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A real-time multiphysics model of a pressurized solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) for cyber-physical simulation

Journal Article · · Energy Conversion and Management
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States)
  2. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States); West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV (United States)
  3. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Albany, OR (United States)

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) can play important roles in integrated energy systems (IES) as the hydrogen production hub and the resilience energy hub. When tied to a microgrid with high renewable penetration, the SOEC is subjected to rapid load transitions in response to the intermittent renewable generations that occur not only in diurnal cycles but also in short timeframes (e.g., sub-minute). The cyber-physical simulation approach can derisk operability research but requires a real-time dynamic SOEC model. In the present work, a real-time multiphysics model for pressurized SOEC is developed and validated in the pressure range from 1.4 to 8bar. Further, the accuracy of the single repeating unit (SRU) assumption in SOEC stack simulation is quantified. A guidance of more than 45 cells in one SOEC stack is recommended to safely apply the SRU assumption. Modeling results suggest that at a given current density, more power is consumed by SOEC at elevated operating pressures. The anode air and cathode stream have major impacts on thermal management, highlighting the potential benefit of integrating SOEC with other thermal processes in IES. To achieve high hydrogen production efficiency, the SOEC could operate at the maximum endothermic point to maximize the use of thermal energy. The real-time execution of the developed SOEC model is also demonstrated, which only takes 0.1% of the fixed time step of 5ms. The developed model establishes the basis for cyber-physical simulation of SOEC hybrid systems.

Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM)
OSTI ID:
2461612
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2369980
Journal Information:
Energy Conversion and Management, Journal Name: Energy Conversion and Management Vol. 298; ISSN 0196-8904
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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  • Hughes, Dimitri; Wepfer, William J.; Davies, Kevin
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conference March 2012
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