• Energy Research

Abstract Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers demonstrate significant potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. Addressing the inherent intermittency of these sources, a modular design for the electrolyzers emerges as an essential avenue of research. This study delves into potential solutions and strategies for harnessing renewable energy efficiently to fuel these electrolyzers and presents a comparative analysis between single-stack and modular designs based on a hypothetical scenario. Using experimental data, the research projects the hydrogen output derived from solar energy in Trois-Rivières. Machine learning techniques are employed to forecast available energy from photovoltaic panel datasets. A strategic power allocation mechanism is introduced to regulate input current across each electrolyzer, aiming to optimize system performance. Experimental evaluations on a purpose-built test bench validate the conversion efficiency of the electrolyzer. Notably, the results suggest that embracing a modular design can amplify hydrogen production by over 33% annually while concurrently minimizing system degradation.

Decarbonized hydrogen production using renewable energy sources and water electrolysis is perceived as a promising solution for a sustainable future. The efficiency of PEMWEs relies on several multiphysical aspects and even a slight increase in their efficiency may change the future of sustainable energy routes. Hence, this paper reviews the most compelling research on increasing PEMWE efficiency, which is one of the main pillars for the advancement of this technology. Various publications, including chemical engineering, materials, mass transfer, energy transfer, electrical control, power generation, and hybrid systems, are considered. From the electrolyzer power sources (renewable energy, hybrid, power to gas), inputs (power regulation, water temperature, pressure, ambient temperature), and stack, to components design, control strategy, and new hybrid designs have come under scrutiny in this manuscript. Finally, five essential recommendations are given as the pathways for future studies on PEMWE efficiency.

Abstract Although fossil fuels are the world's most abundant, economical, and reliable way for energy production, long-lasting usage, would cause serious issues and it is well established in scientific circles as a serious event. On the other hand, renewable energies play a key role as a substitute for energy production. The environmental issues and depletion of fossil fuels have paved opportunities to electric and hybrid vehicles, which use renewable resources, especially in transportation. This study examines solar power importance for energy system of an unmanned surface vehicle titled Morvarid, which is expected to do the bathymetry tasks autonomously. Before description major parts of Morvarid's energy system, the most important and related studies are reviewed. This is followed by selecting the most suitable components for Morvarid's energy system by numerical examination and modeling. A Plug-in hybrid management system with an 8 KWh capacity lithium-ion battery was proposed. The PV array area was modeled for the whole year and resulted that an array with 8 m2 surface is the best option. The last section contains power management reliability and energy safety of the boat by experimental tests. The experimental test at Chitgar-lake revealed that the Morvarid's power generating system, which uses sun tracker, can produce about 5.8 KWh energy per day. The proposed energy management system optimizes the available energy usage to enable the boat to do its tasks up to 7 h per day during three cloudy days without charging. When using energy just for daily tasks, the boat does not even need plug-in charge at sunny days.