Modeling of a Constant Pressure Regulator for Alkaline Electrolyzers
摘要
The article proposes a method for regulating the discharge of hydrogen (oxygen) from the gas separation system of an electrolyzer during continuous operation of the electrolytic cell under pressure. The hydraulic diagram of a membrane-less electrolyzer equipped with a controlled pressure regulating valve is illustrated. This method allows for the safe discharge of hydrogen and oxygen from the corresponding separators during the operation and maintenance of the electrolysis system. A valve control model is proposed to maintain constant pressure. A simulated model of deviations from ideal gas formation indicators is presented, and the feasibility of the valve control model is verified. The paper compares the efficiency and operating cycle of an electrolysis system with and without constant pressure support. Using a simulation-based model, the results demonstrate that although the average efficiency improvement is modest (from 71.3% without control to 72.8% with control), the benefits of regulation become more pronounced under higher operating pressures and larger separator sizes. These findings highlight that even incremental efficiency gains, when combined with improved stability, safety, and gas quality, can have meaningful implications for the design and scaling of electrolyzer systems.