DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICABILITY ANALYSIS OF NON-ISOTHERMAL MODEL FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE WATER ELECTROLYZERS

Liu Ruifeng; Hu Zhongting; Gu Keying; Wang Zijun

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0722

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (9) : 138-145. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0722

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICABILITY ANALYSIS OF NON-ISOTHERMAL MODEL FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE WATER ELECTROLYZERS

Liu Ruifeng, Hu Zhongting, Gu Keying, Wang Zijun

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Abstract

Research on the prediction accuracy of non-isothermal electrolyzer models under various operating scenarios remains limited. This study develops a non-isothermal model coupling heat transfer and voltage, validated by experimental data. For 800 W and 50 kW electrolyzers, the combined effects of current density, electrolyte temperature, and ambient temperature on cell voltage and temperature are analyzed. Results indicate that, compared to the isothermal model, the non-isothermal model offers superior prediction accuracy for both voltage and temperature under high current density and low electrolyte temperature scenarios. It also shows better temperature prediction under low current density and high electrolyte temperature. Furthermore, annual energy consumption predictions from both models across various current densities （with a 60 °C electrolyte） are compared. The isothermal model tends to overestimate power consumption, with errors increasing significantly at higher current densities. These findings provide a theoretical basis for deciding when to incorporate heat transfer models in electrolyzer performance prediction.

Key words

PEM electrolyzer / hydrogen production / non-isothermal model / thermal balance

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Liu Ruifeng, Hu Zhongting, Gu Keying, Wang Zijun. DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICABILITY ANALYSIS OF NON-ISOTHERMAL MODEL FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE WATER ELECTROLYZERS[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(9): 138-145 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0722

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