Electrolyzer performance can be measured in terms of net efficiency and availability, and it is influenced by a myriad of design choices, material selections, and process flow decisions.
Our engineers meticulously optimized all components of the HyGGeTM 100A system to achieve maximum efficiency at controlled stress levels. As a result, this electrolyzer boasts impressive availability and a long lifespan.
In this blog post we discuss:
- The role of premium materials and stress reduction in enhancing electrolyzer performance;
- The importance of integrated system optimization in respect to operational availability and flexibility.
We look forward to your feedback and insights on the key factors driving electrolyzer performance optimization.
Premium materials for improved electrolyzer performance
Flow design simulations helped us improve the efficiency of our electrolyzers by choosing the right materials and making smart design decisions. This is crucial for optimizing the system-level efficiencies of our water electrolyzers.
At the cell stack level, efficiencies are profoundly influenced by material quality, component precision, and design choices, with the complexity of the design exponentially tied to these factors. Beyond these intrinsic variables, operating conditions and degradation mechanisms also play critical roles. For example, we have significantly enhanced the efficiency of our cell stacks by utilizing pure nickel and reducing stress levels. This not only mitigates degradation but also contributes to the enhanced electrolyzer performance of the HyGGeTM 100A and extends the system’s overall lifetime.
Since the Balance of Plant (BoP) power electronics are a known efficiency drain, we use a high-standard rectifier to convert 400V AC to regulated DC. In-depth technology evaluations and supplier benchmarking helped us minimize harmonic distortion to the connected grid and reducing energy waste in the form of heat loss, even under variable grid conditions.
Reduction of stress levels increases electrolyzer performance
Despite the robust construction of our water electrolyzers, we keep the temperature stress levels in our systems under control. Our designers opted for a perfectly dimensioned air-liquid cooling system to dynamically maintain safe cell stack temperatures. This effective cooling method ensures stable operating temperatures and minimizes energy loss.
Similarly, we use a chiller to cool the gas within our systems. The gas purification module features a two-stage purification process: first, a catalyst removes the oxygen, then a molecular sieve dryer eliminates the water. This results in hydrogen purity of 99.998%, reducing the need for additional downstream purification and facilitating compression.
Operational availability and flexibility
The HyGGe™️ 100A features a robust operational mode that maximizes electrolyzer performance and uptime through smart redundancy and remote monitoring. Additionally, automated logs and predictive checks enhance the long-term reliability of our systems.
The system is designed for modular expansion, capable of managing hydrogen production based on real-time grid and user demand. This ensures availability and energy optimization across varying operational states. Smart capabilities to support grid balancing and autonomous power modulation ensure continuous and efficient production. Additionally, our units can automatically enter an ‘idle’ mode during periods of low demand or seamlessly restart when demand increases.
Integrated system optimization drives performance and availability
Since our industrial clients rely on the availability of high-purity hydrogen on-site, we only use premium materials and smart designs to maximize the efficiency and availability of our electrolyzers. Leveraging decades of experience, our engineers have crafted ultra-reliable water electrolyzers with a healthy cost of ownership. By not cutting corners in any possible way, our engineers have successfully designed the HyGGeTM 100A as a premium water electrolyzer with superior electrolyzer performance.
What is your perspective on this topic?
We are eager to learn about your thoughts and concerns regarding this blog post on electrolyzer performance in the comments section below.
Do you have any questions, want to reach out, or want to work together?
Alternatively, please get in touch through sales@exionhydrogen.com or +32 14 91 99 19.
