Modelado y simulación de sistemas de producción de hidrógeno vía electrolisis alcalina a partir de energías renovables

Abstract

This research work shows a model to simulate alkaline electrolysis systems with the objective of evaluating the thermodynamic performance of the system through a detailed energy and exergy analysis. This analysis includes the operation of all components in the system and has as aim to identify the sources of energy losses and find the key points to optimize the process. The model has been implemented in a process simulator, namely HYSYS ASPENTECH. As this type of simulators are not able to simulate the electrolysis cells, a mathematical model of the curve polarization has been developed using MATLAB and integrated in HYSYS, as a submodel, in order to describe the electrochemical performance of the cells. The completed model has been validated experimentally. The results of the present study can further be applied to perform process optimization to maximize the cost-effectiveness of alkaline electrolysis system for hydrogen production.