Mathematical modeling of an integrated photovoltaic-assisted PEM water electrolyzer system for hydrogen production

Hüner B.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol.79, pp.594-608, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 79
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.041
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Page Numbers: pp.594-608
  • Keywords: Hydrogen production, PEM water electrolyzer, PV solar panel, Modelling
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This work provides a new mathematical model of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels integrated with proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer cells for optimal hydrogen production. The proposed mathematical model evaluates the operating temperature of the PV solar panel and PEM water electrolyzer and the effect of membrane thickness on hydrogen production performance. In the model results, when the operating temperature of the PEM water electrolyzer increased from 25 °C to 80 °C, the hydrogen flow rate of about 1.44 and 1.82 mL/min at 2 A/cm2, respectively. Moreover, the maximum flow rate of hydrogen produced in a 7-cell and 14-cell PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer stack is around 349.98 mL/min and 699.91 mL/min, respectively. The total efficiency of the integrated PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer stack is around 6.0–6.5%, depending on the solar irradiance values. This mathematical model significantly contributes to green hydrogen production using the integrated PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer system. Moreover, the mathematical model of PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer will be a pioneer in determining the hydrogen production potential of the PEM water electrolyzer systems.