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Efficiency optimization of power-to-ammonia systems based on pressurized solid oxide electrolysis

Author

Listed:
  • Miric-Fuentes, Daruska
  • Riegraf, Matthias
  • Sedeqi, Faisal
  • Santhanam, Srikanth
  • Heddrich, Marc P.
  • Ansar, S. Asif

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) enable efficient hydrogen production by utilizing waste heat for steam evaporation, providing strong synergies with exothermic ammonia synthesis. However, there is a need for efficient systems designs to couple these processes for renewable ammonia production. Here, the influence of operating pressure and system configuration on power-to-ammonia (PtA) efficiency is investigated using an experimentally validated model of electrolyte-supported cell (ESC)-based stacks. Main findings were: (1) PtA efficiencies increase with SOEC pressurization in systems without sweep air, reaching 72% at 8 bar, while sweep air systems peak at ∼69% at 2 bar due to air compression demand at elevated pressures. (2) Part-load operation in modular plants reduces efficiency, dropping to 45% at 10% load because of module hot standby consumption. (3) Waste heat from the Haber–Bosch process combined with SOEC off-gas recovery, meets steam demand in most cases, with up to 62% supplied by the SOEC itself. (4) At high pressure without sweep air, electrical steam generation is required due to reduced off-gas heat and higher boiling points. In such a case, increasing the recirculation ratio can increase system efficiency by reducing evaporator load.

Suggested Citation

  • Miric-Fuentes, Daruska & Riegraf, Matthias & Sedeqi, Faisal & Santhanam, Srikanth & Heddrich, Marc P. & Ansar, S. Asif, 2026. "Efficiency optimization of power-to-ammonia systems based on pressurized solid oxide electrolysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:263:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126003538
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125528
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