Development of a 10/40kW-Class Reversible Solid Oxide Cell System at Forschungszentrum Jülich

Abstract

In 2018, a 5/15 kW reversible solid oxide cell system was developed and successfully operated. Based on these positive outcomes, a larger system in the power class of 10/40 kW was planned, with the well-established “Integrated Module” constituting a core element. This module consists of four 20-layer sub-stacks, two heat exchangers, and five heating plates. The basic structure was retained as per the previous system and the surrounding balance of plant components were adjusted in accordance with the higher power level. This adaptation is outlined using the example of an air heat exchanger. A possible efficiency optimization in electrolysis mode via a highly efficient steam generation process is also described and substantiated by experimental results.