Energy Efficiency Based Control Strategy of a Three-Level Interleaved DC-DC Buck Converter Supplying a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

Yodwong, Burin; Guilbert, Damien; Kaewmanee, Wattana; Phattanasak, Matheepot

doi:10.3390/electronics8090933

Cited by 25 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 36 publications

(71 reference statements)

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“…In the literature, different models of PEMEL have been developed. In [14,15,16,18,19,20,32,38,39], the electrolyzer can be modeled as a simple resistor; whereas in [40,41,42,43], it is modeled by an equivalent circuit composed of a resistance series connected to a voltage generator representing the reversible voltage. In the major part of these papers and articles, too few information is provided regarding the determination of the parameters of the model.…”

Section: Pem Electrolyzer Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In [29], a sliding mode controller has been developed for an interleaved buck converter supplying a PEMEL, but only simulation results are presented. By comparison, in [32], the authors have developed a proportional and integral (PI) controller to regulate the stack voltage of a PEMEL coupled with a three-level interleaved buck converter. Experimental results are presented to validate the proposed control strategy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis: Modeling for hydrogen flow rate control

Maamouri

Guilbert

Zasadzinski

et al. 2021

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

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Nowadays, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL) is a promising and attractive technology when coupling with renewable energy sources (RES). Indeed, PEMEL can respond quickly to the dynamic operations of RES. Given that PEMEL must be supplied with a low DC voltage, DC-DC converters are mandatory. In this work, a stacked interleaved buck DC-DC converter is used. In this paper, the tuning of proportional, integral and derivative (PID) controllers, which are often used to enhance electrolyzer performances (efficient and reliable operation), is based on the dynamic behavior of the PEMEL. Before designing the PID controller, a model of the PEMEL is proposed based on input-output measured data, and this model is combined with the converter state-space description. Then, the obtained global model is used to tune two PID controller configurations: the first one to control the current and the second one to control the voltage of the PEMEL. Experimental tests are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the designed control laws.

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Section: Pem Electrolyzer Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis: Modeling for hydrogen flow rate control

Maamouri

Guilbert

Zasadzinski

et al. 2021

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…Given that higher pressures lead up to the decrease of Faraday's efficiency and energy efficiency as well, the hydrogen pressure and membrane thickness are challenging issues and must be optimized to enhance the energy efficiency of the electrolyzer [31]. To optimize the Faraday's efficiency, some authors [32,33] have proposed to control power electronic converters connected to a PEM electrolyzer for specific operating conditions (i.e., stack voltage and current).…”

Section: Analysis Of the Faraday's Efficiency Based On The Cathode Gamentioning

confidence: 99%

Faraday’s Efficiency Modeling of a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Based on Experimental Data

et al. 2020

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In electrolyzers, Faraday’s efficiency is a relevant parameter to assess the amount of hydrogen generated according to the input energy and energy efficiency. Faraday’s efficiency expresses the faradaic losses due to the gas crossover current. The thickness of the membrane and operating conditions (i.e., temperature, gas pressure) may affect the Faraday’s efficiency. The developed models in the literature are mainly focused on alkaline electrolyzers and based on the current and temperature change. However, the modeling of the effect of gas pressure on Faraday’s efficiency remains a major concern. In proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, the thickness of the used membranes is very thin, enabling decreasing ohmic losses and the membrane to operate at high pressure because of its high mechanical resistance. Nowadays, high-pressure hydrogen production is mandatory to make its storage easier and to avoid the use of an external compressor. However, when increasing the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen crossover currents rise, particularly at low current densities. Therefore, faradaic losses due to the hydrogen crossover increase. In this article, experiments are performed on a commercial PEM electrolyzer to investigate Faraday’s efficiency based on the current and hydrogen pressure change. The obtained results have allowed modeling the effects of Faraday’s efficiency by a simple empirical model valid for the studied PEM electrolyzer stack. The comparison between the experiments and the model shows very good accuracy in replicating Faraday’s efficiency.

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“…PEM technology replaces the liquid electrolyte, typical from the alkaline electrolysis, by a solid polymer electrolyte, which selectively conducts positive ions such as protons. This technology improves current density, energy efficiency, and dynamic operation [18]. The protons participate in the water-splitting reaction instead of hydroxide, creating a locally acidic environment in the cell [19].…”

Section: Pem Electrolysis Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

An Optimized Balance of Plant for a Medium-Size PEM Electrolyzer: Design, Control and Physical Implementation

et al. 2020

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The progressive increase in hydrogen technologies’ role in transport, mobility, electrical microgrids, and even in residential applications, as well as in other sectors is expected. However, to achieve it, it is necessary to focus efforts on improving features of hydrogen-based systems, such as efficiency, start-up time, lifespan, and operating power range, among others. A key sector in the development of hydrogen technology is its production, renewable if possible, with the objective to obtain increasingly efficient, lightweight, and durable electrolyzers. For this, scientific works are currently being produced on stacks technology improvement (mainly based on two technologies: polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and alkaline) and on the balance of plant (BoP) or the industrial plant (its size depends on the power of the electrolyzer) that runs the stack for its best performance. PEM technology offers distinct advantages, apart from the high cost of its components, its durability that is not yet guaranteed and the availability in the MW range. Therefore, there is an open field of research for achievements in this technology. The two elements to improve are the stacks and BoP, also bearing in mind that improving BoP will positively affect the stack operation. This paper develops the design, implementation, and practical experimentation of a BoP for a medium-size PEM electrolyzer. It is based on the realization of the optimal design of the BoP, paying special attention to the subsystems that comprise it: the power supply subsystem, water management subsystem, hydrogen production subsystem, cooling subsystem, and control subsystem. Based on this, a control logic has been developed that guarantees efficient and safe operation. Experimental results validate the designed control logic in various operating cases, including warning and failure cases. Additionally, the experimental results show the correct operation in the different states of the plant, analyzing the evolution of the hydrogen flow pressure and temperature. The capacity of the developed PEM electrolysis plant is probed regarding its production rate, wide operating power range, reduced pressurization time, and high efficiency.

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Energy Efficiency Based Control Strategy of a Three-Level Interleaved DC-DC Buck Converter Supplying a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

Cited by 25 publications

References 36 publications

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis: Modeling for hydrogen flow rate control

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis: Modeling for hydrogen flow rate control

Faraday’s Efficiency Modeling of a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Based on Experimental Data

An Optimized Balance of Plant for a Medium-Size PEM Electrolyzer: Design, Control and Physical Implementation

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