Process Description
Simtronics SPM-4400 Hydrogen Electrolyzer Simulator represents a commercial hydrogen generation unit based on the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis process. The heart of this process is the PEM Electrolyzer Module which consists of a specially designed membrane that allows hydrogen atoms (i.e. protons, or H+) to diffuse through it. The hydrogen atoms are formed by electrolysis of feed water on the anode side of the membrane. The hydrogen atoms diffuse through the membrane to the anode side of the membrane and combine at the cathode to form hydrogen molecules (H2). Oxygen molecules (O2) form on the cathode side of the membrane by the electrolysis reaction.
Makeup water and recirculated water are pumped by Cathode Side Circulation Pump P-101 from the Cathode Side Water Drum D-101, cooled in Cathode Side Water Cooler E-101 and fed to the cathode side of the membrane in the PEM Electrolyzer Module X-101. Oxygen formed on the cathode side of X-101 and unreacted water return to D-101. The separated oxygen gas from D-101 is cooled in Oxygen Cooler E-102 and condensate is removed in Oxygen K.O. Drum D-102. Oxygen is taken off as product to battery limits. Condensate is returned by gravity from D-102 to D-101.
On the anode side of X-101, water is circulated from the Anode Side Water Drum D-103 by Anode Side Circulation Pump P-103 through Anode Side Water Heater E-103 and into the anode side of X-101. Hydrogen and water from the cathode side of X-101 return to D-103. Separated hydrogen from D-103 is cooled in Hydrogen Cooler E-104 and condensate is removed in Hydrogen K.O. Drum D-104. Hydrogen is taken off as product to battery limits. Condensate is returned by gravity from D-104 to D-103. A small flow of makeup water is added to D-103 to maintain the water level of D-103.
The electric current required for electrolysis is supplied by Power Supply G-101. The power supply includes a DC Rectifier which supplies DC voltage to the anode and cathode of X-101.