Search Results (2)

The transition to clean energy has accelerated the pursuit of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel. Among various production methods, proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells (PEMECs) stand out due to their ability to generate ultra-pure hydrogen with efficiencies exceeding 80% and current densities reaching 2 A/cm². Their compact design and rapid response to dynamic energy inputs make them ideal for integration with renewable energy sources. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of PEMEC technology, covering key internal components, system configurations, and efficiency improvements. The role of catalyst optimization, membrane advancements, and electrode architectures in enhancing performance is critically analyzed. Additionally, we examine state-of-the-art numerical modelling, comparing zero-dimensional to three-dimensional simulations and single-phase to two-phase flow dynamics. The impact of oxygen evolution and bubble dynamics on mass transport and performance is highlighted. Recent studies indicate that optimized electrode architectures can enhance mass transport efficiency by up to 20%, significantly improving PEMEC operation. Advancements in two-phase flow simulations are crucial for capturing multiphase transport effects, such as phase separation, electrolyte transport, and membrane hydration. However, challenges persist, including high catalyst costs, durability concerns, and scalable system designs. To address these, this review explores non-precious metal catalysts, nanostructured membranes, and machine-learning-assisted simulations, which have demonstrated cost reductions of up to 50% while maintaining electrochemical performance. Future research should integrate experimental validation with computational modelling to improve predictive accuracy and real-world performance. Addressing system control strategies for stable PEMEC operation under variable renewable energy conditions is essential for large-scale deployment. This review serves as a roadmap for future research, guiding the development of more efficient, durable, and economically viable PEM electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. Full article

This study aims to optimize the flow channel design for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) to minimize the pressure drop across the cell. The pattern of parallel flow channels is considered with a dual-porous layer structure sandwiched between the flow channel plate and the catalyst layer. Four geometric factors are considered in the optimization analysis, including the width of the flow channel, the depth of the flow channel, the particle diameter of the large-pore porous layer, and the particle diameter of the small-pore porous layer. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the flow field, and based on the results of the CFD simulation, the Taguchi method is employed to analyze the optimal flow channel design. The importance of the factors is further analyzed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Three inlet velocities are assigned in the Taguchi analysis, which are 0.01, 0.1332, and 0.532 m/s, and then an orthogonal array is constructed and analyzed for each inlet flow condition. It is found that the optimal combination of the factors is the depth of the flow channel 1 mm, the width of the flow channel 3 mm, the particle diameter of the large-pore porous layer 0.212 mm, and the particle diameter of the small-pore porous layer 0.002 mm. The pressure drop across the PEMEC is minimized at the condition with the optimal combination of the factors. The ANOVA analysis shows that the depth of the flow channel exhibits the most significant impact on the pressure drop, while the other factors play minor roles only. Full article