Process analysis of nuclear hydrogen production via intermediate temperature SOEC electrolysis

However, the key to the efficiency and return on investment of this hybrid energy system lies in the expected lifetime of the SOEC. This study assessed Ni-YSZ|YSZ|GDC|LSC fuel electrode support cells’ long-term stability during electrolysis at 650 ◦C with a current density of -0.5A·cm-2 over 1818 h.

The average voltage degradation rate of 2.63%·kh-1 unfolded in two phases: an initial rapid decay (90 to 1120 h at 3.58%·kh-1) and a stable decay (1120 to 1818 h at 2.14%·kh-1), emphasizing SOECs’ probability coupling with nuclear reactors at 650 ◦C. Post-1818-hour electrolysis revealed nickel particle formation associated with Ni(OH)x diffusion and re-deposition, alongside a strontium-containing layer causing interface cracking.