Dynamics of H2 bubbles based on velocity fields during water electrolysis

• Grant number: 24/20956-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Maria Cardoso
• Grantee: João Pedro Bineli Alves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/12763-6 - Effect of roughness and ultrasonic field on the dynamics of hydrogen bubbles in alkaline water electrolysis, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

In recent years, the need for new forms of clean and sustainable energy generation has been increasing, as energy from fossil fuels has been showing its harm to our atmosphere for over 200 years, in addition to not being sustainable, exhausting its sources at some point. In the aeronautical sector, this problem has already been discussed, with several fronts seeking, mainly, the development of aircraft electrification. In this scenario, green hydrogen from the electrolysis process becomes an attractive solution due to its low environmental impact. However, the great challenge remains in increasing the efficient production of this hydrogen. This research project aims to study the dynamics of hydrogen bubbles generation from water electrolysis, analyzing the velocity fields during electrolysis, using the optical flow method, considering the effects of current density, use of metal foams, electrodes gap and electrolyte. In this way, proposing improvements and alternatives to increase the production of green hydrogen, and encourage the aeronautical industry to invest more and more in the electrification of air transport.