SOFC

Overview

A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is a high-temperature electrochemical device that converts chemical energy from fuels, such as hydrogen, natural gas, or biogas, directly into electricity. SOFCs are known for their high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and potential for combined heat and power (CHP) applications.

Process Description

1. Fuel Processing: Fuel is reformed, if necessary, to produce a hydrogen-rich gas.
2. Electrochemical Reaction: The SOFC operates at high temperatures (typically 600-1000°C). Oxygen ions (O₂^-) migrate from the cathode to the anode through a solid electrolyte.
   • At the Anode: Hydrogen reacts with oxygen ions to produce water, releasing electrons.
     • H₂ + O₂^- → H₂O + 2e~^-
   • At the Cathode: Oxygen molecules gain electrons and form oxygen ions.
     • O₂ + 4e~^- → 2O₂^-
3. Electricity Generation: The movement of electrons through an external circuit generates electricity.
4. Heat Recovery: High operating temperatures allow for the utilization of waste heat in CHP systems.

Benefits

• High Efficiency: Converts fuel to electricity with efficiencies up to 60%, and even higher in CHP configurations.
• Fuel Flexibility: Can use a variety of fuels including hydrogen, natural gas, and biogas.
• Low Emissions: Produces minimal pollutants compared to combustion-based power generation.

Applications

• Stationary Power Generation: Used for residential, commercial, and industrial power generation.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Provides both electricity and useful heat for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
• Remote Power: Ideal for off-grid or remote locations due to high efficiency and reliability.

Challenges

• High Operating Temperatures: Require robust and often expensive materials to withstand high temperatures.
• Cost: High initial costs for SOFC systems and materials.
• Durability and Longevity: Long-term durability and performance degradation are areas of ongoing research and development.

Future Outlook

Ongoing advancements in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and system integration are expected to reduce costs and improve the performance and longevity of SOFCs. With their high efficiency and fuel flexibility, SOFCs are poised to play a significant role in the future of clean and efficient energy production.

ES Model Parameters

All the parameters concerning the SOFC are listed in the table below.

entry_key	value	unit	sets	source_reference
ELECTRICITY_LV (layer)	2.491	kWh	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
H2_HP (layer)	-3.774	kWh	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
HEAT_LOW_T_DECEN (layer)	1	kWh	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_inv	1059.35	CAD/kW	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_maint	74.15	CAD/kW/y	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_p	0.97	-	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
lifetime	20	y	CAN	Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"

References

Data Sources
Slaymaker, Amara. (2021). "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"