Dynamic modeling and analysis of electro-thermal coupling characteristics in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) electro-thermal coupling mechanisms and dynamic response characteristics remain insufficiently understood, limiting synergistic operation with intermittent renewable energy sources. This study developed a dynamic electro-thermal coupling model for PEMWE on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, calibrated with experimental data and validated through multi-operating-condition dynamic response comparisons. Compared with existing work, this model adopts fully dynamic processing in both electrical and thermodynamic modules, enabling precise characterization of voltage-temperature interactions during transient fluctuations. Results demonstrate dynamic prediction errors below 2 %. Lower inlet temperatures (e.g., 50 °C inlet) amplify temperature sensitivity to electrochemical heat generation, causing 5.55 °C rise; reduced flow rates aggravate voltage overshoot (peak value: 0.013 V). Current step magnitude differently impacts electrical and thermal performance. Under adiabatic conditions, lower flow rates improve voltage stability. Validation with real seasonal photovoltaic irradiation data confirms dynamic prediction capabilities of this model, providing theoretical foundations for optimizing renewable hydrogen production systems. • This study established a dynamically coupled electro-thermal PEMWE model. • The experimentally validated model achieves high-accuracy simulation. • Dynamic electro-thermal interactions analyzed across multiple conditions. • Actual photovoltaic output validation confirmed fluctuating-scenario feasibility.