Water Electrolysis Technologies and Their Modeling Approaches: A Comprehensive Review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Hydrogen (H2) is a key energy vector in the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy systems. Among the various production methods, water electrolysis presents a promising pathway for zero-emission hydrogen generation when powered by renewables. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of water electrolysis technologies, including alkaline (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEMWE), solid oxide (SOEC), anion exchange membrane (AEMWE), and microbial electrolysis cells (MEC). It critically examines their material systems, catalytic strategies, operational characteristics, and recent performance advances. In addition to reviewing experimental progress, the study presents a finite element modeling (FEM) case study that evaluates thermal and mechanical responses in PEM and AWE configurations—illustrating how FEM supports design optimization and performance prediction. To broaden methodological insight, other simulation frameworks such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), response surface methodology (RSM), and system-level modeling (e.g., Aspen Plus®) are also discussed based on their use in recent literature. These are reviewed to guide future integration of multi-scale and multi-physics approaches in electrolyzer research. By bridging practical design, numerical simulation, and material science perspectives, this work provides a resource for researchers and engineers advancing next-generation hydrogen production systems.
Source: Eng—Advances in Engineering
DOI: 10.3390/eng6040081
Authors: Ajitanshu Vedrtnam, Kishor Kalauni, Rahul Pahwa
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
OpenAlex ID: W4409649279