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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

An all-oxide electrolysis cells for syngas production with tunable H 2 /CO yield via co-electrolysis of H 2 O and CO 2

High-rate production of syngas with tunable H 2 /CO and coke-free operation is achieved in a solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC). Prior to operation, controlled pre-reduction of La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Fe 0.9 Ni 0.1 O 3-δ (LSFNi) cathode is used to trigger the in-situ exsolution of Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles with an average size of ~45 nm uniformly distributed and socketed on LSFNi backbone, enabling efficient co-electrolysis of H 2 O and CO 2 to H 2 and CO. At 1.5 V, the current density reaches ~1.0 A cm-2 at 750 °C and ~2.4 A cm -2 at 850 °C with near 100% Faradaic Efficiency. We demonstrate the feasibility of tuning the output H 2 /CO ratio by nearly two orders of magnitude (from ~0.1 to ~7) by manipulating H 2 O/CO 2 ratio of feed gas, operating temperature, and current density. Finally, stable operation for >100 h is obtained without evidence of carbon deposition, although high current density operation leads to observable deterioration of anode/electrolyte interface due to the rapid oxygen evolution.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultra-high efficiency hydrogen production using a large-scale solid oxide electrolysis cell system

Efficient and cost-effective production of clean hydrogen is key to decarbonizing the production of hard-to-abate industries, such as chemicals, fuels, steel, cement and many other commodities that form the basis of modern societies. High-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) has recently become commercially available and offers opportunities for producing hydrogen at higher efficiency and lower cost than competing low temperature technologies. In this work, we report world record setting hydrogen production efficiency from large-scale prototype HTSE systems based on solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology. Independent tests performed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) employed a Bloom Energy 100 kW SOEC system to achieve a hydrogen production direct current specific electric energy consumption as low as 36.7 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen. Remarkably, similar high efficiencies in the range of 36–39 kW/kg-H2 were obtained over a wide range of hydrogen production rates and even during dynamic ramping as the hydrogen production and electric power consumption of the system were varied between 20 % and 100 % of nominal conditions. Furthermore, these test results validate previous projections that commercial SOEC systems can produce clean hydrogen at efficiencies approaching 100 % for less than 2 U S. dollars per kilogram when located near sources of inexpensive, low-grade heat and clean electricity.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance Validation of a Thermally Integrated 50 kW High Temperature Electrolyzer System

In the proposed project, INL and OxEon seek to improve the value proposition of hydrogen production by integrating reversible fuel cell operations at relatively small scale for distributed energy applications. This goal will be accomplished by converting a 50 kW solid oxide electrolysis cell or SOEC system into a reversible system that operates at 30 kW in electrolysis mode and approximately 10 kW in fuel cell mode. The reversible SOC system will be operated for over 3,000 hours using an improved catalyst in the fuel electrode. Steam for the electrolysis will come from an electric boiler Thermal Energy Distribution System that will be configured to mimic an industrial source of low-grade heat. Thermodynamic analysis will be performed to demonstrate the potential of the system to achieve >85% system efficiency in electrolysis mode. Finally, a technoeconomic analysis will be completed to show potential to produce hydrogen at a cost of $2/kg. The figure at the right indicates a target cost breakdown to achieve that goal.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Life cycle analysis of a hydrogen production system based on solid oxide electrolysis cells integrated with different energy and wastewater sources

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a promising and evolving technology. The solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is one of the several technologies for this purpose. They are alternatives to the traditional hydrogen production from fossil fuels to enhance global energy decarbonization. However, in the bid for sustainability and a green economy, these technologies are not free from causing some environmental burdens. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), the greenhouse gas emission and degree of environmental impacts by these technologies can be identified and measured throughout their lifespan. This study addresses how to quantify these CO 2 emission impacts for an electrolytic system with different energy sources. The LCA of a novel integrated hydrogen production SOEC system with energy from solar photovoltaic and bituminous powerplant is performed using simaPro, the leading global LCA solution software. Measuring the environmental impact of the electrolytic operation in terms of weight, the bituminous powerplant poses damage which is, on average 700% more than solar PV. The thermal-to-hydrogen efficiency of the SOEC system is 56%, and a probable 28% reduction in carbon footprint with heat integration. The steam generation and the manufacturing of the SOEC have a very high environmental impact potential on the system. Here, we recommend LCA and net energy analysis is carried out for every new hydrogen technology and adequate comparison to enhance sustainable and green economy.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Achieving American Leadership in the Hydrogen Supply Chain Factsheet

Hydrogen has been identified as a key energy option to enable full decarbonization of the energy system. A secure, resilient supply chain will be critical to achieving emissions reductions and capturing the economic opportunity inherent in the energy sector transition. Electrolyzers and fuel cells are two critical components of the hydrogen supply chain that today are largely nascent industries with limited data on supply chain needs and constraints. This fact sheet summarizes findings from an accompanying report that is one in a series of deep dive assessments of the energy industrial base called for in Executive Order 14017 on America’s supply chains. The report identifies key considerations for the development of water electrolyzer and fuel cell supply chains and materials, focusing on polymer electrolyte and solid oxide technologies, to meet future demand for hydrogen produced by electrolysis and achieve U.S. decarbonization goals.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-House Developed Multiphysics Simulation for the Performance of Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs)

Reversible solid oxide cells(rSOCs) are an enabling energy storage/production technology for a dynamic grid environment. Reversible operation requires strong working knowledge of fuel cell (SOFC) and electrolyzer (SOEC). Performance degradation of SOECs has been observed; however, the details of physical processes related to the performance degradation remain unknown. Multiphysics simulations were performed to investigate the performance degradation of solid oxide electrolysis cells under various working conditions.

Yang, Tao↗
DOE OSTI2022

CO 2 to Fuels Through Novel Electrochemical Catalysis (Final Report)

Electrochemical upgrading of CO 2 into hydrocarbon fuels via CO 2 –H 2 O co-electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) presents an encouraging approach to cost-effective storage of renewable power. In this study, we harness the unique property of protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCEC) and demonstrate direct electro-catalytic production of CH 4 from CO 2 –H 2 O in a unit-cell stack configuration. The unit-cell stack was developed to evaluate the scalability and the applicability of PCECs from a broader system-level viewpoint. Tradeoffs between operating conditions and performance metrics were explored and thoroughly characterized. An exceptional CH 4 -yield ratio of 34.6% from only CO 2 –H 2 O reactants was achieved under an electrolysis current of 1 A cm –2 at 450 °C. With exhaust-H 2 recycle, this value was boosted to greater than 70%. In addition, the electrochemical co-conversion of CO 2 –H 2 O offers a higher CH 4 -yield ratio compared to traditional thermo-catalytic conversion of CO 2 –H 2 under certain operating conditions, indicating possible electrochemical promotion of catalytic CO 2 methanation. The demonstrated good performance is a promising result for further scale-up and for the practical utilization of electrochemical CO 2 upgrade using PCECs. Techno-economic analyses reveal operating conditions that yield cost-competitive levelized cost of fuel production.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Techno-Economic Analysis of Synthetic Fuels Pathways Integrated with Light Water Reactors

The purpose of this work is to identify, model, perform techno-economic analysis, and compare two possible synfuel production routes utilizing CO 2 as the feedstock. Heat from an LWR nuclear plant is integrated wherever possible to positively affect the economics of the LWR by converting power to fuels during times of low grid electricity demand. Process and economic modeling for a conceptual synfuel production plant co-located (or in near proximity) with an LWR is presented, including the cost of CO 2 captured from an ethanol plant, compressed, and transported to the LWR hybrid plant, co-electrolysis of the CO 2 with water in a solid oxide electrolyzing cell (SOEC) system to produce syngas, and thermocatalytic conversion of the syngas to transportation fuel. The hybrid LWR/synfuels plant is assumed to be located within 50–150 miles of an ethanol plant (e.g., located in the midwest region of the United States). Performance and nth-plant economics for the co-electrolysis-based processes are evaluated and compared with biomass-gasification-based technology for the synfuel routes considered. Sensitivity analysis around the price of CO 2 and electricity, two of the major cost drivers, is presented for each case. Consideration of a carbon credit is also included in the sensitivity analysis.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dynamic operation and reaction network coupling in solid oxide electrochemical reactors

Solid oxide cells have traditionally been confined to operation as standalone electrolyzers or fuel cells, with research predominantly focused on materials performance. Here, this Comment highlights opportunities to leverage integrated faradaic and non-faradaic reactions alongside dynamic operation in these electrochemical membrane reactors to maximize energy utilization and expand product scope.

Cho, Yoon Jin [University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, ↗
DOE OSTI2025

High Efficiency Reversible Solid Oxide System (Final Technical Report)

This report was generated based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, H2@Scale Initiative, Award Number DE-EE0008847. In this project, FuelCell Energy studied the design and performance of a system rated for 15kWe Charge/3 kWe Discharge energy storage system based on reversible solid-oxide technology.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Voltage cycling as a dynamic operation mode for high temperature electrolysis solid oxide cells

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) have emerged as a promising technology for the efficient production of H2 via high-temperature electrolysis. However, power input from dynamic energy sources remains a significant challenge for their long-term stability. It is important to analyze the tolerance of cells under dynamic operation conditions. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of voltage cycling on the performance and durability of electrode-supported SOECs. We explore the operational limits and degradation mechanisms of SOECs subjected to various voltage conditions and find that the cells have high tolerance for dynamic voltage. Voltage cycling between 1.3 V and 1.5 V for 9000 cycles does not damage the cell. Conversely, cycling to higher voltages (≥1.7 V) results in accelerated degradation. Advanced characterization is used to screen for various degradation modes post operation. Within the oxygen electrode, XRD and STEM EDS find compositional and phase evolution in all voltage cycled samples including increased decomposition of the air electrode resulting in cation migration. Microstructural analysis of the fuel electrode from nano-CT data shows minimal change throughout the sample set and no evidence of Ni migration, indicating the fuel electrode is stable and not impacted by cycling to higher voltages within the timeframe studied.

Zhu, Zhikuan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toward a Better Understanding of Ni Coarsening in Solid Oxide Cells: NiH on Ni (111) Examined Using a Combined Theoretical Approach

The coarsening of the Ni particles in the hydrogen electrode of solid oxide cells (SOCs) is an important degradation mechanism. Here, in this paper, density-functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo methods are used to explore our recent hypothesis that the surface diffusion of NiH may cause faster Ni coarsening in electrolysis cell mode under an overpotential. Using both methods, the diffusion constant or diffusivity of NiH on Ni (111) is determined as the product of the surface coverage and single-molecule diffusivity for the first time considering all possible diffusion paths. It is then determined versus overpotential at the triple-phase boundary of the hydrogen electrode assuming a typical operating temperature of the SOC. Under a significant overpotential, the diffusivity of NiH is found to be sufficiently large to support the above hypothesis that NiH may promote Ni coarsening. However, based on the adsorption configurations identified, the dissociation and reformation of NiH on Ni (111) could occur. Thus, more work is needed to develop a model of Ni coarsening considering both molecular and dissociated forms of NiH.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dual 3D Ceramic Textile Electrodes: Fast Kinetics for Carbon Oxidation Reaction and Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Direct Carbon Fuel Cells at Reduced Temperatures

Abstract Direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs) are an efficient energy‐conversion technology capable of generating electricity with carbon‐dioxide‐capture chemistry with solid carbon as fuels. The efficiency and performance of DCFCs depend on the kinetics of the carbon oxidation reactions (COR) and the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), each occurring at anode and cathode, respectively. The limited active sites paired with reduced temperatures greatly decrease the efficiency of the electrochemical reactions. Ultraporous dual‐3D ceramic textiles (dual‐3DCT) are integrated into electrolyte‐supported DCFCs to enhance charge and mass transfer at the electrodes. Improved COR at the anode is achieved by the synergy between the 3DCT NiO–Ce 0.8 Gd 0.2 O 1.95 (GDC) structure and optimal carbon fuel choice. In a comparative study, DCFCs using graphitic carbon (GC) as fuel show the best COR performance when compared to DCFCs utilizing alternative fuels such as carbon black (CB) and activated carbon (AC). The 3DCT Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3‐δ –GDC (SSC–GDC) composite cathode shows electrochemical performance superior to that of the conventional screen‐printed SSC–GDC. A peak power density of 392 mW cm −2 at 600 °C is obtained in a DCFC using the 3DCT‐anode/electrolyte/3DCT‐cathode configuration, an unprecedented value for any reported DCFC as of yet. This points toward promising applications of dual‐3DCT electrodes for reduced‐temperature DCFCs.

Bian, Wenjuan↗
DOE OSTI2020

Techno-Economic Analysis of Synthetic Fuels Pathways Integrated with Light Water Reactors

The purpose of this work is to identify, model, and compare two possible synfuel production routes utilizing CO 2 as the feedstock. Heat from an LWR nuclear plant is integrated wherever possible as a means to positively affect the economics of the LWR. Process and economic modeling for a conceptual synfuel production plant co-located (or in near proximity) with an LWR is presented, including the cost of CO 2 captured from an ethanol plant, compressed, and transported to the LWR hybrid plant, co-electrolysis of the CO 2 with water in a solid oxide electrolyzing cell (SOEC) system to produce syngas, and thermo-catalytic conversion of the syngas to transportation fuel. The hybrid LWR/synfuels plant is assumed to be located within 50-150 miles of an ethanol plant, e.g., located in the Midwest region of the United States. Performance and nth plant economics for the co-electrolysis-based processes are evaluated and compared with biomass-gasification-based technology for the synfuel routes considered. Sensitivity analysis around the price of CO 2 and electricity, two of the major cost drivers, is presented for each case. Consideration of a carbon credit is also included in the sensitivity analysis.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Multifunctional Isostructural Bilayer Oxygen Evolution Electrode for Durable Intermediate-Temperature Electrochemical Water Splitting

The overarching goal of the proposed research is to address SOEC’s degradation problem by advancing a new isostructural highly electrocatalytically active bilayer oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode, consisting of a LSCF (La 1-x Sr x Co 1-y Fe y O 3-δ ) core and a SCT (SrCo 0.9 Ta 0.1 O 3-δ ) shell, to achieve high and sustainable rate of oxygen evolution matching operating current densities without encountering delamination. To realize this goal, the project has adopted a combined experimental and theoretical approach to conduct research in the following six areas closely associated with SOPO tasks: 1) Development of electrocatalytically active bilayer oxygen electrodes (SOPO task-1) 2) Development of new symmetric three electrode cell (STEC) methodology to extract electrokinetic data of oxygen electrodes (SOPO task-2) 3) Quantification of electrokinetics of bilayer oxygen electrodes and correlation with degradation and delamination (SOPO task-2) 4) Performances of bilayer oxygen electrodes under fuel cells and electrolyzers modes (SOPO task-3) 5) Microscale modeling of oxygen electrode/electrolyte interface in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOPO task-4) 6) Prediction of crack growth rate at oxygen electrode/electrolyte interface in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOPO task-4)

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Operational and scaling-up barriers of SOEC and mitigation strategies to boost H 2 production- a comprehensive review

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) proffer a flexible and environmentally friendly solution to reduce CO 2 emissions and/or produce H 2 fuel for various applications. Here, the integration of this technology with renewable energy systems makes them even more promising in realizing a near-perpetual green energy infrastructure in the near future. SOEC technology has achieved stupendous improvement in recent years, and some of the limiting factors to the commercialization of this technology have been explored. It is, therefore, necessary to have a succinct outlook of the different factors that contribute to the recent developments in SOEC technology. The current work presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art SOEC component materials and their degradation mechanisms, SOEC modeling essentials and efficiencies, and the scalability of SOECs. Although SOEC is considered a highly promising technology and sufficient multifaceted research has been done, yet not been widely commercialized. Despite the improvement to mitigate degradation of the SOEC materials, a large share of the degradation concerns sprang from charge transfer reaction at the triple-phase boundaries of the H 2 -electrode. Part of which can be improved by microkinetic modeling of these materials supported by their characterization to give insight into their development. Some other directions for the future in advancing this technology toward the commercialization stage are thoroughly addressed.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Precautions of Using Three-Electrode Configuration to Measure Electrode Overpotential in Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells: Insights from Finite Element Modeling

Accurate determination of electrode overpotentials is essential to assess the performance of the electrode and understand the rate-limiting steps involved. Three-electrode configuration with the use of a reference electrode at a fixed potential is a standard way to measure overpotential of a specific electrode in liquid electrochemical systems. However, application of such three-electrode configuration to solid electrochemical cells for overpotential determination is not straightforward and requires extra caution. Here we report a theoretical Finite Element Analysis on the geometrical requirements for which the reference electrode can be applied to anode- or electrolyte-supported solid oxide button cells. The modeling results suggest that the symmetry of the working and counter electrodes is the key factor determining if a reference electrode is suitable to use. For anode-supported fuel cells with asymmetrical working and counter electrodes, reference electrode cannot be used under all circumstances. To use reference electrode for overpotential measurements, electrolyte-supported cells with symmetrical semicircular-shaped electrodes are preferred. A data processing procedure has also been presented to obtain the electrode overpotential from the measured potential using the three-electrode scheme in solid oxide electrochemical cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗