Hydrogen production using alkaline electrolyzer and photovoltaic (PV) module

In this paper it is presented hydrogen production using alkaline water electrolysis where a 30W photovoltaic (PV) module was involved as a source of electric energy. Therefore, the process is without emitting CO2. There is constructed and tested an alkaline electrolyzer with 50 x 50 x 2 mm Ni metal foam electrodes, 50 x 50 x 0.4 mm Zirphon (R) membrane and 25% alkaline (KOH) solution electrolyte. Electrolyzer UI characteristics for natural and forced flow of electrolyte with PV module UI characteristics are presented. The results are in favor of forced flow circulation, and these are better if the flow velocities are higher. Calculated Energy efficiency (based on hydrogen high heating value) for both types of circulation is above 55%. There are much evidence for further improvement of the system components and consequently electrolyzer and system efficiency. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.