Hydrogen/Oxygen Production by Solid Oxide Electrolysis

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have been considered and developed for hydrogen production at stationary distributed and central station sizes, syngas synthesis for industrial uses and oxygen generation/recovery for space applications. The all-solid-state construction and high operating temperature of the SOEC lead to several advantages for the technology, especially when compared with low-temperature electrolysis systems. This paper provides a brief overview of SOEC technology and discusses selected experimental results on hydrogen production and a system concept for oxygen recovery for spacecraft life support.