Development of reversible solid oxide fuel cell for power generation and hydrogen production

Abstract

A reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) provides the dual function of performing energy storage and power generation, all in one unit. When functioning as an energy storage device, the RSOFC acts like an electrolyzer in water electrolysis mode; whereby the electric energy is stored as (electrolyzed) hydrogen and oxygen gases. While hydrogen is useful as a transportation fuel and in other industrial applications, the RSOFC also acts as a fuel cell in power generation mode to produce electricity when needed. The RSOFC would be a competitive technology in the upcoming hydrogen economy on the basis of its low cost, simple structure, and high efficiency. This paper reports on the design and manufacturing of its membrane electrode assembly using commercially available materials. Also reported are the resulting performance, both in electrolysis and fuel cell modes, as a function of its operating parameters such as temperature and current density. We found that the RSOFC performance improved with increasing temperature and its fuel cell mode had a better performance than its electrolysis mode due to a limited humidity inlet causing concentration polarization.