The Korea Institute of Energy Research has developed a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack that uses a special type of separator plate to ensure proper flow of hydrogen and oxigen after splitting water. Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Bumhan Industries are currently collaborating in a research center to improve the relevant manufacturing process.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) announced that a group of its scientists has developed an 8 kW solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) that can produce more than 5 kg of hydrogen per day.
SOEC systems typically rely on a solid oxide, or ceramic, to produce hydrogen and oxygen. They use water supplied to the cathode to separate hydrogen from water in an external separation unit, with hydroxide ions flowing through an aqueous electrolyte to the anode to produce oxygen.
“SOEC technology, which electrolyzes high-temperature steam into hydrogen and oxygen, is considered a high-efficiency hydrogen production technology that can reduce electricity consumption by more than 25% compared to other methods. of electrolysis when used in areas with a large demand for hydrogen and/or a large supply of steam, such as nuclear power plants, steel mills, petrochemical plants, and ammonia manufacturing plants,” said the researchers.
They built the SOEC stack by layering ceramic cells, separator plates, and bonding materials. Its special feature is the separator plate, where academics have adopted a press forming method that reportedly reduces production costs and time. This technique is used to create channels that enable the proper flow of hydrogen and oxygen in the system.
“While the current process can produce a maximum of 100 separator plates per day, using the press forming method allows producing more than 1,000 plates per day, thus improving the cost and time of production,” they explained.
The group claims it did the same maximize the contact area between the cell and the separator plate, which ensures a more uniform performance, and to seal the stacked component through brazing technology. “This approach ensures that the stack minimizes hydrogen leakage even when faced with thermal shock or rapid temperature changes, thus maintaining stable performance,” it emphasized.
Through a series of tests, the system was found to provide stable operation for 2,500 hours and to supply 5.7 kg of hydrogen per day.
The research institute said it is currently working with South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electro-Mechanics and fuel cell developer Bumhan Industries to develop the proposed manufacturing process.
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