Configuration design and performance optimum analysis of a solar-driven high temperature steam electrolysis system for hydrogen production

A new solar-driven high temperature steam electrolysis system for hydrogen production is presented, in which the main energy consumption processes such as steam electrolysis processes, heat transfer processes, and product compression processes are included. The detailed thermodynamic-electrochemical modeling of the solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOSE) is carried out, and consequently, the electrical and thermal energy required by every energy consumption process are determined. The efficiency of the system is derived, from which the effects of some of the important parameters such as the operating temperature, component thickness of the SOSE, leakage resistance, effectiveness of heat exchangers, and inlet rate of water on the performance of the system are discussed. It is found that the efficiency attains its maximum when a proper current density is chosen. The ratio of the required electric energy to the total energy input of the system is calculated, and consequently, the problem how to rationally operate the solar concentrating beam splitting device is investigated. The results obtained will be helpful for further understanding the optimal design and performance improvement of a practical solar-driven high temperature steam electrolysis system for hydrogen production.

► A new solar-driven high temperature steam electrolysis system is proposed.
► Irreversible losses resulting from every process are considered.
► Energy required by every energy consumption process are calculated.
► Effects of main parameters on the efficiency of the system are discussed.
► How to rationally operate solar concentrating beam splitting devices is investigated.