Improved cold-start behavior for alkaline electrolysis through electrolyte concentration heat storage

In order to reduce the cold start-up phase of alkaline electrolysers, a concept for an accelerated heating process of an alkaline electrolyser was designed. The concept is based on the use of the exothermic dilution reaction of potassium hydroxide and water and was simulated using a extended cell model. The liquid electrolyte is diluted with water during a cold start and the heat of dilution thus released is used for accelerated heating. During operation of the electrolyser, water is consumed and thus the electrolyte is concentrated again.