Numerical Modeling of Hydrogen Gas Bubble Dynamics in an Alkaline Water Electrolysis Process Using COMSOL Software

Djoubeir Debbah; Hakim Fatmi; Youcef Bellal; Islam Bougada; Salah Eddine Letrache; Yaaqoub Dib; Ali Derradji; Youssouf Bouffelgha; Bilel Bakiri

Djoubeir Debbah Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Hakim Fatmi Research Center in Industrial Technologies CRTI, P.O.Box 64, Cheraga 16014 Algiers, Algeria
Youcef Bellal Research Center in Industrial Technologies CRTI, P.O.Box 64, Cheraga 16014 Algiers, Algeria
Islam Bougada Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Salah Eddine Letrache Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Yaaqoub Dib Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Ali Derradji Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Youssouf Bouffelgha Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria
Bilel Bakiri Department of Mechanical Engineering and Electromechanics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria

Keywords: Alkaline water electrolysis, COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, Hydrogen bubble, Simulation

Abstract

During this investigation, we utilized the COMSOL software to simulate the motion of a hydrogen bubble in water. The simulations were executed within COMSOL, employing a direct numerical solver and electrochemistry models. We carefully chose an appropriate method for capturing the interface to monitor the evolving surface of a growing bubble. Among the options—level set, phase field, and moving mesh interface capturing methods—the study concluded that the moving mesh framework is optimal for simulating bubble growth. Additionally, the study emphasizes that effectively harnessing hydrogen as a transitional energy indicator could pave the way for alternative solutions, particularly in light of diminishing petroleum reserves, assuming a proficient mastery of production technologies.