An electrolyser is comprised of three fundamental components: an anode, cathode, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This device operates on the principle of electrolysis, which involves the separation of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Much like its counterpart, the fuel cell, an electrolyser facilitates this process by utilizing electrochemical reactions within its structure.The operation of an electrolyser commences as water is fed into its anode compartment.
Here, a catalyst aids in the decomposition of water molecules, causing them to split into protons and electrons. The protons, being positively charged, readily move through the membrane, while the electrons are directed through an external circuit. This circuit harnesses the energy of the electrons, generating a flow of electric current and releasing excess heat in the process. On the cathode side of the electrolyzer, a complementary set of reactions takes place.
Similar to fuel cells, one of the remarkable attributes of electrolysers is their absence of moving parts, which enables them to function silently and with extraordinary reliability.