Investigations on Dynamic Operation Aspects of Alkaline Electrolysis and Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Low carbon liquid fuels are needed for hard-to-abate sectors of the economy, such as transportation. Low-carbon hydrogen is often one of the main ingredients for making such fuels, for example through Power-to-X processes or H2-enhanced gasification to fuel processes. In this work, we investigate the dynamic operation aspects of both Alkaline Electrolysis (AEL) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis for hydrogen production. Understanding the dynamic behaviors of these electrolysers are needed for their flexible operation and renewable power integration. Through detailed steady state modeling and simulations in Aspen Plus and dynamic simulations in Aspen Plus Dynamics, we analyze the transient characteristics of AEL and PEM electrolysis, focusing on important aspects such as response times, efficiency variations, and key performance metrics under fluctuating operating conditions. This work highlights key aspects in dynamic operation of AEL and PEM electrolysis.