Water Electrolysis

 Green hydrogen is generated through the electrochemical dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen in a process known as electrolysis. This process requires pure water and direct current electricity, which can be supplied by either a DC power source or an AC power source after transformation. The output of the process is primarily gaseous hydrogen, with oxygen and waste heat produced as byproducts. These byproducts can be repurposed for external uses. 


Several electrolysis technologies exist, including alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, which are currently the most mature low-temperature systems. Other emerging technologies include anion exchange membrane (AEM) and high-temperature solid oxide (SOEC) electrolysis, which are currently in prototype and demonstration phases, respectively. 

The electrolysis process parameters and electrochemical reactions differ based on the chosen technology. Hydrogen production occurs in the electrolysis cell stacks, made up of multiple individual cell modules. 

The basic principle of a water electrolysis cell consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. The electrolyte is the media responsible for transporting the generated chemical charges (anions (-) or cations (+)) from one electrode to the other.

Due to different types of electrolyte material used and the ionic species it conducts, different electrolysers function differently.




Figure: Sample Electrolyser








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