Hydrogen Production Employing High-Temperature Solid Oxide Cells

摘要

High-temperature (1000 exp 0 C) solid-oxide cells were employed to electrolyze water vapor. System energy efficiency of 45%, compared to conventional electrolysis at approx. 30% maximum could be possible. Stable levels of resistance and diffusion polarization were observed after approximately 450 hours of continuous testing. Approximately 100% coulombic efficiency was measured. Water vapor dissociation at a nominal 1 volt at > 300 A/sq. ft. can be expected with heat sources near 1000 exp 0 C. Lower-temperature heat sources may be employed as well, at a commensurately higher voltage. Future planned studies would evaluate design/performance tradeoffs and cost/economic advantages derived from interfacing with various primary resources, such as solar thermal as well as coal conversion systems. 16 references, 5 figures, 3 tables. (ERA citation 09:037397)