Development and Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer Model with Chemical Degradation Phenomenon

The Green House Gas emissions in the atmosphere and the corresponding rise of temperatures represent an ongoing global issue. Knowing that the main emitting sources are in the energy sector is pushing countries all over the world towards a diffusion of the renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, wind) to cover an increasing energy need. In this direction, some challenges arise in terms of efficient utilization of the surpluses and deficits, distributed resources, reliability and integration for the grid stability. Energy storing system could be required to deal with intermittent operations of this energy source. To address such challenge, hydrogen can be considered a good alternative candidate. Indeed, the element can be meant as an energy vector produced for example exploiting the electricity surplus in the process of water electrolysis and then used blended in the gas network, in chemical sector, in transport or further converted into electricity through fuel cells. In this thesis, a detailed literature review is conducted to study different hydrogen production technologies. Therefore, in the proposed work, a detailed model of a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer (PEMWE) and the chemical degradation phenomenon of PEMWE is analyzed. In particular, a mathematical model of PEMWE operation at steady state is developed. Simulations are performed by varying the operating conditions (temperature, current density and pressure) and the effect on the cell voltage is examined in MATLAB® environment. In addition, a chemical degradation model is analyzed to study the membrane dissolution in absence of metal-ions impurities source, showing the influence of the operating parameters on the degradation phenomena. Moreover, contributions to research activities and foundation for further optimizations of PEM water electolyzers are the major outcomes of this work. These activities are performed as a part of Clean Energy Export research project that exploits Norway’s potential for future energy export to Europe.