Numerical simulation of a single-channel PEM electrolyzer
A three-dimensional steady-state multi-physics field PEM single-channel electrolyzer model was constructed by software COMSOL Multiphysics.The effects of anode operating conditions on the performance of the electrolyzer were mainly investigated,and the differences in the performance of the electrolyzer at different water temperatures and different water velocities were compared.The results indicate that when the flow rate at the anode inlet is relatively low,the saturation of liquid water in the anode catalyst layer is comparatively low,leading to a reduction in the electrochemical reaction rate.Conversely,an excessively high flow rate can decrease the temperature of the catalyst layer,thereby affecting the rate.Increasing the inlet water temperature can enhance the conductivity of the membrane,but it may also reduce the saturation of liquid water in the catalyst layer.The electrolyzer performs optimally at a flow rate of 0.6 m/s and a water temperature of 80℃.