PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers
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Especially against the backdrop of the energy transition and the increasing demand for sustainable and clean energy sources, hydrogen is seen as a promising energy carrier of the future.
In view of current technological developments and the urgency of reducing CO2 emissions, water electrolysis currently appears to be the most feasible and advantageous process for producing hydrogen. Not only does it enable CO2-neutral production when powered by renewable energy, but it also offers the flexibility to be implemented at various scales - from small decentralized units to large industrial plants.
Electrolyzers as key components
Electrolyzers are key components in water electrolysis, a process in which water (H2O) is split into its components hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) with the help of an electric current.
Common technologies are:
Alkaline electrolysis (AEL)
This technology is technically mature and has been used industrially for decades. It works with an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the electrolyte and uses relatively inexpensive materials.
Proton exchange membrane electrol. (PEM)
PEM electrolyzers are compact and can react quickly to load fluctuations, which makes them attractive for integration into renewable energy systems. However, they require more expensive materials such as precious metals.
Solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC)
This technology is particularly efficient as it can use waste heat to reduce the energy required for electrolysis. However, it is still at an early stage of market development.
At present, PEM electrolysis appears to be the most suitable technology for a broad market launch. It offers high efficiency even at large scale, fast response times and the ability to operate at high pressures, which can reduce the cost of hydrogen storage and distribution. Although the material costs are higher than for AEL, the advantages in system integration and operational flexibility could offset these disadvantages, especially when it comes to utilizing fluctuating energy sources such as wind and solar power.
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