Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) are considered a new potential technology for the production of hydrogen. Such device permits to achieve very high efficiencies keeping an power density higher than low temperature electrolysis. A promising application for SOE is in the energy field, where a high efficient hydrogen production offers a viable path for the use of hydrogen as energy storage. Studies on SOE are mainly focused on the material development [1,2] and on the operation potentialities in specific applications such as COelectrolysis [3], reversible RE-SOFC [4] or, in general on the integration of the component in a complete system [5]. One interesting aspect of SOE operation that has been poorly studied in literature is the role of air flow in the electrochemical performances and in the temperature equilibrium. In general Air is used as a sweep gas to collect oxygen from the anode side and avoid a oxidative atmosphere that can cause damage to the materials. An experimental campaign was designed to operate a SOE varying the anodic air flow in terms of quantity and quality. Results show that there is a minimum rate of flow that is required for a correct operation. Under such threshold value there is a fast degradation effect. In addition air flow can be used to control temperature equilibrium with a positive effect on performances and efficiency. The results were implemented at system level to evaluate improvements in the overall system.
Air flow study in SOE operation
L. Barelli;G. Bidini;and G. Cinti
2017
Abstract
Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) are considered a new potential technology for the production of hydrogen. Such device permits to achieve very high efficiencies keeping an power density higher than low temperature electrolysis. A promising application for SOE is in the energy field, where a high efficient hydrogen production offers a viable path for the use of hydrogen as energy storage. Studies on SOE are mainly focused on the material development [1,2] and on the operation potentialities in specific applications such as COelectrolysis [3], reversible RE-SOFC [4] or, in general on the integration of the component in a complete system [5]. One interesting aspect of SOE operation that has been poorly studied in literature is the role of air flow in the electrochemical performances and in the temperature equilibrium. In general Air is used as a sweep gas to collect oxygen from the anode side and avoid a oxidative atmosphere that can cause damage to the materials. An experimental campaign was designed to operate a SOE varying the anodic air flow in terms of quantity and quality. Results show that there is a minimum rate of flow that is required for a correct operation. Under such threshold value there is a fast degradation effect. In addition air flow can be used to control temperature equilibrium with a positive effect on performances and efficiency. The results were implemented at system level to evaluate improvements in the overall system.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
