Modeling of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers: The influence of operating parameters

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is a promising hydrogen production method for large-scale energy storage and clean fuel applications due to its potential to use low-cost earth metals as electrocatalysts, and its ability to operate with low-concentration alkaline electrolytes or pure water feeds. This paper presents a mathematical model to investigate the effects of operating conditions and transport limitations on the voltage and efficiency of single cell AEM water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). The model evaluates the impact of operating temperature and pressure on the performance of AEMWEs, considering factors such as electrolyte conductivity, AEM thickness, catalyst layer porosity, and double layers at liquid-gas interfaces. Results show that the optimal temperature and pressure are 75 °C and 1.8 MPa, respectively, consistent with experimental data. The model is also able to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the electrolyzer and may provide future recommendations for the optimization of the assembly, and operation of an AEMWE single cell.