Reversible solid-oxide cell stack based power-to-x-to-power systems: Comparison of thermodynamic performance

Wang, Ligang; Zhang, Yumeng; Pérez–Fortes, Mar; Aubin, Philippe; Lin, Tzu En; Yang, Yongping; herle, Jan Van

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115330

Cited by 59 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…According to energy balance calculations by Blum et al [52], planar SOFCs operating on methane exhibit 63% electrical efficiency with at least 80% fuel utilization because of internal reforming, which further increases to 90% in case of anode off-gas recycling. Another recent study on ammonia-fueled rSOC shows a power-to-NH 3 efficiency of 66% and NH 3 -to-power efficiency of 58.2% at current densities of 0.7 and 0.4 A cm −2 , respectively [49].…”

Section: Electrolysis Modementioning

confidence: 93%

“…The as-produced syngas can be either stored and utilized as a fuel when the SOC is operated under the fuel cell mode for electricity generation, or else it can be used to produce methane through methanation reaction (Equation ( 7)) or other liquid fuels (methanol and hydrocarbons) through Fischer Tropsch synthesis. In fact, steam electrolysis in SOC (Equation (3i)) can be integrated with a Haber Bosch reactor for ammonia synthesis (Equation ( 8)), which can be either transported as a chemical or stored onboard as a hydrogen carrier to generate electricity when the SOC is operated reversibly [48,49]. Ammonia as an energy vector has gained much attention in recent years since it provides a carbon-free economy [50,51].…”

Section: Electrolysis Modementioning

confidence: 99%

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A Theoretical Study on Reversible Solid Oxide Cells as Key Enablers of Cyclic Conversion between Electrical Energy and Fuel

et al. 2021

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Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) enable the efficient cyclic conversion between electrical and chemical energy in the form of fuels and chemicals, thereby providing a pathway for long-term and high-capacity energy storage. Amongst the different fuels under investigation, hydrogen, methane, and ammonia have gained immense attention as carbon-neutral energy vectors. Here we have compared the energy efficiency and the energy demand of rSOC based on these three fuels. In the fuel cell mode of operation (energy generation), two different routes have been considered for both methane and ammonia; Routes 1 and 2 involve internal reforming (in the case of methane) or cracking (in the case of ammonia) and external reforming or cracking, respectively. The use of hydrogen as fuel provides the highest round-trip efficiency (62.1%) followed by methane by Route 1 (43.4%), ammonia by Route 2 (41.1%), methane by Route 2 (40.4%), and ammonia by Route 1 (39.2%). The lower efficiency of internal ammonia cracking as opposed to its external counterpart can be attributed to the insufficient catalytic activity and stability of the state-of-the-art fuel electrode materials, which is a major hindrance to the scale-up of this technology. A preliminary cost estimate showed that the price of hydrogen, methane and ammonia produced in SOEC mode would be ~1.91, 3.63, and 0.48 $/kg, respectively. In SOFC mode, the cost of electricity generation using hydrogen, internally reformed methane, and internally cracked ammonia would be ~52.34, 46.30, and 47.11 $/MWh, respectively.

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Section: Electrolysis Modementioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Electrolysis Modementioning

confidence: 99%

A Theoretical Study on Reversible Solid Oxide Cells as Key Enablers of Cyclic Conversion between Electrical Energy and Fuel

et al. 2021

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“…Focusing on specific cell performance, rSOCs are usually evaluated in terms of roundtrip energy efficiency, η rSOC, defined as the ratio between the energy obtained in fuel cell operation and the energetic consumption during electrolysis (Equation ( 6)) [44]:…”

Section: Performance Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

Bianchi¹,

Bosio²

2021

Sustainability

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The continuous increase of energy demand with the subsequent huge fossil fuel consumption is provoking dramatic environmental consequences. The main challenge of this century is to develop and promote alternative, more eco-friendly energy production routes. In this framework, Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) are a quite attractive technology which could satisfy the users’ energy request working in reversible operation. Two operating modes are alternated: from “Gas to Power”, when SOCs work as fuel cells fed with hydrogen-rich mixture to provide both electricity and heat, to “Power to Gas”, when SOCs work as electrolysers and energy is supplied to produce hydrogen. If solid oxide fuel cells are an already mature technology with several stationary and mobile applications, the use of solid oxide electrolyser cells and even more reversible cells are still under investigation due to their insufficient lifetime. Aiming at providing a better understanding of this new technological approach, the study presents a detailed description of cell operation in terms of electrochemical behaviour and possible degradation, highlighting which are the most commonly used performance indicators. A thermodynamic analysis of system efficiency is proposed, followed by a comparison with other available electrochemical devices in order to underline specific solid oxide cell advantages and limitations.

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“…rSOC stacks accept a wide range of fuels (H 2 , light hydrocarbons, NH 3 ). However, most importantly, they can be coupled to industrial processes and chemical reactors for synthetic fuel production [16,17], with significant benefits in terms of heat integration thanks to high-temperature operation. The maturity and TRL level of such systems took giant leaps forward in the last 15 years, and the technology is approaching maturity, both at stack and system level [18].…”

Section: Innovative System: Coupling Energy Storage and Water Desalination By Rsocsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How to Power the Energy–Water Nexus: Coupling Desalination and Hydrogen Energy Storage in Mini-Grids with Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

et al. 2020

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Sustainable Development Goals establish the main challenges humankind is called to tackle to assure equal comfort of living worldwide. Among these, the access to affordable renewable energy and clean water are overriding, especially in the context of developing economies. Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOC) are a pivotal technology for their sector-coupling potential. This paper aims at studying the implementation of such a technology in new concept PV-hybrid energy storage mini-grids with close access to seawater. In such assets, rSOCs have a double useful effect: charge/discharge of the bulk energy storage combined with seawater desalination. Based on the outcomes of an experimental proof-of-concept on a single cell operated with salty water, the operation of the novel mini-grid is simulated throughout a solar year. Simulation results identify the fittest mini-grid configuration in order to achieve energy and environmental optimization, hence scoring a renewable penetration of more than 95%, marginal CO2 emissions (13 g/kWh), and almost complete coverage of load demand. Sector-coupling co-production rate (desalinated water versus electricity issued from the rSOC) is 0.29 L/kWh.

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Reversible solid-oxide cell stack based power-to-x-to-power systems: Comparison of thermodynamic performance

Cited by 59 publications

References 34 publications

A Theoretical Study on Reversible Solid Oxide Cells as Key Enablers of Cyclic Conversion between Electrical Energy and Fuel

A Theoretical Study on Reversible Solid Oxide Cells as Key Enablers of Cyclic Conversion between Electrical Energy and Fuel

Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

How to Power the Energy–Water Nexus: Coupling Desalination and Hydrogen Energy Storage in Mini-Grids with Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

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