PEM Electrolyzer

What is PEM Electrolyzer?

A PEM electrolyzer, short for Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer, is an innovative device that utilizes electrolysis to divide water into oxygen and hydrogen gases.

This process takes place within a specialized cell containing a proton exchange membrane, facilitating the separation of ions and enabling the selective generation of hydrogen.

It is an efficient and flexible way to produce clean hydrogen that can be used for a variety of applications including energy storage, transportation, and renewable energy.

How PEM Electrolyzers Operate: A Simple Explanation

The working process of a PEM electrolyzer can be summarized in six steps:

1. Electrolysis of water and oxygen generation: Water is split into protons and oxygen at the anode using an electric field and catalyst.
2. Production of protons (4H+), electrons (4e-) and gaseous oxygen (O2).
3. Proton exchange membrane: The proton exchange membrane contains sulfonic acid groups that conduct protons. The 4H+ protons move through the membrane to the cathode under the electromotive field.
4. Electron conduction: Electrons (4e-) conduct through the external circuit.
5. Hydrogen generation: At the cathode, the 4H++4e- reaction results in the generation of hydrogen (2H2) and the separation of hydrogen and oxygen.
6. Pressure build-up: The pressure in the cathode chamber gradually increases with hydrogen production until the predetermined pressure is reached.

This simple explanation demonstrates how PEM electrolyzers split water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen, through a series of electrochemical reactions. The resulting hydrogen gas can be used for a wide range of applications, including fuel cell vehicles, energy storage, and industrial processes.

PEM Water Electrolyzer Stack Design: Components and Construction

At our company, the foundation of our water electrolyzers is the high-quality PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) imported from the US. Our PEM water electrolyzer stack follows a single-layer structure, incorporating the following components:

• Cathode Plate
• Cathode Sealing Frame
• Cathode Chamber
• Cathode Collector Layer
• CCM (Catalyst-Coated Membrane) Membrane Electrode
• Anode Collector Layer
• Anode Chamber
• Anode Sealing Frame
• Anode Plate, with a titanium separator between each layer

The stack is completed with a titanium end plate that features dedicated air and water channels, along with positive and negative terminals at both the cathode and anode.

The meticulous design, material selection, and assembly process of our PEM electrolyzer stack significantly influence the performance of the hydrogen production equipment. With our design and construction, our PEM water electrolyzer stack is engineered to have a lifespan of up to ten years.

The Benefits of PEM Water Electrolyzers

The PEM water electrolyzer provides several advantages over other types of hydrogen generators, including:

• Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) technology: The product’s core features highly active catalytic electrodes with nearly zero distance between the electrodes. This is achieved by integrating composite catalysts with ion membranes to provide high electrolytic efficiency.
• Plural-electrode and multiunit electrolysis cell structure: Offers excellent chemical technological process properties of heat and mass transfer.
• High-purity hydrogen production: Electrolysis of pure water (without adding alkali) produces high-purity (99.9%) hydrogen with no corrosion or pollution.
• Low cell voltage and negligible electronic resistance: Significantly saves energy and offers long circle times for changing desiccants.
• Energy efficiency: Low power consumption and efficient electrolysis.
• High-quality construction: Other parts of the generator are all produced with top-grade engineering plastics of superior quality.
• Perfect electric control system: Offers automatic shutdown in case of an emergency.
• Wide range of models: Offers huge hydrogen output models that are widely used in many industries.

Overall, the PEM water electrolyzer is an excellent choice for high-purity hydrogen production, with its solid polymer electrolyte technology and efficient electrolysis. Its low power consumption and superior construction make it an energy-efficient and cost-effective option for various applications, from renewable energy storage to industrial processes.

Different Types of Electrolysis for Hydrogen Generation

Hydrogen is commonly generated through water electrolysis, a process that involves separating water molecules using a direct current to produce oxygen and hydrogen. The anode and cathode of the electrolyzer act as electrodes and collect the resulting oxygen and hydrogen.

Hydrogen generators can be customized to different input and output ranges based on specific application requirements. There are three primary types of electrolyzers: proton exchange membrane (PEM), alkaline, and solid oxide. These electrolyzers differ in their electrolyte material and operation.

PEM and alkaline electrolyzers are capable of generating on-site, on-demand hydrogen without the need for a compressor. They can produce pressurized hydrogen that is 99.999% pure, dry, and free from carbon.

Overall, the choice of electrolyzer type depends on various factors, including the required hydrogen output, purity, and application. With the advancements in electrolysis technology, hydrogen generation has become a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for various industries.

Alkaline Hydrogen Generator

The hydrogen electrolysis tank for alkaline water production uses an asbestos diaphragm as a gas separator. The cathode and anode mainly consist of metal alloys, such as nickel-molybdenum, that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The industrial alkaline water electrolyzer operates using a potassium hydroxide solution with a mass fraction of 20% to 30% as its electrolyte. The electrolyzer operates at a temperature range of 70°C to 80°C, with a working current density of approximately 0.25 amp/cm2. It produces gas at a pressure of 0.1 to 3.0 MPa and has a total efficiency ranging from 62% to 82%.

Alkaline water hydrogen production is a well-established technology with low investment and operating costs. However, issues such as lye loss, corrosion, and energy consumption need to be addressed.

Overall, the alkaline hydrogen generator offers a cost-effective solution for hydrogen production, with its well-established technology and low investment costs. However, it’s important to address the issues of lye loss, corrosion, and energy consumption to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

PEM Hydrogen Generator

In PEM electrolysis for hydrogen production, a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane is used due to its excellent chemical stability, proton conductivity, and gas separation properties. This membrane effectively prevents electron transfer and improves electrolyzer safety.

The key components of a PEM electrolyzer include the proton exchange membrane, positive and negative catalytic layers, positive and negative gas diffusion layers, and positive and negative terminal plates. These components are arranged from the inside to the outside. The diffusion layer, catalyst layer, and proton exchange membrane form the membrane electrode, which is the primary site for material transfer and electrochemical reactions in the electrolyzer.

The characteristics and structure of the membrane electrode directly impact the performance and lifespan of a PEM water electrolyzer. Therefore, careful design and selection of materials are critical for optimal performance and durability.

Overall, the PEM hydrogen generator is a reliable and efficient technology for hydrogen production, with its perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane offering excellent chemical stability and proton conductivity. The key components of the electrolyzer, including the membrane electrode, should be designed and selected carefully for optimal performance and longevity.

Solid Oxide Electrolyzers

Solid oxide electrolysis for hydrogen production differs from alkaline and PEM water electrolysis, as it operates at high temperatures.

Solid oxide electrolysis uses solid oxide as the electrolyte material and operates at temperatures between 800°C and 1,000°C. This results in significantly higher electrochemical performance and greater efficiency in the hydrogen production process.

However, the high-temperature and high-humidity working environment presents challenges in selecting materials that are stable, durable, and resistant to decay for the electrolyzer. This also limits the selection of application scenarios and large-scale implementation of solid oxide electrolysis for hydrogen production technology.

Despite these challenges, solid oxide electrolyzers offer unique advantages for hydrogen production, including higher electrochemical performance and efficiency. Further research and development are necessary to overcome material challenges and broaden the scope of application scenarios for solid oxide electrolysis.

PEM Electrolysis Cell: Efficient Hydrogen Production Technology

PEM electrolysis cell is an efficient technology for producing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water. It uses a specially designed membrane that enables the separation of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The process is highly efficient, producing pure hydrogen without any carbon emissions. PEM electrolysis is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of producing hydrogen, with a wide range of applications including fuel cells, energy storage, and transportation.

60-5000mL/min PEM Electrolyzer

• Rated hydrogen production: 60-5000mL/min
• Hydrogen pressure: 0.3-0.5 MPa
• Hydrogen purity: >99.99%
• Rated input current: 15A/25A/55A

Our products can be customized to meet customer needs within the 60-5000mL/min hydrogen production range.

Wide range of applications: including hydrogen generators, hydrogen water machines, hydrogen absorption machines, and more.

0.3-2Nm3/h PEM Electrolyzer

• Rated hydrogen production: 1Nm3/h
• Hydrogen pressure: 4.5 MPa
• Hydrogen purity: >99.99%
• Rated power consumption: ≯4.5kW/Nm3
• Water consumption: 1kg/h

Products (0.3-2Nm3/h) can be customized according to customer needs.

Application: On-site hydrogen production in industries such as small-scale hydrogen production & hydrogenation machine, fuel cell backup power supply, semiconductor, electron/ photoelectron, multi-energy complementary independent microgrids, pharmacies, etc.

2-10Nm3/h PEM Electrolyzer

• Rated hydrogen production: 3Nm3/h
• Hydrogen pressure: 3.5 MPa
• Hydrogen purity: >99.99%
• Rated power consumption: ≯4.5kW/Nm3
• Water consumption: 3kg/h

Products (2-10Nm3/h) can be customized according to customer needs.

Application: On-site hydrogen production in industries such as small-scale hydrogen production & hydrogenation machine, fuel cell backup power supply, semiconductor, electron/ photoelectron, multi-energy complementary independent microgrids, pharmacies, etc.

30-200Nm3/h PEM Electrolyzer

• Rated hydrogen production: 60Nm3/h
• Hydrogen pressure: 3.5 MPa
• Hydrogen purity: >99.99%
• Rated power consumption: ≯4.5kW/Nm3
• Water consumption: 60kg/h

Products (30-200Nm3/h) can be customized according to customer needs.

Application: On-site hydrogen production in industries such as small-scale hydrogen production & hydrogenation machine, fuel cell backup power supply, semiconductor, electron/ photoelectron, multi-energy complementary independent microgrids, pharmacies, etc.

Industrial Applications of PEM Electrolyzer

PEM electrolyzers have a wide range of industrial applications, including:

• Hydrogen Production: PEM electrolyzers are commonly used for hydrogen production in various applications such as hydrogen generators, hydrogen water machines, and hydrogen absorption machines.
• On-site Hydrogen Production: PEM electrolyzers are suitable for small-scale hydrogen production and hydrogenation machines, multi-energy complementary independent microgrids, and pharmacies. They can be used for on-site and on-demand hydrogen production.
• Hydrogen Fueling: PEM electrolyzers are used in fueling equipment for cars, trucks, buses, and other transportation markets. These electrolyzers can produce hydrogen fuel that is clean and environmentally friendly.
• Renewable Energy: PEM electrolyzers cater to power-to-gas and power-to-industry markets, which utilize renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to produce hydrogen.

Overall, PEM electrolyzers are versatile and adaptable to various industrial applications, providing a cost-effective and efficient method of producing hydrogen.

Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing a PEM Electrolyzer for Efficient Hydrogen Production

To purchase a suitable PEM electrolyzer for efficient hydrogen production, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Hydrogen Production Requirements: Determine your hydrogen production needs in terms of volume, purity, and pressure. This will help you choose the appropriate PEM electrolyzer that can meet your requirements.
2. Input Current: Consider the required input current for the PEM electrolyzer. This will depend on the application and the amount of hydrogen required.
3. System Design: Ensure that the PEM electrolyzer system design is suitable for your application. This includes the components of the system, such as the proton exchange membrane, gas diffusion layer, and catalytic layers.
4. Manufacturer Reputation: Choose a reputable manufacturer with a track record of providing reliable and high-quality PEM electrolyzers. Look for manufacturers that offer warranties and after-sales support.
5. Customization: Consider whether customization is required for your specific application. Some manufacturers can offer customized PEM electrolyzers to meet specific requirements.

By taking into account these factors, you can purchase a suitable PEM electrolyzer for efficient hydrogen production that meets your specific needs.

Conclusion

Finding the right supplier for a PEM electrolyzer can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the field. However, with proper research and guidance, it’s possible to identify a reliable supplier that meets your specific needs.

Hele Titanium is a trusted supplier with over a decade of experience in providing PEM hydrogen generators. Our range of materials, finishes, and specifications cater to projects of all sizes, from small DIY projects to comprehensive hydrogen production solutions. As your all-in-one hydrogen production solution provider, we have the expertise to assist you. Contact us today for further information.