Theoretical study on pressurized operation of solid oxide electrolysis cells

One of the challenges when increasing the generation of electricity from renewable sources is to adjust supply and demand of electrical power. One option to use excessive electrical energy is the production of hydrogen via electrolysis. The hydrogen could then be used to provide electrical power in times when demand exceeds supply or as power source of fuel cell vehicles. Produced hydrogen will be stored in gas holders or the natural gas grid, both operated at various pressure levels. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) promise very high electrical efficiency due to their high operating temperature [5]. Previous studies have shown that solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance can be significantly improved if operating pressure is increased compared to its usual operation at 1 bar [3, 6]. Similar effects will als