PEM water electrolysis: a coupled simulation and experimental system optimization

• Grant number: 23/05704-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 24, 2023
• End date: July 23, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ernesto Chaves Pereira de Souza
• Grantee: Gabriel Wosiak Leite
• Supervisor: Guido Bender
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/24383-0 - Coupled electrochemical and microwave synthesis of new optimized electrode materials, BP.DD

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a valuable tool in the study of various industrial, and engineering processes. One application is the analysis of local factors such voltage losses and local current density in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which play a role in the energy consumption in the production of hydrogen. The use of CFD in this field allows for a detailed simulation of the fluid flow, heat transfer and electrochemical proprieties in the electrolyzer, providing valuable insight into the causes of voltage losses and the potential for improvement. This research project aims to explore the use of CFD in understanding the voltage losses in PEM electrolyzers, and to evaluate the potential for improved hydrogen production through optimized designs. By combining the latest CFD techniques with in-depth understanding of the underlying physics and electrochemistry, this project will contribute to the advancement of this important area of study. (AU)