We present a techno-economic optimization model for the design and dynamic operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, for enabling cost-effective hydrogen production. This model integrates a 0-D model of the electrolyzer stack, process-wide mass and energy balances, operational constraints, and an empirical relation to characterize degradation as a function of operating current density. Utilizing a decomposition-based solution approach, the model predicts optimal electrolyzer size, operation, and necessary hydrogen storage to satisfy hydrogen demand across various technology and electricity price scenarios. Analysis for 2022 electricity prices and technology costs shows that including use-dependent degradation raises the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from $4.56/kg to $6.60/kg and increases frequency of stack replacement (2 vs. 7 years). However, by 2030, we anticipate a significant reduction in LCOH to $2.50/kg due to lower capital expenses, leading to longer stack lifetimes and less hydrogen storage. The proposed modeling framework is adaptable to study other electrochemical systems relevant for decarbonization.

中文翻译：

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考虑基于使用量的降解的质子交换膜水电解槽的动态优化


我们提出了一种技术经济优化模型，用于质子交换膜 （PEM） 电解槽的设计和动态运行，以实现具有成本效益的制氢。该模型集成了电解槽堆栈的 0-D 模型、过程范围的质量和能量平衡、操作约束和经验关系，以将退化描述为工作电流密度的函数。该模型利用基于分解的解决方案方法，预测最佳电解槽尺寸、操作和必要的氢气储存，以满足各种技术和电价情景下的氢气需求。对 2022 年电价和技术成本的分析表明，包括依赖于使用的降解将氢气的平准化成本 （LCOH） 从 4.56 美元/千克提高到 6.60 美元/千克，并增加了更换电堆的频率（2 年对 7 年）。然而，到 2030 年，由于资本支出降低，我们预计 LCOH 将大幅降低至 2.50 美元/千克，从而延长电堆使用寿命并减少氢储存。所提出的建模框架适用于研究与脱碳相关的其他电化学系统。