Modeling of a PEM Electrolyzer Operating at Part Load Conditions for Dynamic Simulation in DWSIM

Abstract

The development and integration of renewable energy sources have created a growing need for efficient and flexible energy storage solutions. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis offers a promising method for hydrogen production, a key component in the future of sustainable energy. This study focuses on the modeling and dynamic simulation of a PEM electrolyzer operating under part-load conditions using DWSIM, an open-source process simulation software. The ability of a PEM electrolyzer to operate at 10–100% of its nominal power allows for adjusting energy consumption based on current electricity prices. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive model that represents the behavior of a PEM electrolyzer under varying operational conditions, particularly when the system is not functioning at full capacity. Considering that increasing the supplied power reduces the PEM electrolyzer efficiency due to the increase in overpotentials, the model should be optimized for the most cost-effective energy consumption. The results show that increasing the PEM stack operating temperature reduces both energy consumption and hydrogen production costs. Reducing hydrogen demand lowers energy consumption and production costs, due to the greater part-load flexibility, optimizing PEM electrolyzer operation during low electricity price periods.