunities of the Dynamic Operation of PEM Water Electrolyzers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2154-:d:1640281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sayed-Ahmed, H. & Toldy, Á.I. & Santasalo-Aarnio, A., 2024. "Dynamic operation of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers—Critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PA).
    2. Rauls, Edward & Hehemann, Michael & Keller, Roger & Scheepers, Fabian & Müller, Martin & Stolten, Detlef, 2023. "Favorable Start-Up behavior of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(PA).
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    2. Wang, Zhiqiang & Liu, Xiao & Gu, Wu & Cheng, Lei & Wang, Hui & Liu, Jiaqi & Li, Luling & Wang, Jinhua & Zhang, Meng & Wang, Yongzhi & Shen, Yang, 2026. "Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power as a pathway for wind and solar renewable energy utilization in China: Opportunities and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PA).
    3. Luís Azevedo & Susana Silva & António Vilanova & Erika Laranjeira, 2025. "Energy Management in an Insular Region with Renewable Energy Sources and Hydrogen: The Case of Graciosa, Azores," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-24, September.
    4. Altinisik, Hasan & Celebi, Ceren & Ozden, Adnan & Devrim, Yılser & Ozgur Colpan, C., 2026. "A review on membranes for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PB).

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