High-Temperature Solid Oxide Electrochemical Systems for Hydrogen & Syngas Production
Abstract
The overarching objective of this proposal is to use results from both experimental investigations and high-fidelity, physics-basedmodeling to assist with the development and deployment of larger-scale, high-temperature solid oxide electrochemical technologies. The primary focus is on the electrochemical production of hydrogen and synthesis gas from renewably supplied electrical energy, H2O vapor, and CO2 from seawater capture processes. While much progress has been made in the last ten years, barriers to commercialization remain. Limited long-term durability, high capital costs, proven integrated system performance at scale, and large footprint/weight are key challenges to wide-spread deployment of solid oxide electrochemical cell (SOEC) technology in stationary and mobile applications. The proposed experimental and modeling research components are centered on the characterization and evaluation of advanced solid oxide electrolyzer technology and its potential for deployment in mobile, forward operating applications. High-fidelity modeling in the proposed work encompasses cell-level, stack, and process system engineering with downstream fuels synthesis processes, as well as model predictions of system-level methods to reduce cell degradation. Experimental work will characterize state-of-the-art pre-commercial and commercial cell and short-stack SOEC technology. The outcomes of this work will be to reduce knowledge gaps aroundthe critical challenges of degradation, system design and cost, and technology assessment related to deploying SOEC systems for either pure hydrogen or syngas production. The effort leverages unique cell, stack, and system-scale equipment infrastructure and research tools developed over many years at Mines. When coupled with bottom-up plant costing of stacks and balance-of-plant components, the resulting techno-economic analyses will strongly inform the outlook and paths to larger-scale systems that can meet the stringentrequirements of forward operating applications.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312636
Entities
People
- Robert E Braun
Organizations
- Colorado School of Mines
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy