Calculating Electical Energy Needed for Water Electrolysis at Sea Level

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SUMMARY

The electrical energy required to separate 1 liter of water into hydrogen and oxygen at sea level is determined by the electrolysis process. The key equation is work = current * voltage * time, which outlines the relationship between these variables. The chemical equation for hydrogen electrolysis provides the theoretical minimum energy needed, although real-world applications must account for inefficiencies not covered by this equation. Bond energies can be sourced online for precise calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolysis and its chemical equations
  • Familiarity with electrical concepts such as current, voltage, and time
  • Knowledge of bond energies and their significance in chemical reactions
  • Basic proficiency in using online resources for scientific data
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical equation for hydrogen electrolysis
  • Learn about bond energies and their calculations
  • Explore the impact of inefficiencies in electrolysis systems
  • Investigate different methods to optimize electrolysis for energy efficiency
USEFUL FOR

Students, researchers, and engineers interested in renewable energy, specifically those focusing on hydrogen production through electrolysis.

avowles
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My question is: how much elctrical energy is required to separate 1 liter of water into hydrogen & Oxygen at sea leavel? I would like to see the method (equations) explained.

Thank you,
A Vowles
 
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work = current * voltage * time
 
The first equation I'd use is the chemical equation for hydrogen electrolysis. The energy in it is the lower bound of what is required (it doesn't include any source of inefficiency). The bond energies are available via google.
 

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