# Cascade Proportional–Integral Control Design and Affordable Instrumentation System for Enhanced Performance of Electrolytic Dry Cells

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost system to improve hydrogen gas production in electrolyzers using a calibrated flow meter and a new control method.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel cascade control method and a cost-effective calibration approach for hydrogen-rich gas flow measurement.

## Key findings

- The cascade control method achieved stable operation with minimal errors in gas flow rates.
- The system improves measurement accuracy while maintaining low costs for laboratory-scale hydrogen production.

## Abstract

In this paper, we present a cost-effective system for monitoring and controlling alkaline electrolyzers, intending to improve hydrogen gas production on a laboratory scale. Our work includes two main innovations. Firstly, we suggest an approach to calibrate a standard air flow meter to accurately measure the flow of hydrogen-rich gas from electrolyzers, improving measurement accuracy while keeping costs low. Secondly, we introduce a unique cascade control method to manage hydrogen-rich gas production in the electrolyzer, ensuring precise control over gas flow rates. By combining affordable, energy-efficient devices with a PI control system, we achieve efficient gas production through electrolysis, replacing manual control approaches. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of our cascade control method, demonstrating stable operation with minimal errors. These results provide a foundation for further research into control strategies to enhance the performance of electrolytic cells.