Electrolyzer Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization
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Hydrogen production via electrolysis is considered as a clean energy-conversion technology and optimiz- ing the electrolyzer performance is one of the central tasks in the hydrogen production. In this article, a simulation-based multi-objective optimization approach will be developed to enhance the electrolyzer performance. To accurately model the multi-physics characteristics of electrolyzer, a 3-dimensional CFD model will be built with the open-source platform OpenFOAM, where the temperature, pressure, and gas generation profiles inside the cell will be studied by coupling the electrochemical and thermal model. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization design will be used to optimize the structural variables such as membrane thickness, and operational variables such as water flow rate of the cell. Parameters will be estimated using the experimental data from a high-accuracy model. The study is expected to provide valuable insights into the trade-offs among energy efficiency, capital cost, and gas production rate, and to offer practical guidelines for the design and operation of high-performance electrolyzers.
