Structure design and control strategy of a new alkaline water electrolyzer based on heat exchange

Abstract

Summary The overall energy conversion efficiency and the power regulation performance of the volatile renewable energy alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) hydrogen production system need to be improved. Efficient use of heat in the electrolysis process and optimization of the control strategy are technically feasible. According to the concept of heat exchange utilization, this paper proposes a series parallel modular structure of AWE, which realizes heat exchange and utilization between modules. Based on the electrothermal characteristics of AWE and the power fluctuation characteristics of volatile energy, the function positioning and control strategy of the module are proposed. Theoretical analysis, together with a case study, has been conducted to show the overall efficiency and power regulation characteristics of the traditional AWE, the traditional combined AWE and the proposed new AWE under various working scenarios. Research study results show that the proposed new structure and control strategy can effectively improve the overall energy efficiency and static as well as dynamic power regulation characteristics of the electrolyzer, with the energy efficiency increased up to 16%. Although the static power range decreases slightly in some conditions, it always maintains the ability of wide range regulation. The findings can provide reference for the research and development of new AWE that improve the power response capability and the comprehensive utilization of energy under the premise of ensuring a certain power adjustment range.

Modularization approach for large-scale electrolysis systems: a review

“…96,97 Another is to increase efficiency by using suitable control strategies and adapting the system design of the heat exchangers. 98 In addition, there is the optimisation of the cell and stack design as well as the optimisation of the materials used in both, which can be found here. [99][100][101][102] 5 Summery and conclusions…”

A review of electrolyzer-based systems providing grid ancillary services: current status, market, challenges and future directions

“…• Enhanced System Integration: Improved system integration techniques, such as stack design, thermal management (Rashidi et al, 2022), and control strategies (Shen et al, 2019), are being developed to optimize overall electrolyzer performance. These advances aim to reduce energy losses, improve system reliability and reduce cost.…”

Water Electrolysis toward Elevated Temperature: Advances, Challenges and Frontiers

“…Moreover, facilitated heat release into the surrounding environment and enhanced demand for electrolyte preheating also cause further improvement in system-level E tn . In this regard, prudent designs of system structures (e.g., arrangement of BOP components) and control strategies for heat exchange are required to realize rational energy management at elevated temperatures.…”