ELECTROLYSER

A Technical Appraisal of Electrolyser Characteristics.

4. INFLUENTIAL FACTORS

The main influential factors to bear in mind when working with an electrolyser are:

·        Current density: High current densities can damage the membrane. Power coming into the electrolyser has to be conditioned to avoid membrane damages.

·        Voltage: Minimum voltage required to electrolyse water is 1.2V, but due to different losses this value is higher. Power has to be set with a voltage capable of electrolysing the distilled water in the electrolyser.

·        Degree of hydration of the membrane: the temperature/pressure combination has to be such that the evaporation ratio from the membrane does not cause dehydration to fall below 20% of its weight. The most immediate problem that dehydration causes is reduction of conductivity and that reduces electrolyser efficiency. In the long term, dehydration may cause irreversible physical damages such as defluoridisation. Water management has to be planned to ensure permanent hydration as well as cooling.

·        Operational temperature: Increasing the temperature (by varying operational pressure) increases the boiling point of water and ensures water is electrolysed (not evaporated) and increases maximum operating temperature.

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