The shift toward green hydrogen promises to reduce the level of greenhouse gases. Energy from renewable sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, whether generated locally or transmitted via the power grid, must be converted efficiently to direct current (DC) to electrolyze water. For system designers, providing high and stable DC levels with low harmonic distortion, high current density, and good power factors (PFs) presents a challenge. This article discusses the principle of green hydrogen. It then introduces power components from Infineon Technologies and shows how they can be used to convert the input from environmentally friendly energy sources into stable electrical power outputs with the characteristics required to generate green hydrogen.
Hydrogen generation by the electrolysis of water Hydrogen can be separated from water by the process of electrolysis. The co-product of this process is oxygen. The electrolysis process requires the application of steady, high levels of DC. This process occurs in an electrolysis cell or electrolyzer that typically contains an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode) where the electrochemical reactions occur. A liquid or solid electrolyte encloses the electrodes and conducts the ions between them. A catalyst may be needed to increase the reaction rate depending on the process being used. The cell is powered by a steady, high-level DC source or power supply (Figure 1).
Figure 1: A basic electrolysis cell separates water’s hydrogen and oxygen elements. (Image source: Art Pini)
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