用于氢气生产的混合光伏-光伏/热驱动质子交换膜水电解系统：热管理的实验研究及其作用

Abstract Solar-driven water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a green and effective technology. Efficiency of the key components, i.e. photovoltaic (PV) modules and the electrolyser, are closely related to their operating temperatures, which implies the potential for performance improvements through effective thermal management. In this study, we establish a hybrid PV and photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) driven proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) system, integrating phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal management. The use of PV/T modules, which enables simultaneous electrical and thermal energy generation, provides additional heat for PEMWE thermal management without compromising electricity production. Experimental investigation is performed to assess system continuous performance under varying solar conditions, with a focus on the impact of thermal management on a list of performance indicators, e.g., electrolyser energy efficiency, hydrogen output, and solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. The results show that higher feedwater temperatures, achieved by PCM water tank preheating, can reduce the required electrolyser voltage and obtain lower specific energy consumption for hydrogen production. A maximum daily solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 7.6 % is achieved with a daily average solar irradiance of 170 W/m 2 . During the testing period, an average electrolyser efficiency of 75.5 % and a maximum daily hydrogen production of 2,464 L are obtained from a solar array with a cell area of 49 m 2 . A preliminary economic analysis is also conducted, identifying the balance of plant (BOP) as the primary cost driver. These findings lay a solid foundation for optimising solar driven PEMWE systems and provide practical insights for scaling up solar-to-hydrogen technologies.