Renewable Energy-Assisted Alkaline Electrolyzer: Dynamic Simulation and Hydrogen Production Analysis

Abstract

This paper details a dynamic simulation analysis of an alkaline electrolyzer powered by a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of a solar photovoltaic array coupled with a battery storage unit. The primary of this study was to assess hydrogen production performance via water electrolysis under varying energy availabilities. The model was developed using MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape Electrical, integrating essential subsystems such as MPPT-based solar control, battery energy management, electrolyzer dynamics, and purge logic. The simulation spanned a 7-day timeframe during which the system operated in an isolated DC microgrid setup. The results indicate that the battery effectively supports the electrolyzer during periods of low irradiance, ensuring uninterrupted hydrogen generation. The current and voltage profiles validated the coordinated operation of the renewable source and energy storage system. Furthermore, the state of charge of the battery and the hydrogen mass profile illustrated the reliability and storage efficiency of the proposed system. Thus, this study validates the potential of autonomous green hydrogen production using renewable energy sources, particularly in areas with abundant solar energy. The proposed configuration can serve as a basis for future advancements in decentralized and sustainable energy system research.