The potential advantages of hydrogen energy storage systems for electrical power generation is currently being assessed and recognized by many independent utilities, institutions, and agencies. The electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen is the favored near-term production concept in this energy storage system and consequently, a prime area to address for overall system im¬provements. The thermodynamics of water electrolysis cells is presented, followed by a review of current and future technology of commercial cells. The irreversibilities involved are then analyzed and the resulting equations assembled into a computer simulation model of electrolysis cell efficiency. The model is tested by comparing predictions based on the model to actual com¬mercial cell performance, and a parametric investigation of operating conditions is performed. Finally, the simulation model is applied to a study of electrolysis cell dynamics through con¬sideration of an ideal pulsed electrolyzer.
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