Modeling and optimal operation of reversible solid oxide cells considering heat recovery and mode switching dynamics in microgrids

Abstract

The reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC) is a promising technology for advancing energy decarbonization by enabling bidirectional conversion between electricity and hydrogen in a single device. However, previous studies have not fully explored the operational flexibility of rSOCs due to inadequate consideration of heat recovery potentials and dynamics of operating mode transitions. To address this research gap, this paper presents a model-based optimal operation method for managing multi-energy transactions in rSOC-based microgrids, aiming to minimize operation costs. The method incorporates detailed operational models of the rSOC, including a lumped thermal model to account for heat recovery capability and modeling of various operating modes and their transitions. Additionally, a linearization process is introduced to address nonlinear and implicit operational constraints, resulting in a computationally efficient mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for the operation model. Comparative case studies are conducted using modified energy portfolios of a Danish energy island. The results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively captures operating mode transitions within the rSOC and enhances its profitability via waste heat recovery. Notably, the rSOC model contributes to enhanced operational flexibility through heat recovery behaviors and a wider temperature range, resulting in substantial economic savings for the microgrid.