Design Space for PEM Electrolysis for Cost-Effective H2 Production Using Grid Electricity

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.4c00123
• Publication Date: 2024-04-15T10:52:52Z
• Authors: Doo Hyun Chung; Edward J. Graham; Benjamin A. Paren; Landon Schofield; Yang Shao-Horn; Dharik S. Mallapr...

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a promising pathway for producing low-carbon hydrogen via coupled to variable renewable energy (VRE). This study introduces physics-based PEM electrolyzer model into an integrated design and scheduling optimization routine, allowing comprehensive evaluation of the impact reactor level metrics (e.g., cathode pressure current density) on levelized cost (LCOH) across various cost, technology, electricity supply scenarios. Benefits static versus dynamic operation systems are outlined explicitly. The economic viability grid-based 50,000 kg per day assessed both 2021 2035 technology grid Results show that reduces LCOH by 8% under scenario (4.98–4.57 $/kg-H2 at maximum density 2 A/cm2). Under price, assumptions (maximum 4 A/cm2), ranges between 2.18 3.93 operation, 1.42 2.84 resulting in reductions 20–50% depending price profile. In addition, partial differential mode with 5 bar was found be most cost-effective way compress 30 scenario, while full preferred scenario. Finally, revealed production does not meet carbon intensity (CI) criteria clean recent U.S. legislation, highlighting need additional measures considered grid-connected qualify as "clean" hydrogen. These results suggest capital reduction alone will achieve low-cost electricity-based production, emphasizing further low-CI attain affordable lower-carbon production.