Advanced Green Hydrogen Production
AEM electrolyzers are a key technology for advanced green hydrogen production. Climate change has imposed a new industrial revolution based on decarbonisation, where hydrogen is the natural substitute for fossil fuels. Current technologies for hydrogen production are over 100 years old and are no longer adequate for the needs of this new industrial revolution.
Arco Technologies has developed a new disruptive, alkaline polymer electrolyte technology called AEM that is much simpler and more efficient than current technologies.
This drastically reduces the cost of hydrogen as it does not heavily use precious metals such as platinum and iridium.
Arco will offer the market machines for the production of hydrogen in the range from 60 kW to several megawatts, as well as refueling stations for fleets of vehicles operating in closed loops such as light trucks and fork lifts.
AEM electrolyzers combine efficient electrochemical hydrogen production with a flexible system architecture suitable for different energy applications. The Arco AEM electrolyzer is designed to integrate hydrogen production, purification, power management and intelligent control within a single solution. This approach supports the use of renewable electricity and allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and hydrogen demand. AEM technology also offers a pathway toward scalable hydrogen production, making it suitable for industrial facilities, research applications and renewable energy systems.
Integrated System Architecture
The electrolyzer consists of two fully integrated sections:
- Process Section
The process section performs the hydrogen production cycle through a sequence of optimized operations:
* Water is converted into hydrogen and oxygen using AEM electrolysis technology.
* The generated gases are separated from the electrolyte solution.
* Hydrogen is purified and dried to achieve the required gas quality for storage or downstream applications.
For maximum operational safety, the complete hydrogen process is enclosed inside the cabinet within an ATEX Zone 2 classified area. This design minimizes installation requirements and avoids the need for external hazardous area zoning.
- Power & Control Section
A dedicated electrical compartment houses the power conversion and automation systems in a non-hazardous area.
The integrated power unit converts AC power from the electrical grid into the DC current required by the electrolysis stacks while continuously optimizing operating conditions for maximum efficiency.
The intelligent control system, based on an industrial PLC, manages:
* Electrolysis process
* Hydrogen production
* Compressor operation
* Fuel cell integration
* Auxiliary equipment
Continuous monitoring of process parameters ensures stable operation while maintaining optimal system performance.
Intelligent Automation
AEM electrolyzers are designed to operate continuously under varying load conditions, with intelligent automation supporting stable hydrogen production and efficient use of electrical power. Real-time monitoring and diagnostics help operators manage system performance, while automatic alarms and safety procedures contribute to reliable operation. This integrated control approach makes the Arco AEM electrolyzer suitable for industrial and renewable energy applications where flexibility, safety and operational continuity are essential.
The system includes:
* Automatic process regulation
* Real-time monitoring
* Continuous diagnostics
* Automatic alarm management
* Safe shutdown procedures
Independent process control and safety interlock circuits provide an additional layer of operational protection by automatically placing the system in a safe condition whenever abnormal operating conditions are detected.
This intelligent architecture enables AEM electrolyzers to respond dynamically to changing hydrogen demand while maintaining efficient, safe and reliable operation.
Industrial Connectivity
The electrolyzer can be integrated into existing industrial infrastructures through standard Industrial Ethernet communication protocols, including PROFINET and MODBUS TCP/IP.
Remote monitoring and control simplify maintenance activities, diagnostics, and system supervision, making the solution suitable for modern Industry 4.0 environments.
Key Benefits
* Compact integrated design
* Safe cabinet-based architecture
* ATEX Zone 2 process enclosure
* High-purity hydrogen production
* Intelligent PLC-based automation
* Continuous process monitoring
* Automatic safety management
* Industrial Ethernet connectivity
* Easy integration into industrial plants