Method for transient operation of a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack

    公开(公告)号:US20240295040A1

    公开(公告)日:2024-09-05

    申请号:US18574030

    申请日:2022-07-13

    Applicant: Topsoe A/S

    CPC classification number: C25B15/00 C25B1/042 C25B9/77

    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transient operation of a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stack having a cathode side and an anode side, the method comprising: supplying a flush gas comprising CO2 to said anode side; and applying a small electrolysis current of 0.001-0.05 A/cm2 active cell area, such as 0.01-0.05 A/cm2 active cell area, to the cells in the SOEC stack, for thereby generating oxygen in the anode side or for transporting to the anode side any oxygen already available in the cathode side. The method comprises also operating the SOEC stack during shut-down with a flush gas comprising CO2 on the anode side, and recycling anode product gas comprising oxygen being generated under prior normal operation of the SOEC stack, with no small current being applied. By the invention it is possible to generate small amounts of O2 to safeguard the pO2 and stability of the oxy-electrode in the anode side. The invention provides protection of not only the oxy-electrode, but also the fuel electrode in the cathode side.

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