Optimization of PEM electrolyzer endplate structure with curved design based on thermo-mechanical coupling

Abstract Hydrogen energy, as a clean, efficient, and sustainable form of energy, has developed rapidly in recent years. As an emerging water electrolysis device, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) still has room for improvement in structural design, despite its remarkable technological advantages. To address the issue of uneven sealing force transmission associated with the commonly used rectangular endplate, a curved endplate structure oriented towards the stack side has been designed. Then, the effect of thermal under electrochemical reactions is considered. The outlet temperature on the cathode side is higher than that on the anode side. Then, the temperature is employed to conduct a mechanical analysis. The maximum deformation of the optimized endplate has reduced by 14.4%. The stress distribution of the optimized structure becomes more uniform at critical locations.