Performance Evaluation of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells at Versa Power Systems

Abstract

Planar-type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) developed at Versa Power Systems (VPS) demonstrate high performance, low degradation rates and are well-positioned to meet commercial targets. These cells also perform well when operating reversibly in electrolysis mode for hydrogen production, and remarkable current densities in excess of 6 A/cm2 have been achieved at 800°C with a cell voltage of < 1.67 V. In the present study the effect of operating conditions on degradation rate were investigated, including temperature, current density and steam utilization. The evolution of V - J performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy after long-term testing at constant current density is presented and degradation effects analyzed.