Bypassing renewable variability with a reversible solid oxide cell plant. (1st May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frank, Matthias; Deja, Robert; Peters, Roland; Blum, Ludger; Stolten, Detlef
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 217(2018)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2018-05-01
• Subjects: Renewable energy -- Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) -- Fuel cells -- Electrolysis -- Energy storage -- Hydrogen storage; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.02.115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Storage and reconversion of renewable energy in large capacities. 100% system fuel utilization in SOFC mode. Round trip efficiency up to 51% through internal heat recovery and compression effort reduction. Environmentally-friendly via pure hydrogen/steam operation. Innovative plant design with off-gas recirculation. Abstract: The primary problem renewable energy systems must overcome is that electricity cannot always be produced in accordance with demand. This is a major drawback compared to the on-demand power production capability that fossil fuels offer. New technologies can only compete, if a constant power supply is permanently guaranteed. This constitutes a critical benchmark that renewable energy technologies must meet, if they are to replace fossil fuels. Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) represent a promising approach to counteracting this issue. Here we show our developed rSOC plant which incorporates both the storage via electrolysis mode and the electricity production in the reverse, fuel cell mode. In order to achieve a high level of efficiency, the plant has been investigated and optimized with respect to internal waste heat recovery and compression. The final plant design shows an efficiency of up to 67.1% in fuel cell- and 76% in electrolysis mode and therefore a round trip efficiency of 51%.