Work

Enhancing hydrogen gas production in electrolysis cells with ammonium chloride and solar PV integration

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Hydrogen Gas Production in Electrolysis Cells with Ammonium Chloride and Solar PV Integration is introduced. • Water electrolysis using NH4Cl as an electrolyte explored for hydrogen generation. • Experiments conducted at varying NH4Cl concentrations and time intervals. • Impact of using PWM on cell operation was investigated. • Optimal 3M NH4Cl concentration achieved 772 ml/min gas flow with minimal corrosion. • The estimated expenses of gas production were about $0.40 - $0.53 for liter. In this study, the electrolysis of water by using ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl) as an electrolyte was investigated for the production of hydrogen gas. The assembled electrochemical cell consists mainly of twenty-one stainless-steel electrodes and a direct current from a battery, ammonium chloride solution. In the electrolysis process, hydrogen and oxygen are developed at the same time and collected as a mixture to be used as a fuel. This study explores a technic regarding the matching of oxyhydrogen (HHO) electrolyzers with photovoltaic (PV) systems to make HHO gas. The primary objective of the present research is to enable the electrolyzer to operate independently of other energy origins, functioning as a complete unit powered solely by PV. Moreover, the impact of using PWM on cell operation was investigated. The experimental data was collected at various time intervals, NH 4 Cl concentrations. Additionally, the hydrogen unit consists of two cells with a shared positive pole fixed between them. Some undesirable anodic reaction affects the efficiency of hydrogen gas production because of the corrosion of anode to ferrous hydroxide (Fe(OH) 2 ). Polyphosphate Inhibitor was used to minimize the corrosion reaction of anode and keep the efficiency of hydrogen gas flow. The optimal concentration of 3M for ammonium chloride was identified, balancing a gas flow rate of 772 ml/min with minimal anode corrosion. Without PWM, conversion efficiency ranges between 93% and 96%. Therefore, PWM increased conversion efficiency by approximately 5%, leading to a corresponding increase in hydrogen gas production.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104354

Authors: L. Hadj-Taieb, A.S. Abdullah, Z.M. Omara, Fadl A. Essa

Institutions: Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, University of Sfax, Kafrelsheikh University, Pharos University in Alexandria

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940