Heat-Assisted and Chemically-Treated Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Abstract

As climate change continues to occur at an accelerating rate, new methods of powering our lives, technologies, and services must be established to achieve environmental stability. Innovative carbon-free methods of energy generation and transportation are necessary to alleviate anthropogenic greenhouse gas contribution. Hydrogen as a chemical energy carrier can manage, store, and transport renewably generated electricity, and function as a portable fuel. For a hydrogen energy platform to displace our current energy platform, hydrogen production, storage, and utilization must become more developed. The purpose of this research will consider the interaction of temperature to improve the efficiency of producing hydrogen via water electrolysis, such that renewable electricity supply in conjunction with low grade heat could be utilized to effectively produce hydrogen. In Alberta, access to low grade geothermal heat for such a process is arguably abundant with the appropriate utilization of the many orphan and inactive oil and gas wells, which offer approximately 90?C downhole. This is an opportunity for companies and institutions who possess or have received the liability of inactive wells. The findings of this research confirm the expected increase in efficiency for hydrogen production under high temperature.