Progress in high-temperature electrolysis for hydrogen production using planar SOFC technology

Experimental and modeling activities were performed, addressing the performance of solid-oxide cells, operating in steam electrolysis mode for hydrogen production . Experimental results were obtained from a 10-cell planar solid-oxide electrolysis stack. The electrolysis cells are electrolyte-supported, with scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolytes (∼140μm thick), nickel–cermet steam/hydrogen electrodes, and manganite air-side electrodes. Interconnect plates were fabricated from ferritic stainless steel. Experiments were performed over a range of 800–900∘C steam inlet mole fractions (0.1–0.6), gas flow rates (1000–4000 sccm), and current densities (0–0.38A/cm2). Hydrogen production rates up to 90 Normal liters per hour were demonstrated. Stack performance is shown to be dependent on inlet steam flow rate. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was created. Measurements and CFD predictions of internal stack temperatures show a net cooling effect for operating voltages lower than thermal neutral, and a net heating effect at higher voltages. Model results compare favorably with experimental results obtained from the 10-cell stack.