A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing
system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to
produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the
electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode
of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a
second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to
increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods
when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup
of the electrolyzer.