1. Summary of Recommendations from INL-Sponsored SOEC
Degradation Workshop, with Description of Recent Activities
J. E. O’Brien, C. M. Stoots, M. S. Sohal, J. S. Herring
Idaho National Laboratory
2525 N. Fremont Ave, MS 3870
Idaho Falls, ID 83415 USA
208-526-9096, james.obrien@inl.gov
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been working for several years on the
development of solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology for efficient hydrogen
production from steam. We are coordinating a progression of electrolysis cell and stack
testing activities, at increasing scales, along with a continuation of supporting research
activities in the areas of materials development, single-cell testing, detailed
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and system modeling. This project is
sponsored by the US Department of Energy under the Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative. The
issue of cell and stack performance degradation has been identified as a major
impediment to the ultimate large-scale deployment of this technology. Consequently,
the INL sponsored a one-day workshop on SOEC degradation in Phoenix, AZ last
October, in conjunction with the 2008 Fuel Cell Seminar. The workshop included
participants from government, industry and academia, providing a forum for an
exchange of ideas related to the issue of degradation in both SOFCs and SOECs. The
workshop ended with preparation of a list of research priorities related to SOEC
performance degradation. This paper will provide a summary of the workshop and its
recommendations. The paper will also provide details of recent activities at INL aimed
at improving SOEC long-term cell performance.