Optimally Splitting Solar Spectrums by Concentrating Solar Spectrums Splitter for Hydrogen Production via Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

Abstract

The concentrating solar spectrums splitter (CSSS)-driven solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is an attractive technology for green hydrogen production. The CSSS mainly comprises a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV), which converts sunlight with shorter wavelengths into electricity, and a concentrating solar collector (CSC), which converts the remaining sunlight into heat. However, the optimal splitting of the solar spectrums is a critical challenge that directly impacts the efficiency and normal operation of the SOEC. To address this challenge, a mathematical model integrating the CSSS with the SOEC is developed based on principles from thermodynamics and electrochemistry. By analyzing the requirements of electricity and heat for the SOEC, the model determines the optimal configuration and operational parameters. The results show that the anode-supported type, higher operating temperature, larger inlet flow rate of water, higher operating pressure of the SOEC, higher operating temperature of the CSC, and larger electric current of the CPV contribute to allocating more solar spectrums to the CSC for heat generation. However, the greater effectiveness of the heat exchangers, higher operating temperature, and larger optical concentration ratio of the CPV exhibit contrasting effects on the spectrum allocation. The obtained results provide valuable theoretical guidance for designing and running the CSSS for hydrogen production through SOEC.