Three-Dimensional Numerical Coupling Simulation of Two-Phase Flow and Electrochemical Phenomena on Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Alkaline water electrolysis is one of the methods to produce hydrogen. This method has been available for industrial-scale production of hydrogen, however, it still has room for improvement in the energy efficiency. Three-dimensional coupling numerical simulation of two-phase flow and electrochemical phenomena are conducted to reveal an influence of the convection with micro bubbles on ion transport and a cell overpotential. This study analyzed effects of bubble dynamics and bubble atomization on the efficiency. The results showed that the convection induced by micro-bubbles rising accelerates ion transport to the electrode and suppresses the cell overpotential. Moreover, the bubble atomization enhances the overpotential suppression by the flow.