Assessing the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Green Hydrogen Generation System through Stack and Balance of Plant Modeling

The integration of Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzers into hydrogen generation systems offers significant potential for sustainable energy solutions. Integrating hydrogen production with electricity, heat, and renewable energy sources enhances sustainability. PEM electrolyzers effectively address renewable energy intermittent by converting energy into hydrogen, leveraging their ramp rate and load-following capabilities. However, widespread commercialization hinges on cost reductions through new material development and a comprehensive understanding of the system's heat, mass, and electrochemical processes. This study presents a zero-dimension model developed using the Aspen Custom Modeler, detailing the electrochemical phenomena. A holistic PEM electrolysis model, including the stack and the Balance of Plant, is developed in Aspen Plus, demonstrating an overall system efficiency of 50%, with the BoP accounting for 8% of total electricity consumption. This research underscores the critical role of optimizing BoP subsystems and integrating grid-based backup solutions to enhance the economic viability and resilience of PEM electrolysis systems.