Development of a performance model for industrial electrolyzers under intermittent operation: application to a 55 kW proton exchange membrane system

In the context of the global energy transition and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, hydrogen production through water electrolysis is emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing industry and energy systems. However, the integration of industrial electrolyzers with intermittent electrical supply conditions remains a major technical challenge. In response, performance modeling is essential to accurately assess the impacts of intermittent operation and to support design and control optimization of electrolyzers under realistic conditions. Despite this need, few studies have undertaken comprehensive system-level modeling of industrial electrolyzers. The proposed study presents the development of a multiphysic performance model applied and validated on a 55 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The model is used to simulate six months of operation under renewable-based power supply scenarios. Overall, the results indicate that intermittent operation impacts system key performance indicators, mainly due to the consideration of frequent shifts in operational states.