GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEL) operating at 650-850°C, can be improved with pressurised operation. Additional efforts should focus on system integration and on defining optimal boundary operations for dedicated user cases in order to maximise the efficiency of the integrated scenarios (e.g. taking into account thermal integration and possible side stream products). 

Proposals should focus on system and stack design, as well as fabrication, assembly and testing of stack in the conditions suitable for the relevant business cases as follows:

• System design should be defined based on optimal integration of SOEL in selected application(s) taking into account the operating limits of the SOEL;
• A techno-economic evaluation of the SOEL integrated in given application(s) will provide Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) of the pressurised SOEL system taking into account economy of scale and will be used to evaluate the impacts of the various modes of operation (e.g. atmospheric SOEL + pressurisation afterwards, pressurised SOEL, and combination of modes). The proposals will furthermore aim at reaching the capital costs below 2,000 €/(kg/d). The project should also compare the efficiency gains between pressurised electrolyser and unpressurised with compressor for various system sizes;
• Stack designed for high current density (SOEL: 0.85 A/cm²) should be successfully operated over one long term test of at least 2,000 hours and 4,000 hours of aggregated testing time in relevant pressurised operating conditions at a minimum of 5 bar and conforming to the envisaged use case;
• Degradation mechanisms and boundary operation of the stack and its components should be identified with respect to pressure, temperature, load, in stationary and transient conditions;
• Modelling should be used to support the development of cells and/or stacks.
• The stack(s) should be tested at scale of minimum 10 kW; the considered pressure will be selected in relation to the targeted use case (s) to minimise energy loss;
• The stack should be operated in representative conditions to evaluate its, as well as its durability during a 2,000 hours long term test. This should include some pressurisation/depressurisation cycles;

The applicants should provide thorough analysis of safety aspects, such as safety shut-off, and focus on establishing smooth operation modes including pressurisation and depressurisation.