Analytical sizing of an electrolyser for a small scale wind electrolysis plant

This paper presents an analytic way of sizing an electrolyser by considering the load requirements and efficiencies of the electrolyser, fuel cell and their ancillaries. Current density and the size of the active area of the membrane are optimised to ensure thermal self-sustaining mode of the electrolyser for stand-alone applications. This eliminates the need of heating the feed water. Correlations between the voltages and currents of the generator and the electrolyser are also established. Simulation results for electrolyser parameters are then presented. From these results it can be inferred that by maintaining the current density at 0.8A/cm2, the electrolyser can meet its hydrogen production rate and maintain the temperature in the operating range of 70–90°C.