Investigating the Effects of Operating Parameters on hydroxy gas production through Solar-Powered Alkaline Water Electrolysis: A COMSOL Simulation and Experimental Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Mechanical Engineering department National University of Technology NUTECH Islamabad Pakistan

2 Marine Engineering Department Military Technological College, Muscat

3 Departmental of mechanical engineering, National University of Technology Islamabad Pakistan

Abstract

Depletion of conventional fossil fuels poses a significant concern, especially in transportation, where demand exceeds the production rate, hence, risk of fuel crisis. Fossil fuel combustion also heavily pollutes the environment, impacting global quality of life. Therefore, renewable and clean energy alternatives are urgently needed for sustainability. Hydrogen energy, particularly when sourced from renewable power like solar or wind, presents a promising solution. This study presents the simulation and experimental study of an alkaline electrolyzer powered by solar energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. The electrolyzer's operating parameters were systematically varied to optimize gas production, with the process simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software to validate experimental results. The generated hydrogen and oxygen gases were partially stored in a container, where pressure was monitored and regulated by a control system and shut off, when it is 1.8 bars. The results showed that the performance of alkaline water electrolysis is significantly affected by distance between electrode, electrolyte concentration and operating temperature. Higher rate of hydrogen production can be possible at smaller gap between electrodes with higher concentration of electrolyte operating at higher temperature.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 December 2024

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