A Thermodynamic Analysis of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC)

Krimmel, Samuel; Kochling, Alexander; Davis, Stephen

Student Work

A Thermodynamic Analysis of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC)

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Fuel cell systems are a crucial technology in the future energy market. With the renewable energy sector growing, there is a significant need for reversible energy storage and alternative sources of continuous power. Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (R-SOCs) are of particular interest due to their ability to electrochemically convert chemical energy to electrical energy and vice versa with no carbon or other particulate emissions. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) mathematical models are developed and analyzed in this study. Additionally, SOFCs and SOECs are modeled using the process simulation software packages Aspen Plus and IDAES, so the processes can be combined to analyze an R-SOC cycle. The mathematical models found that SOEC performance improves with increasing temperature by lowering the voltage and slightly increasing the voltage efficiency. The Aspen Plus simulation determined a similar relationship between voltage and temperature. Therefore, an operating temperature of around 1173K is suggested for SOECs with the current setting. During operation, lower current densities, activation energies, and cell resistance is suggested. For SOFC mode, increasing partial pressure of H2O relative to H2 and decreasing partial pressure of O2 will improve performance. For SOEC mode, increasing the partial pressure of H2 relative to H2O and increasing the partial pressure of O2 will improve performance.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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