Improved SOEC durability using Dynamic Electrothermal balanced Operation

Abstract:
With the dwindling fossil reserves and unclean burning of petroleum products it has become imperative to develop clean and green technologies for fuel. Utilizing nature’s resources such as wind, sun, and water the road to shift towards sustainable technology for power is underway. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are one technology that can convert power from natural resources to clean fuels and chemicals and has gained much attention. However, the limitations with continuous operation of SOECs on large scale for longer time periods is hindering the widespread applicability of this technology. This research focuses on contributing to overcome the challenges associated with long term operation such as degradation of SOECs and economics of the system. A novel operation method of SOECs by the name AC:DC (Alternating current : Direct current) is coupled with high pressure operation of SOECs to address the problems associated with degradation and economics. AC:DC operation has been reported to contribute towards reduction of degradation phenomenon by maintaining a thermal balance during operation of SOECs. High pressure operation has been reported to be useful for the overall economics of the system as it produces pressurized fuel output stream that cuts down on capital expenses of the whole system. A high pressure SOEC setup has been established in the lab. By changing different process parameters such as temperature, pressure, current density and frequency of AC:DC the high pressure operation will be optimized. Predictions will be made for long term operation through computer models, and these will be validated against experimental data. Degradation mechanisms during the operation will be quantified and modelled using computer simulations and finally a tecno-economic analysis of the combined operation will be produced.

Funding: CAPeX