Dynamics of PEM based power-to-hydrogen systems

Kurzfassung

Water electrolysis systems producing hydrogen from water are commercially available. Electrolytic cell technology inherently uses modular small units. Conversion efficiencies of 70 percent or higher have been demonstrated up to the MW scale with commercially available electrolyzers. However, the new application with direct coupling to renewables requires additional properties and a different cost structures. The capital cost will be significantly increased by only operating during the daytime on solar power and a high dynamic operation with superior efficiency will be required. Significant capital cost reductions will be needed and we believe can be attained by similar automated production and maintenance advances. This contribution will discuss the present state-of-art and the research and development needs.