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Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a Regenerative Heat Exchange System for Solid Oxide Electrolyzer-Based Hydrogen Production

Author

Listed:
  • Georgi Todorov

    (Department of Production Technology and Systems, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Konstantin Kamberov

    (Department of Production Technology and Systems, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Todor Todorov

    (Department of Theory of Mechanisms and Machines, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The article discusses a regenerative heat exchange system for a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) used in the production of green hydrogen. The heating system comprises four heat exchangers, one condenser heat exchanger, and a mixer evaporator. A pump and two throttle valves have been added to separate the hydrogen at an elevated steam condensation temperature. Assuming steady flow, a thermodynamic analysis was performed to validate the design and to predict the main parameters of the heating system. Numerical optimization was then used to determine the optimal temperature distribution, ensuring the lowest possible additional external energy requirement for the regenerative system. The proportions of energy gained through heat exchange were determined, and their distribution analyzed. The calculated thermal efficiency of the regenerative system is 75%, while its exergy efficiency is 73%. These results can be applied to optimize the design of heat exchangers for hydrogen production systems using SOECs.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgi Todorov & Konstantin Kamberov & Todor Todorov, 2025. "Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a Regenerative Heat Exchange System for Solid Oxide Electrolyzer-Based Hydrogen Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4424-:d:1727855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Min, Gyubin & Choi, Saeyoung & Hong, Jongsup, 2022. "A review of solid oxide steam-electrolysis cell systems: Thermodynamics and thermal integration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    3. Asmae Abousalmia & Seckin Karagoz, 2025. "Design and Simulation of an Integrated Process for the Co-Production of Power, Hydrogen, and DME by Using an Electrolyzer’s System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-17, May.
    4. Shaocheng Lang & Jinliang Yuan & Houcheng Zhang, 2024. "Optimally Splitting Solar Spectrums by Concentrating Solar Spectrums Splitter for Hydrogen Production via Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Anke Hagen & Riccardo Caldogno & Federico Capotondo & Xiufu Sun, 2022. "Metal Supported Electrolysis Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-12, March.
    6. Liu, Hongwei & Shuai, Wei & Yao, Zhen & Xuan, Jin & Ni, Meng & Xiao, Gang & Xu, Haoran, 2025. "Optimization of solid oxide electrolysis cells using concentrated solar-thermal energy storage: A hybrid deep learning approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PC).
    7. AlZahrani, Abdullah A. & Dincer, Ibrahim, 2018. "Modeling and performance optimization of a solid oxide electrolysis system for hydrogen production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 471-485.
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