Simulation-Based Performance Evaluation of an AEM Green Hydrogen Production Unit in DWSIM

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Chemical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Ir

Abstract

Green hydrogen is becoming increasingly vital as a clean energy source for reducing pollution and addressing climate change. The Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology is used to produce green hydrogen, combining the benefits of two established methods—Alkaline water electrolysis and Proton Exchange Membrane—while addressing their limitations to create a more efficient and cost-effective process. This study employs DWSIM software to simulate a green hydrogen production facility using AEM technology, which was not previously considered in prior research, particularly for large-scale production. The study also includes a sensitivity analysis for the DWSIM electrolyzer. The simulated facility follows a four-step process: purifying seawater, conducting electrolysis to split water molecules, separating the hydrogen produced, and compressing and storing it. The electrolysis equipment requires 1.5 volts per cell, with a reversible voltage of 1.23 volts. Producing one ton of hydrogen per hour requires 40 MW of renewable energy and five tons per hour of water. Additionally, a WAVE simulation calculates the required seawater, factoring in advanced filtration and ion exchange, estimating a need for 5.5314 tons of seawater. The sensitivity analysis reveals how the voltage applied to the electrolyzer impacts the number of cells, showing that increasing the voltage decreases the current in the electrolysis stack, and examines the relationship between the energy supplied to the electrolyzer and hydrogen production.

Keywords

References

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Chemical Process Design
Volume 5, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 29-41

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