Electrolyser-based electricity management

Abstract

A novel means for managing electricity, or energy supplies derived from electricity, is proposed. This is termed electrolyser-based management (EBM) and involves energy storage. The energy is stored as the chemical potential-energy of the hydrogen/oxygen-water reaction, with the input energy-conversion being performed by an electrolyser and subsequent regeneration to electricity via, preferably, a fuel cell. Proportions of the stored hydrogen and oxygen may be employed for combustion purposes, depending upon the application. Such a system has a unique energy-management capability in being able to provide a clean electricity-derived gas supply in addition to a managed electricity output. Furthermore, EBM systems, such as these, offer considerable scope for what can be broadly termed [`]hydrogen economy' applications.