Modelling the impact of load variability on PEM electrolyzer performance and degradation
The transition to a sustainable energy system is critically dependent on the development and deployment of technologies capable of producing green hydrogen at scale. Among the various available methods, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis stands out as a promising pathway for generating hydr...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/446269 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/446269 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Energy transition Renewable energy sources Mathematical models Transició energètica Energies renovables Models matemàtics Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies |
| Sumario: | The transition to a sustainable energy system is critically dependent on the development and deployment of technologies capable of producing green hydrogen at scale. Among the various available methods, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis stands out as a promising pathway for generating hydrogen using renewable electricity, offering the flexibility, responsiveness, and compactness necessary for integration with variable energy sources such as solar and wind. This thesis explores the operational performance and degradation characteristics of PEM electrolyzers, with a particular focus on their application within the European Union’s REPowerEU framework, which targets a significant increase in renewable hydrogen production by 2030 to drive decarbonization in heavy industry and transport sectors. The research presents a comprehensive dynamic model that simulates PEM electrolyzer operation under three representative scenarios: (1) continuous operation powered exclusively by renewable energy, (2) steady-state operation using constant grid electricity, and (3) variable operation with power input fluctuating between 66 percent and 100 percent of nominal load. Each scenario is designed to reflect real-world challenges encountered in integrating electrolyzers with intermittent renewable resources, while also capturing the trade-offs between efficiency, durability, and cost. The model incorporates advanced thermal management strategies and a detailed degradation framework, accounting for the effects of load cycling, ramping, and steady-state operation on both system efficiency and component wear over time. Simulation results highlight the complex interplay between operational strategy and system longevity. The scenario characterized by variable power supply achieves the highest average efficiency over a projected ten-year period, demonstrating the adaptability of PEM technology to fluctuating renewable inputs. In contrast, the constant grid power scenario exhibits the lowest degradation rates, suggesting that operational stability can significantly extend electrolyzer lifetime, albeit at the potential expense of higher electricity costs and reduced sustainability. Notably, the scenario with exclusive renewable energysupplyyieldsthelowestlevelizedcostofhydrogen,emphasizingtheeconomicandenvironmental advantages of direct coupling with renewables. Beyond these headline findings, the thesis delves deeply into the influence of operating temperature, system pressure, and load dynamics on both short-term performance and long-term degradation. Sensitivity analyses reveal that temperature management and pressure optimization are crucial for maintaining high efficiency and minimizing degradation, especially under variable load conditions. Theresults provideactionable insights for the design andoperationofindustrial-scale PEMelectrolyzer systems, informing best practices for balancing efficiency, durability, and cost in future deployments. By bridging electrochemical modeling with practical engineering considerations, this work contributes to the advancement of PEM electrolyzer technology and its integration into renewable-rich energy systems. The findings not only support the ongoing transition to a hydrogen-based economy but also lay a robust foundation for future research into the optimization and scaling of green hydrogen production. Ultimately, this thesis underscores the pivotal role of operational strategy in unlocking the full potential of PEM electrolysis for achieving ambitious climate and energy targets. |
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