System Development and Demonstration of Large-Scale High-Temperature Electrolysis

Abstract

Sunfire has performed large steps towards the commercialization of large-scale high-temperature (HTE) steam- and co-electrolysers by the development of several HTE generations. The iron and steel works of Salzgitter was the location where Sunfire integrated the first large system in an industrial environment. Based on steam, the electrolyser efficiencies of more than 80%LHV were achieved. The system could be operated reversibly in SOFC mode with electrical efficiencies of about 50%LHV. An optimized SOEC module with increased power density, reduced complexity and costs has been developed and tested under steady and highly dynamic RSOC cycles. Furthermore, a technological breakthrough was achieved with the successful operation of a complete co-electrolysis system. Co-electrolysis enables a highly efficient production of synthesis gas in a single step using water, CO2 and green electricity.

Performance evaluation of a 4-stack solid oxide module in electrolysis mode

“…After successfully commissioning a 80 kWDC system with 50%LHV efficiency in the frame of GrInHy E.U. project [11] in 2019, Sunfire is currently testing their 720 kWAC GrInHy2.0 system producing 200 Nm 3 H2 h -1 [12], [13]. The rapid power increase of their systems was made possible through the development of the HyLink module, with the Generation-1 incorporating 36 stacks [13].…”

Benchmark study of performances and durability between different stack technologies for high temperature electrolysis

“…The industrialization efforts for High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE) in Europe are led by Sunfire GmbH. Indeed, the German company accounts for the vast majority of power installed through different generations of systems (e.g., Boeing [7], Grinhy [8,9] or Grinhy2.0 [3]), in addition to the incoming MultiPLHY one. Remarkably, their 710 kW AC GrInHy2.0 electrolyzer demonstrated an efficiency of 84% LHV .…”

Small‐Scale Demonstration of a High‐Temperature Coelectrolyzer—Experimental Results and Model Validation

“…[5] Even with first plants on a large scale having been implemented, operational data on solid oxide electrolyzers being operated as stand-alone plants are scarce. [6,7] Within this work, experimental data on an SOEL plant with a nominal electric power input of P el,stack,nom,DC = 12 kW are presented. Compared with industrial electrolyzers in the MW scale, the plant considered here is rather small.…”