Performance Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser-Fuel Cell Setup Using Simulink Model

Hydrogen as an energy carrier is becoming more and more advanced and attractive with the global trend of achieving a net zero emissions policy. So, with the developments in renewable energy systems around the world, hydrogen-related devices like electrolysers, fuel cells, and hydrogen microturbines are commonly integrated into the power system. This work presents a study on the mathematical modelling of a PEM electrolyser and equivalent electrical circuit modelling of a PEM fuel cell. The PEM fuel cell model is tested with a standard load profile which simulates the dynamic behaviour of a practical fuel cell. Vital parameters of the PEM electrolyser namely hydrogen production rate, efficiency, and cell voltage behave as functions of input current, temperature, and pressure of the system. The behaviour of these parameters considering variations of two input parameters simultaneously, is investigated in an analytical study.