Improving PEM Hydrogen Electrolyser Efficiency using AC Excitation

Hydrogen is a potential clean energy source that minimises environmental impacts but is currently economically prohibitive due to the low energy conversion efficiency. In order to improve the economic viability, this paper investigates improving the efficiency of hydrogen electrolysis. The prototype power electronics presented in this paper provide low-frequency AC or pulsed current to a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser to improve the operational efficiency up to 4.2% in contrast to the typical constant current or voltage excitation.