High Temperature Electrolysis for Hydrogen or Syngas Production from Nuclear or Renewable Energy

Abstract

High temperature electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cell ( SOEC ) is a promising method for converting electrical energy into chemical energy. The high temperature electrolysis is advantageous compared with low temperature electrolysis owing to its high electricity‐to‐hydrogen efficiency, fast reaction rate, and relatively low cost. The working principles and thermodynamics of SOEC for H 2 O electrolysis and H 2 O / CO 2 co‐electrolysis are described. The typical materials used for SOEC are reviewed and technical challenges for SOEC durability are discussed. To further decrease the electrical energy consumption, fuel‐assisted SOEC is proposed and demonstrated to be feasible for syngas production at very low electrical energy consumption or even power generation. The planar cell and tubular cells are identified as promising designs for commercial SOEC applications. As SOEC requires both electrical energy and thermal energy input, the feasibility of integrating SOEC with nuclear power plant or renewable power plant for clean fuel production is discussed. Mathematical models at different levels contribute to understand the complex transport and reaction phenomena in SOECs and help optimize the SOEC systems. In the end, the challenges of SOEC and future developments are discussed. With further technological development, the SOEC could play an important role in future fuel processing, energy storage, and stabilizing the fluctuating renewable energy.

A Review on Synthesis of Methane as a Pathway for Renewable Energy Storage With a Focus on Solid Oxide Electrolytic Cell-Based Processes

“…SOECs can be fabricated in two different configurations, namely, planar and tubular (Shi et al, 2015), as shown in Figures 5A,B. Planar cells are in the form of square or rectangular flat plates or circular discs ( Figure 5A) that can be stacked on top of one another and interconnected in series with metallic or ceramic plates referred to as interconnects, which are electronic conductors in both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres.…”

Reaction Mechanism and Rate-Determining Step Speculation of Reversible CO/CO2Electrochemical Conversion on the Nickel Patterned Electrodes

“…RSOC can achieve seasonal energy storage, CO 2 emission reduction, and fast reaction kinetics. Abundant studies on SOFC in the atmosphere of CO/CO 2 can be found (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8), while the studies on SOEC (9)(10)(11) have just arisen recently due to its potential application for renewable energy and nuclear energy (12). Currently, the studies on the electrochemical conversion in the atmosphere of CO/CO 2 are mainly based on the porous electrode structure of the Ni-YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) (2,3,(9)(10)(11)13).…”

Techno-economic modeling and optimization of solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis systems

“…A high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) system requires heat and electricity as input, both ideally supplied by sustainable and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or biomass (Balat, 2009;Shi et al, 2015). HTE of water and CO 2 driven by renewable energies can potentially lead to the sustainable large-scale production of hydrogen and synthesis gas (a mixture of H 2 and CO).…”