Grid-Connected Power Converters for Electrolysis Applications

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable hydrogen production highlights the need for converter topologies that comply with grid code requirements and contribute toward the stability of the power system in electrolysis applications. In this paper, several converter topologies are reviewed and analyzed based on the performance of the most common electrolyzers, PEM and AEL. Traditional diode and thyristor-based rectifiers are explored, emphasizing their reliability and robustness while highlighting their flexibility limitations. IGBT-based power converters are also introduced, demonstrating their potential for electrolysis applications with faster response times and improved power quality. A comprehensive comparative analysis under steady-state and fault conditions is presented, offering critical insights into the converter choices for future large-scale hydrogen production.