Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer Test Rig Lab Project at IIT Madras

Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer Test Rig/Lab

Objective

• To build a test rig. Studies from the test rig helps in the analysis of extent of cost reduction possible for green hydrogen.

Description

• Electrolyzer test rig runs on a variable DC supply mimicking the intermittent availability of renewable energy. Electrolyzer uses either deionised water or alkaline water as its electrolyte depending upon the type of electrolyzer used. The different types of electrolyzer under study will be Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) and alkaline electrolyzers. PEM utilizes deionised water whereas AEM and alkaline electrolyzer utilizes alkaline electrolyte as the electrolyte. Test rig consists of a water treatment plant which provides demineralised water to the electrolyzer. Depending on the electrolyzer used, KOH will be added to the water inlet in required pH.

Impact

• Test rig is a work in progress towards net zero carbon emission, Test rig acts as a skill development centre where professionals can learn about the advanced working and safety of the electrolyzer, Creates social awareness on safe working of an electrolyzer at optimum conditions and aim towards the social acceptance of hydrogen as a fuel.