Influence of renewable energy power fluctuations on water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. (8th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kojima, Hirokazu; Nagasawa, Kensaku; Todoroki, Naoto; Ito, Yoshikazu; Matsui, Toshiaki; Nakajima, Ryo
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 12(2023)
• Page Start: 4572
• Page End: 4593
• Publication Date: 2023-02-08
• Subjects: Carbon neutrality -- Hydrogen -- Renewable energy -- Water electrolyzer -- Durability; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.11.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The development of renewable energy technologies is essential to achieve carbon neutrality. Hydrogen can be stably stored and transported in large quantities to maximize power utilization. Detailed understanding of the characteristics and operating methods of water electrolysis technologies, in which naturally intermittent fluctuating power is used directly, is required for green hydrogen production, because fluctuating power-driven water electrolysis processes significantly differ from industrial water electrolysis processes driven by steady grid power. Thus, it is necessary to overcome several issues related to the direct use of fluctuating power. This article reviews the characteristics of fluctuating power and its generation as well as the current status and issues related to the operation conditions, water electrolyzer configuration, system requirements, stack/catalyst durability, and degradation mechanisms under the direct use of fluctuating power sources. It also provides an accelerated degradation test protocol method for fair catalyst performance comparison and share of effective design directions. Finally, it discusses potential challenges and recommendations for further improvements in water electrolyzer components and systems suitable for practical use, suggesting that a breakthrough could be realized toward the achievement of a sustainable hydrogen-based society. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Renewable energy characteristics significantly influence electrolyzer performance. Smoothing of photovoltaic and wind power occurs in large-scale power generation. Degradation of electrode/membrane was accelerated by potential/temperature changes. Universal protocols for accelerated degradation tests must be developed and shared. The effects of direct input of renewable energy on electrolyzers must be studied.