Temperature and Performance Inhomogeneities in PEM Electrolysis Stacks with Industrial Scale Cells

Abstract Temperature inhomogeneities and their influence on proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer performance of industrial-scale stacks were investigated. Three temperature differences were examined: between the inlet and outlet, in-between the cells of a stack, and between the cell’s solid materials and the fluids. A validated stack model for temperature and performance is presented which is used to quantify the above-mentioned temperature fields and their influence on current density distribution and cell voltages. For a chosen scenario, with current densities of 2.0 A cm -2 , fluid inlet temperatures of 60°C and flow-rates of 0.15 kg s -1 m -2 , peak temperature differences amount to 8.2 K along-the-channel. This relates to inhomogeneities of current density of up to 10% inside a cell and deviations of cell voltage of 9 mV in-between cells in the center of the stack and outer cells. For higher current densities these differences increased further. More homogeneous temperatures allow operation at elevated average temperatures without exceeding temperature limitations and reduce the spread of degradation mechanisms. Hence, homogenous profiles lead to a more hole-some utilization of electrolysis stacks. Therefore, the ability to homogenize via alternative operation such as higher flow-rate, higher pressure and altered routing of fluid-flow is analyzed.