Hydrogen Production through Solar-Powered Electrolysis
Solar-powered electrolysis systems currently achieve hydrogen production rates of 50-70% efficiency, with leading installations producing up to 100 kg/day from a 1 MW solar array. However, these systems face intermittency challenges from variable solar input, voltage matching requirements between PV arrays and electrolyzer stacks, and the need to maintain stable production despite fluctuating power levels.
The fundamental challenge lies in optimizing the interface between variable solar power generation and the constant voltage/current requirements of electrolysis cells while maintaining system efficiency.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including distributed stack architectures that enhance production flexibility, integrated DC power management systems, thermal control mechanisms, and hybrid approaches incorporating energy storage. These and other approaches focus on achieving stable, efficient hydrogen production in real-world conditions while minimizing system complexity and energy losses.
1. Solar-Powered Electrolysis System with Series-Connected Distributed Stacks and Integrated Gas Processing
ERTHOS IP LLC, 2024
Hydrogen production via solar-powered electrolysis using distributed stacks, where multiple electrolysis cells are connected in series to enhance efficiency. The system integrates solar power generation, electrolysis, gas separation, and compression into a single, compact system. By leveraging multiple stacks, the system can achieve higher production rates while maintaining operational capacity. The distributed design enables greater flexibility in system configuration and reduces the number of components required compared to traditional centralized electrolysis systems.
2. Hydrogen Production System Utilizing Solar-Powered Electrolysis with Water Body-Based Solar Panels
MICHAEL J SMITH, 2024
A hydrogen transportation system that leverages solar-powered electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, enabling widespread electrification of transportation and industrial applications. The system utilizes solar panels deployed on water bodies like quarry lakes, gravel pits, and reservoirs to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the water vapor then evaporating into the atmosphere. This closed-loop process eliminates the need for water-based hydrogen production, making it an ideal solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals manufacturing. The system integrates with existing renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar power, to create a scalable and reliable hydrogen production pathway.
3. Portable Electrolysis System with Photovoltaic-Powered Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation
Harbin Institute of Technology, HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2024
Portable electrolysis system for water hydrogen and oxygen production utilizing photovoltaic power generation, enabling efficient and compact hydrogen and oxygen production for various applications.
4. Photovoltaic-Integrated Water Electrolysis System for Hydrogen Production
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CLEAN-AND-LOW-CARBON ENERGY, 2024
A hydrogen production system for water electrolysis that integrates with solar energy harvesting to create a closed-loop system for hydrogen production. The system enables the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical power, which is then used to drive the water electrolysis process. The system includes a photovoltaic panel array connected to a water electrolysis unit, where the electrical energy is used to drive the electrolysis process. The system provides an efficient and continuous hydrogen production solution that can be integrated into existing infrastructure, particularly in remote or off-grid locations where grid connection is not feasible.
5. Solar-Powered Water Electrolysis System with Integrated Photovoltaic Panel and Non-Sacrificial Redox Shuttle
COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AN INDIAN REGISTERED BODY INCORPORATED UNDER THE REGN OF SOC ACT, 2023
A solar-powered water electrolysis system for hydrogen production that combines a functional photovoltaic panel with a water electrolyzer. The system comprises a solar panel with enhanced efficiency, a water electrolyzer, and a system integrating these components through a non-sacrificial redox shuttle. The system achieves enhanced water splitting efficiency through both solar-driven illumination and photo-catalytic activation of the redox shuttle. The integrated system enables both hydrogen production and oxygen generation with minimal energy consumption and environmental impact.
6. Photovoltaic-Integrated Electrolysis System with Inter-Panel Spacing for Decentralized Hydrogen Production
VINCI CONSTRUCTION GRANDS PROJETS, 2023
Electrolysis of water using photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen, with the added benefit of decarbonizing industrial processes through localized hydrogen production. The system integrates photovoltaic fields with electrolysis units, enabling decentralized hydrogen production while maintaining safety through inter-panel spacing. The approach enables cost-effective hydrogen production through photovoltaic power, with the potential for significant reductions in hydrogen costs through economies of scale.
7. Integrated Photovoltaic and Flow Battery System with Metal Ion Battery for Electrolysis-Driven Hydrogen Production
WOODSIDE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD, 2023
A solar hydrogen production module integrates photovoltaic cells and a flow battery into a single system for generating hydrogen through electrolysis. The module comprises a rechargeable metal ion battery and a flow battery with a membrane, where the battery and flow battery are connected through electrical connectors. The photovoltaic cells generate DC power, which is then transferred to the battery through the connectors. The flow battery stores electrical energy during daylight periods and supplies it to the battery when needed. The system can produce both hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, with the oxygen being vented or processed separately.
8. Integrated Photovoltaic-Electrolysis System with Direct Hydrogen Production and Continuous Gas Separation Mechanism
SHANGHAI QINGMAI ENGINEERING TECH CO LTD, 2023
Direct hydrogen production by photovoltaic power generation through a novel system architecture that eliminates the need for intermediate storage facilities. The system integrates photovoltaic power generation with electrolysis in a single, continuous process. Photovoltaic modules produce DC power, which is then fed into a control system that regulates the flow of DC to the electrolysis cell. The cell's output is then connected to a gas separation system, where oxygen is separated from hydrogen through a pneumatic film regulator or solenoid valve. The separated gases are then directed to the electrolysis cell, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. This continuous flow eliminates the need for intermediate storage facilities and reduces energy losses.
9. Photovoltaic-Integrated Electrolysis System with Energy Storage and Thermal Management for Stable Hydrogen Production
SICHUIAN HUANENG FUJIANG HYDROPOWER CO LTD, 2023
Solar electrolysis hydrogen production system that maintains stable hydrogen production under variable sunlight conditions. The system integrates a photovoltaic module with an energy storage component that stores excess energy generated during peak sunlight periods. The energy storage component is controlled to release stored energy during periods of insufficient sunlight, ensuring continuous electrolysis operation while maintaining optimal hydrogen production efficiency. The system also includes a cooling water supply unit to manage electrolysis unit temperature.
10. Hydrogen Production System with Integrated DC Power Management for Water Electrolysis
NTT ANODE ENERGY CORP, 2023
A hydrogen production system that optimizes hydrogen production efficiency by eliminating energy losses during the power conversion process. The system integrates a power generation unit that produces direct current (DC) power using solar energy, a water electrolysis unit that converts DC power into hydrogen, and a power management system that regulates the DC power output. The system controls both the DC power voltage and current levels to maintain optimal conditions for hydrogen production in the electrolysis unit. This enables continuous hydrogen production while minimizing energy losses during the power conversion process.
11. Photovoltaic-Driven Electrolysis System with Conductive Polymer Anode for Low-Voltage Hydrogen Production
UNIV SYDNEY, 2023
A novel process for producing hydrogen gas using photovoltaic energy, enabling direct production through electrolysis at lower voltages compared to traditional methods. The process replaces the conventional oxidation reaction at the anode with a lower-voltage process, enabling the use of photovoltaic cells in electrolytic cells. The system achieves this by replacing the OER at the anode with a process that has a lower required voltage, while maintaining the separation of products. The process utilizes a conductive polymer as a solid anode material, allowing for the direct production of hydrogen gas without the need for further processing.
12. Hydrogen Power Generation System with Integrated Photovoltaic Electrolysis and Gas-Steam Turbine Configuration
LEE KEON WOO, 2023
Hydrogen power generation system that enables efficient and reliable hydrogen production through solar power conversion, followed by use of the produced hydrogen as a fuel for a gas turbine generator. The system comprises a photovoltaic power generation unit, an electrolysis unit, a hydrogen storage unit, a gas turbine generator, and a boiler. The photovoltaic power generation unit converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is then used to drive water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen storage unit and subsequently used as fuel in the gas turbine generator. The system incorporates a boiler to generate steam from the gas turbine generator's exhaust, which powers a steam turbine to generate electricity.
13. Photovoltaic-Integrated System for Concurrent Electricity and Hydrogen Production with Electrolysis and Fuel Cell Integration
GRAPHIC ERA DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY DEHRADUN, 2022
Self-sufficient system using photovoltaic energy to produce both electricity and hydrogen. The system combines solar cells, water electrolysis, fuel cells, and energy storage to create an off-grid power source. The solar cells generate electricity from sunlight. This power is used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored and can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity. The oxygen is vented. The system allows self-sufficient production of both electricity and hydrogen using just solar energy. It can provide power for remote locations or backup for grid failures.
14. Integrated Photovoltaic-Electrolysis Apparatus with Ion-Exchange Membrane for Hydrogen and Oxygen Co-Production
XIAN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY, 2022
Photovoltaic-driven step-by-step hydrogen-oxygen-electricity co-production device and method for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The device integrates photovoltaic power generation with electrolysis processes in a single chamber, enabling continuous production of both hydrogen and oxygen. The system employs an ion-exchange membrane separator to maintain purity while utilizing solar energy to drive the water splitting reaction. The device's fully automatic control system optimizes current density and time cycles to achieve continuous production while minimizing environmental impact.
15. Integrated Solar-Powered Hydrogen Generation and Storage System with Electrolysis and Fuel Cell Components
SIN DAE SEOP, 2022
Solar-hydrogen-based power generation device that produces hydrogen using solar power and electrolysis. The device has a case with a solar panel, water electrolyzer, hydrogen compressor, hydrogen tank, and fuel cell inside. The solar panel generates electricity, which is converted and supplied to the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen by splitting water. The hydrogen is compressed, stored, and then used by the fuel cell to generate power. This allows storing and utilizing solar energy as hydrogen fuel, enabling continuous power generation from solar when sunlight is not available.
16. Hydrogen Production System with Integrated Photovoltaic Electrolysis and Dual Drying Boxes with Desiccant and Cooling Systems
ERDOS REDBUD INNOVATION INSTITUTE, 2022
A novel hydrogen production system that integrates photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis of water to produce clean hydrogen. The system employs a novel hydrogen drying box with integrated desiccant layers and a separate oxygen drying box, both with cooling systems. The system achieves efficient hydrogen production through precise control of water vapor pressure and temperature, while maintaining high purity of the electrolysis process. The system also incorporates advanced circulation control and monitoring systems to optimize production efficiency and safety.
17. Transparent Electrolytic Cell System with Integrated Solar Cell and Reflector for Direct Water Electrolysis
SICHUAN UNIVERSITY, 2022
A system for producing hydrogen through direct electrolysis of water using solar energy. The system comprises a transparent electrolytic cell, a solar cell, a diaphragm, and a reflector. The solar cell generates electron-hole pairs that diffuse through the cell structure, where they undergo oxidation-reduction reactions with water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The generated hydrogen is collected separately from the oxygen, allowing for the production of hydrogen without the need for external electrolysis systems.
18. Integrated Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production System with Rainwater-Fed Electrolysis and AI-Driven Control
HITIT UENIVERSITESI REKTOERLUEGUE, 2022
A system that enables the production of green hydrogen through solar power generation, water electrolysis, and hydrogen storage. The system integrates PV arrays, rainwater harvesting, and electrolysis units to produce hydrogen from renewable energy, with the electrolysis process utilizing rainwater collected during solar generation. The system incorporates advanced AI-driven monitoring and control to optimize energy production, storage, and distribution.
19. Integrated Solar-Powered Electrolysis System for Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation
KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2021
A solar energy system that converts solar power into electric energy and then converts that electric energy into hydrogen through electrolysis, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system integrates solar panels, a water tank, a water electrolysis reactor, and a hydrogen storage tank. The solar panels generate electricity, which is used to power the water electrolysis reactor, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. The generated hydrogen is stored in a high-pressure tank, while the oxygen is collected and stored in a separate tank. The system achieves continuous hydrogen production through the water electrolysis process, utilizing only the solar energy input.
20. Integrated Solar-Powered Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Device with Multi-Channel Solar Collector and Anode Catalyst Coatings
FUSION WELCOME FUEL UNIPESSOAL LDA, 2021
A device for generating hydrogen from concentrated sunlight through direct coupling of solar energy with proton exchange membrane electrolysis. The device integrates a concentrated sunlight collection system with a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cell, featuring an integrated solar collector with multiple flow channels, a specially designed anode zone with individual catalyst coatings, and a heat exchanger. The system maintains optimal operating conditions through mechanical compression and thermal management.
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