3D Modeling and Performance Analysis of a PEM Water Electrolyzer Based on Multiphysics Couplings

Hydrogen production by proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) has a good match with wind power and photovoltaics, so in recent years, it has gradually become an important technology for large-scale comprehensive development and utilization of renewable energy. An analysis of the PEMWE modeling method is presented in this paper, and establishes a three-dimensional model of the PEMWE single cell based on the coupling of multiphysics fields, including heat transfer, mass transfer, and electrochemical kinetics. We studied the effects of temperature, pressure, and membrane thickness on PEMWE performance, and determined the optimal configuration of PEMWE single cell based on polarization curves and material distributions in the electrolyzer. Based on the calculation and comparison, under the conditions of 80 ℃ and 40 bar, the PEMWE with 127 μm thick membrane provides better performance, can control costs and meets hydrogen safety standards.