kW-class solid oxide fuel cell system capable of bidirectional operation

Technology Overview

• A Solid Oxide Cell-Based Bidirectional Energy System to Compensate for the Intermittency of Renewable Energy

• Excess electricity is stored as hydrogen (SOEC), and the stored hydrogen is converted back into electricity when needed (SOFC)

• A single system capable of both hydrogen production and electricity generation

Technology Configuration

• r-SOC Stack: The core cell stack that performs hydrogen production (SOEC) and power generation (SOFC) in both directions

• Hot Module: A high-temperature operating module consisting of the stack, burner, heat exchanger, and insulated housing

• Cold BOP: Auxiliary equipment for air, hydrogen, and steam supply; power supply; and condensate recovery

• Control and Thermal Management System: Integrates management of operating mode switching, temperature, flow rate, and power control

Key Features of the Technology

• Stable bidirectional operation achieved by maintaining uniform temperature

The air-open counter-flow stack structure effectively controls air and fuel flow and maintains a uniform temperature distribution within the stack even during SOEC/SOFC mode switching → Improves high-temperature operational stability and system efficiency

• Improved durability through a cell structure that facilitates oxygen release

Designed with open-pore catalytic cells based on the infiltration process to ensure smooth oxygen discharge generated during hydrogen production mode → Minimizes air electrode delamination and performance degradation, and enhances long-term operational stability

* Infiltration process: A process in which a catalyst material is infiltrated into the microscopic pores of an electrode