Insights on performance and an improved model for full scale electrolysers based on plant data for design and operation of hydrogen production

Abstract Developers and operators of energy systems based on renewable energy require effective models of these systems, including those with hydrogen storage where electrolysers are critical components. However, electrolyser models are often either too detailed to be computationally efficient within whole system model, or too inaccurate at times of low production of renewable energy. Our novel model addresses this by combining the Tafel equation and an original model for Faradaic efficiency. It was validated and tested on plant data from the 250 kW electrolyser at Bright Green Hydrogen's Levenmouth Community Energy Project in Methil, Scotland. The model estimated hydrogen consumption more accurately than the ‘Linear Model’ habitually used in industry. Our data also emphasized the importance of an optimised control scheme for minimizing hot standby losses. Pressurisation during start-up, purging and pressure-driven fluctuations also contributed significant losses and scatter when inspecting minute-by-minute data. This knowledge should inform whole system analysis and control.