Design and performance of a solid polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer

The development of medium size solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolyzers is of great practical interest for on-board production of oxygen in submarines and for energy storage purposes in space applications. While the SPE technology has largely demonstrated its potential on the laboratory scale, very little information is available in the literature on the technological characteristics and electrochemical performances of larger water electrolyzers. In this paper, we present part of the experience that we gained in the development of medium size electrolysis units. A 0.5 kW SPE water electrolyzer was designed and tested. Its performance is discussed with respect to technological design (fluids and current distribution) and operating conditions.