Low-Temperature Electrolysis Capabilities

Develop and apply models to evaluate the levelized cost of hydrogen produced from electrolysis pathways in $/kg H2 produced. The approach uses a discounted cash flow analysis framework that includes the influence of capital costs, operating costs, electricity costs, and variable capacity factors that isolate key cost drivers for electrolyzers and identify optimal production pathways. Cost factors that can be considered within this capability include lower catalyst loading rates, thinner membranes, alternative manufacturing techniques, and modified balance of plant designs and their impact on system capital costs. When electrolyzers are operated dynamically running at partial to full load and shutting on and off, degradation mechanisms within the stack are accelerated and can influence the lifetime of the stack.