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Coupling solid oxide cells for high-purity oxygen generation: An analysis of energy demand and exergetic efficiency

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  • Fischer, Colin
  • Sanda, Josephine
  • Wieland, Christoph

Abstract

In the face of rising global temperatures and climate-change induced natural disasters, the transition towards climate-neutrality is of utmost importance. For various industries adaptation of CCUS in combination with Oxyfuel combustion is a promising option. Provision of oxygen in a cost- and energy-efficient way is an important enabler for investments into this technology. In the present study, a process for production of high-purity oxygen via the coupling of a SOFC and SOEC is investigated. The dependency of this process on the operating current density is shown. Taking an electric energy demand of 230kWh/tO2 as reference, a “break-even” current density is defined, which is identified as 25.2mA/cm2 in a reference scenario. The sensitivity of this result on various operating parameters is investigated, emphasizing a strong influence of the operating pressures. An exergy analysis is conducted on the basis of a basic heat integration scheme, assessing the value of the heat present in the product oxygen. A product oxygen temperature of 576 °C is achieved, leading to an exergetic efficiency of 36.5%. Exceeding the exergetic efficiency of the reference process by 13.6%-points, this result elucidates the potential of the proposed process for on-site oxygen provision for high-temperature processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Fischer, Colin & Sanda, Josephine & Wieland, Christoph, 2025. "Coupling solid oxide cells for high-purity oxygen generation: An analysis of energy demand and exergetic efficiency," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:339:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225046791
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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