EU harmonised polarisation curve test method for low-temperature water electrolysis

Abstract

This report on EU harmonised polarisation curve test method for low-temperature water electrolysis was carried out under the framework contract between the Joint Research Centre and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking, rolling plan 2017. The polarisation curve test method is the basic method used to characterise low-temperature water electrolysis (WE) single cells and stacks at specified operating conditions (temperature and pressure). The procedure is applicable to polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) single cells and stacks. It provides information on the reaction kinetics, ohmic resistance and mass transport resistance of the cell/stack. This procedure is a general characterisation method that is used in the research and development of low-temperature WE single cells and stacks at specified operating conditions (temperature and pressure). The test can be used as a baseline measurement for the qualification of a WE cell or stack.