Abstract
Solid oxide electrolyser (SOE) technology can become a key player in energy systems, with increasing shares of electricity from fluctuating sources such as wind and solar, contributing to power grid balance and energy storage as well as providing green fuels for transportation. Most mature SOE configurations are electrolyte supported or fuel electrode supported. Metal supported SOE cell configurations are an interesting concept for decreasing costs and increasing robustness. The present study compares fuel electrode supported and metal supported cells in terms of performance and durability under SOE conditions. Special emphasis was on medium temperature operating conditions of 650 °C. Metal supported cells, fabricated using ceramic processing methods, showed a better performance compared to state-of-the-art (SoA) cells with Ni/YSZ fuel electrode supported configuration, fabricated by tape casting and screen printing, under steam electrolysis conditions at 700 and 650 °C. The area specific cell resistance (ASR) was lower by ca. 20% for the metal supported cell in 50% H2O in H2 vs. air at 650 °C. Furthermore, the metal supported cells showed a stable performance—even a slight activation—during long-term steam electrolysis tests over 500 h at 650 °C and −0.25 and −0.5 A/cm2, while the SoA reference cell degraded with 13%/1000 h under the same conditions.
Highlights
The reduction and removal of fossil fuels in the energy and transport sector is a common ambition, seconded by specific targets in several parts of the world
Metal supported cells, fabricated using ceramic processing methods, showed a better performance compared to state-of-the-art (SoA) cells with Ni/YSZ fuel electrode supported configuration, fabricated by tape casting and screen printing, under steam electrolysis conditions at 700 and 650 ◦ C
Solid oxide electrolysers (SOE) have reached a matureness allowing for demonstration and field-testing, based on electrolyte, fuel electrode, and metal supported cell configurations, as presented by major technology providers (e.g., [1–5])
Summary
The reduction and removal of fossil fuels in the energy and transport sector is a common ambition, seconded by specific targets in several parts of the world. Such ambitious goals require establishment and extension of sustainable technologies for energy production, storage, and distribution with greatly reduced emissions and by using renewable energy sources. In this context, shares of electricity production from wind and solar are increasing. High temperature (solid oxide) electrolysis excels with high efficiencies and the ability of flexible operating modes to convert electricity into storage media such as hydrogen and high energy density transportation fuels. Solid oxide electrolysers (SOE) have reached a matureness allowing for demonstration and field-testing, based on electrolyte, fuel electrode, and metal supported cell configurations, as presented by major technology providers (e.g., [1–5])
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