Solid oxide electrolysis unit

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis unit The present invention relates to a solid oxide electrolysis unit for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or synthesis gas production comprising at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores, each including a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis stacks of solid oxide electrolysis cells, a power source for managing power to the solid oxide electrolysis cores, and piping connected to the solid oxide electrolysis cores. According to the present invention, the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes a power module having a transformer and at least one power source unit, and a piping module having piping headers and fluid connections to and from the solid oxide electrolysis cores, where the power module and the piping module are positioned adjacent to each other and the solid oxide electrolysis cores are positioned above the power module and / or the piping module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solid oxide electrolysis unit for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or synthesis gas (combined hydrogen and carbon monoxide). [Background technology]

[0002] The solid oxide electrolysis unit (solid oxide electrolysis device) according to the preamble of independent claim 1 comprises at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores, each including a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis stacks of solid oxide electrolysis cells, a power supply for managing power to the solid oxide electrolysis cores, and piping connected to the solid oxide electrolysis cores.

[0003] A solid oxide electrolysis unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 2021 / 0156039 A1. This known solid oxide electrolysis unit comprises three solid oxide electrolysis cores arranged adjacent to one another, each of which has a power supply module attached to its side. The solid oxide electrolysis cores are supplied with water from a common water supply module, which is spatially separated from the solid oxide electrolysis cores and arranged on a hub surrounding the area in which the solid oxide electrolysis cores are arranged. The known solid oxide electrolysis unit further comprises a switchgear module supplying power to the three power supply modules and a common heat exchanger module supplying cooling / heat to the solid oxide electrolysis cores, which are also arranged on the hub. The use of compact modules for certain parts of the solid oxide electrolysis unit allows these parts to be preassembled elsewhere, facilitating the replacement of defective modules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US2021 / 0156039A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, further improvements are needed to improve the number of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and syngas turnovers per required footprint, as well as construction and maintenance efficiencies, so that solid oxide electrolysis units can be more competitive in producing industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide and syngas.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved solid oxide electrolysis unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A solution to the problem of the present invention exists when the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes a power module having a transformer and at least one power unit, and a piping module having piping headers and fluid connections to and from the solid oxide electrolysis core, where the power module and the piping module are positioned adjacent to each other and the solid oxide electrolysis core is positioned above the power module and / or the piping module.

[0008] By arranging the main electrical components in the power supply module and the components for fluid transport in the piping module, these modules can be designed compactly, which results in a reduced footprint of the solid oxide electrolysis unit. According to the present invention, by arranging the solid oxide electrolysis core on the upper side of the power supply module and / or the piping module, the footprint of the solid oxide electrolysis unit can be further reduced. The solid oxide electrolysis core can be installed or removed individually in cold and warm conditions. The solid oxide electrolysis core including the frame can be lifted and handled either by a crane due to the attached lifting eyes or by a forklift due to suitable holes provided in the bottom frame. Furthermore, in this way, the area of ​​the upper surface of the piping module and / or the power supply module that is not occupied by the solid oxide electrolysis core can be used to reach the solid oxide electrolysis core during maintenance. Furthermore, the electrical connections between the power supply unit and the solid oxide electrolysis core and the fluid connections between the header and the solid oxide electrolysis core can be kept short, which simplifies the structure and increases the efficiency of the solid oxide electrolysis unit. According to the present invention, the electrical connections are part of the power supply module and the fluid connections are part of the piping module.

[0009] Preferably, the electrical and fluid connections are located only on or attached to the bottom surface of the solid oxide electrolysis core, so that there are no cables or piping above the solid oxide electrolysis core, which makes the maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis core easier and makes it easier to commission. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solid oxide electrolysis core is arranged on the upper side of the piping module. This arrangement is particularly preferred, since the fluid connections are further simplified and are advantageous for commissioning. The electrical connections are of a more flexible form. Thus, the connection to the solid oxide electrolysis core is easier, even if the solid oxide electrolysis core is not arranged on the upper side of the power supply module. Preferably, the electrical connections are arranged only on the upper side of or attached to the at least one power supply unit. This keeps the electrical connections short, improving the efficiency of the power transmission.

[0012] Preferably, the solid oxide electrolysis core is also located above the power module, which allows for more efficient use of the footprint of the solid oxide electrolysis unit and keeps electrical as well as fluidic connections short and simple.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power module comprises a power skid frame and the piping module comprises a piping skid frame. In another embodiment of the present invention, the power module comprises a transformer skid frame on which the transformer is arranged and a power unit skid frame on which the at least one power unit is arranged, and the piping module comprises a piping skid frame, where preferably the transformer skid frame is arranged adjacent to the power unit skid frame. The use of skid frames for the power module and the piping module makes the modules easier to transport and provides better access to other components of the modules during commissioning and maintenance. If the power module has separate transformer skid frames and power unit skid frames, the accessibility to the transformer and at least one power unit can be further improved. In addition, it also facilitates replacement of parts of the power module.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores are part of a core module that includes a core skid frame. In this way, the solid oxide electrolysis cores can be shipped together and fixed in position relative to each other, which simplifies the commissioning of the solid oxide electrolysis unit.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores are each arranged on a separate core frame, preferably each with a junction box for electrical and equipment cable connections and a junction box for piping connections. By arranging each solid oxide electrolysis core on a single core frame, the assembly becomes more compact and easier to transport individually. Furthermore, a single core frame with solid oxide electrolysis cores can be more easily replaced. Preferably, the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes at least one intermediate module that supports the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores and their core frames, and includes intermediate cables and piping that connect the solid oxide electrolysis cores to the power supply module and the piping module. Preferably, one intermediate module supports the two solid oxide electrolysis cores on their respective core frames. By using an intermediate module that connects the power supply module and the piping module to the multiple solid oxide electrolysis cores, the number of required connection points of the piping module and the power supply module can be reduced. Furthermore, if the at least one intermediate module extends above the power supply module and the piping module, it can be used as an additional fixation between the power supply module and the piping module.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skid frames all have the external dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container and preferably have the same connection points, and the skid frames of the modules are fixed to each other. By using these standard dimensions and preferably connection points, the transportation of each module can be further simplified. Furthermore, each skid frame can be connected to each other by a known efficient system, and the stability of the solid oxide electrolysis unit can be increased. In an alternative embodiment, the transformer skid frame has the external dimensions of a 20' high cube container, the power unit skid frame and the piping skid frame have the external dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container and preferably have the same connection points, the power unit skid frame and the piping skid frame are fixed to each other, and the transformer skid frame and the power unit skid frame are also fixed to each other. This provides the same advantages as using the skid frames of a standard 40' high cube container in series, especially for the split power modules, facilitating the connection of the transformer and the main power grid, while at the same time allowing for a larger power unit / multiple power units in the power unit skid frame.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piping module and its piping skid frame are configured to allow access therethrough to at least one of the power supply units, the transformer and the power supply units, preferably the bottom side of the solid oxide electrolysis core. This facilitates commissioning and maintenance operations of the components of the power supply module, the bottom side of the solid oxide electrolysis core and the components of the piping module. Preferably, the piping module and its piping skid frame are configured to allow a central heat exchanger, which is a part of each of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, to be lowered from said core to the piping skid frame during maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis core. In this way, the central heat exchanger can be efficiently removed from the solid oxide electrolysis core for maintenance of the central heat exchanger and / or the solid oxide electrolysis core.

[0018] Preferably, the headers and fluid connections to and from the solid oxide electrolysis core are located along the longitudinal sides of the piping skid frame and / or along the bottom of the piping skid frame, with a central passageway through the piping module from which the fluid connections are accessible. This is a preferred and efficient arrangement of the components of the piping module, enabling the features described above. Additionally, each header and fluid connection is easily accessible from inside the piping skid frame, facilitating work on the piping.

[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the upper surface area of ​​the power skid frame or the power unit skid frame is configured as a work platform with a grating and handrails. In this way, the upper surface area of ​​the power skid frame can be advantageously used for commissioning and maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis core.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes six solid oxide electrolysis cores, and the power module includes two power units, each power unit supplies power to three solid oxide electrolysis cores. In particular, when one core module is used in a core skid frame with the dimensions of a 40' high cube container, the use of six solid oxide electrolysis cores with the above size will result in a higher output of hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas per footprint of the solid oxide electrolysis unit. Since the available power per power unit is limited, it may be necessary to include a second power unit in the power module. Depending on the size of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, it may also be effective to increase the number of solid oxide electrolysis cores per core module.

[0021] Further, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes two of the piping modules and at least one of the power supply modules, preferably two of the power supply units, and at least two of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, preferably six of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, are disposed on the upper side of each of the two piping modules. By using two piping modules with the solid oxide electrolysis cores disposed on the upper side, the output of the entire solid oxide electrolysis unit can be increased. Since the solid oxide electrolysis core needs to be easily accessible for maintenance, it is preferable that the piping module, the power supply module, and the solid oxide electrolysis core are disposed in multiple ways. The power supply module or two power supply modules are disposed side by side between two piping modules with the solid oxide electrolysis cores on the upper surfaces of both piping modules, or two piping modules with the solid oxide electrolysis cores disposed on the upper surfaces of both piping modules are disposed adjacent to each other and side by side between two power supply modules.

[0022] Preferably, two of said piping modules are arranged adjacent to each other, and two of said piping modules are identical and rotated 180° relative to each other.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one core frame is disposed above the piping module and above the power supply module. Preferably, six core frames are disposed above the piping module and above the power supply module. This enables more efficient use of the installation area of ​​the solid oxide electrolysis unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one intermediate module supports two solid oxide electrolysis cores, where the at least one intermediate module is disposed above the piping module and the power module, such that one of the two solid oxide electrolysis cores is disposed above the piping module and the other of the two solid oxide electrolysis cores is disposed above the power module. This allows the piping connections and electrical connections between the intermediate module and the piping module and the power module to be kept short, and allows the intermediate module to be attached to both modules, thus improving the stability of the entire solid oxide electrolysis unit.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes a central passage between the at least one core frame above the piping module and the at least one core frame above the power supply module, the central passage preferably being disposed on an upper surface of the at least one intermediate module, and further preferably including at least one access ladder. The passage provides easy access to the solid oxide electrolysis core, the core frame, and the junction box, facilitating connection and maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis core.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the solid oxide electrolysis unit is configured such that the solid oxide electrolysis core and / or its upper housing can be lifted by an external crane for maintenance and replacement of the solid oxide electrolysis core or stack. In this manner, the solid oxide electrolysis core can be maintained and replaced very efficiently. Because the solid oxide electrolysis core is located above the piping module and power module, it becomes very easy for a crane to remove an individual solid oxide electrolysis core or upper housing without damaging other components of the solid oxide electrolysis unit.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the piping module / plurality of piping modules and the power supply module / plurality of power supply modules are configured such that they can be pre-assembled before installation at the site, and preferably the core module / plurality of core modules or the core frame / plurality of core frames with the solid oxide electrolysis core combined with the intermediate module / plurality of intermediate modules are also configured such that they can be pre-assembled before installation at the site. The use of pre-assembled modules / assemblies can improve the cost efficiency of the manufacture and commissioning of the solid oxide electrolysis unit. Preferably, the modules are configured such that only the interconnections between the modules and to external components need to be made during commissioning. This also facilitates commissioning.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the headers of the piping module run the entire length of the piping module and are terminated at both ends with flanges or blind flanges. In this way, the headers of the piping module can be attached at both ends to external components such as water, steam and / or carbon dioxide supplies, hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas storage. This allows for the use of standardized piping modules and more flexibility in field orientation.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each solid oxide electrolysis core has a capacity of at least 0.3 MW, preferably at least 0.5 MW. By using solid oxide electrolysis cores of this size, the output of the solid oxide electrolysis unit is suitable for the production of industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or synthesis gas. At the same time, the time required for maintenance of each solid oxide electrolysis core is still efficient. Moreover, the maintenance of each solid oxide electrolysis core can be performed while other solid oxide electrolysis cores of the solid oxide electrolysis unit are in operation.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a method for commissioning a solid oxide electrolysis unit as claimed in claims 1 to 24, the method comprising the steps of placing a power module / power skid frame for a plurality of power modules / a plurality of power skid frames and a piping module / piping skid frame for a plurality of piping modules / a plurality of piping skid frames adjacent to each other and fixing them to each other; placing a solid oxide electrolysis core or core module / modules on top of the piping module / modules; connecting the electrical connections of the power module / several power modules and the fluid connections of the piping module / several piping modules to the solid oxide electrolysis core; and connecting the transformer of the power module / plurality of power modules to an external power source and the headers of the piping module / plurality of piping modules to external components for supply of water, steam and / or carbon dioxide and storage of hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the commissioning method for a solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claims 1 to 24, the method further includes a step of fixing at least one intermediate module to an upper surface of the piping module and the power supply module, wherein the step of connecting the electrical connections of the power supply module / plurality of power supply modules and the fluid connections of the piping module / plurality of piping modules to the solid oxide electrolysis core includes a first part connecting the electrical connections of the power supply module and the fluid connections of the piping module to the at least one intermediate module and a second part connecting the electrical connections and fluid connections of the intermediate module / plurality of intermediate modules to the solid oxide electrolysis core.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for servicing a solid oxide electrolysis core of a solid oxide electrolysis unit as defined in claims 1 to 15, wherein the method includes the steps of lifting an upper housing of one of the solid oxide electrolysis cores from the solid oxide electrolysis core using an external crane, and preferably lowering a central heat exchanger of one of the solid oxide electrolysis cores into a piping module; servicing solid oxide electrolysis stacks or solid oxide electrolysis cells of the one solid oxide electrolysis core; and reassembling the one solid oxide electrolysis core. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a solid oxide electrolysis unit according to a first embodiment of the invention, including a power supply module, a piping module, and a core module; FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal end view of a first embodiment of the solid oxide electrolysis unit shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C are longitudinal end perspective views of another embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis unit according to the invention; FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a solid oxide electrolysis unit according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising a power module, a piping module, six intermediate modules, and twelve solid oxide electrolysis cores on a core frame; FIG. 5 illustrates a longitudinal end view of the embodiment of the solid oxide electrolysis unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view illustrating a solid oxide electrolysis core on a core frame according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the middle module and passageway according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0034] A first embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2, where Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 and Figure 2 is a longitudinal end view of the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 comprises a power module 2, a piping module 3 and a core module 4. The power module 2 comprises an open power skid frame 5 in which a transformer 6 and two power units 7 are arranged. The transformer 6 is arranged between the two power units 7 and connects them to an external power source (not shown). The piping module 3 comprises an open piping skid frame 8, in which headers 9 and fluid connections 10 are arranged along the longitudinal sides of the piping skid frame 8. The headers 9 run along the entire longitudinal length of the piping skid frame 8 and are terminated at both ends with flanges or blind flanges. In this way, the headers 9 can be connected at both longitudinal ends of the piping module 3 to external components such as water, steam and / or carbon dioxide supplies and hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas storage. The core module 4 comprises an open core skid frame 11 in which six solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 are arranged adjacent to each other. The solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 comprise a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis stacks having a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells.

[0036] The skid frames 5, 8, 11 of the power module 2, piping module 3, and core module 4, respectively, all have the dimensions and connection points of a standard 40' high cube container. The power module 2 is positioned next to the piping module 3, where the piping skid frame 8 and the power skid frame 5 are attached to each other, where the longitudinal side of the piping skid frame 8, where the headers 9 and fluid connections 10 are located inside the piping module 3, is away from the power module 2. This provides an access passageway inside the piping module 3, from which the headers 9 and fluid connections 10 from the piping module can be accessed, as well as the power units 7 and transformers 6.

[0037] The core module 4 is disposed on the upper side of the piping module 3, and its core skid frame 11 is attached to the piping skid frame 8. The power supply unit 7 is connected to the solid oxide electrolysis core 12 through an electrical connection (not shown), which runs from the upper surface of the power supply unit 7 to the bottom surface of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12, and the three solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 are powered by one of the two power supply units 7. The header 9 of the piping module 3 is connected to the bottom surface of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12 through a fluid connection 10. Since the core module 4 is disposed on the upper side of the piping module 3 and the power supply module 2 is disposed next to the piping module 3, the electrical connection and the fluid connection 10 can be made very short and can be installed easily. Since the electrical connection and the fluid connection 10 are only attached to the bottom surface of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12, there are no piping or cables on the upper surface of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12. This makes it easier to perform maintenance and inspection of the solid oxide electrolysis cell 12. In addition, a work platform 13 equipped with a grate and handrails is disposed on the upper surface of the power supply module 2. Maintenance and inspection of the solid oxide electrolysis cell 12 can be performed from this work platform 13. During maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12, the central heat exchanger of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12 can be lowered into an access passage in the piping module 3 and the upper housing of the solid oxide electrolysis core 12 can be lifted from the solid oxide electrolysis core 12 by an external crane (not shown) without risk of damaging other components of the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1.

[0038] As mentioned above, the first embodiment of the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes six solid oxide electrolysis cores 12. Each solid oxide electrolysis core 12 is rated at 0.5 MW. In this manner, the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 has a 3 MW rating in a compact footprint. Other sizes and numbers of solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 can also be arranged within the core module 4. However, it is important that the solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 are easily accessible for maintenance and that the overall dimensions of the core module 4 are not too large.

[0039] Therefore, another way to increase the power output of the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 is to add additional piping modules 3, additional core modules 4 and potentially additional power modules 2 to the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1. Preferred arrangements for this are shown diagrammatically in Figures 3A, B and C. In these arrangements, it is important that the individual components are easily accessible, in particular the solid oxide electrolysis core 12. For example, a crane must be able to easily reach the solid oxide electrolysis core 12. Furthermore, it must be possible for the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 to be used twice as long as it is connected to the mains. Advantageously, modules 2, 3, 4 are of identical design.

[0040] 3A shows a first arrangement with two piping modules 3, two core modules 4 and one power module 2. The power module 2 is placed between the two piping modules 2, which are identical but rotated 180° relative to the power module 2. In this way, the access passages of both piping modules 3 are located towards the power module 2. The two core modules 4 are placed above the two piping modules 3. A work platform 13 is placed above the power module 2, from which the solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 of both core modules 4 can be easily accessed.

[0041] 3B shows a second arrangement similar to the first arrangement in which the solid oxide electrolysis unit 1 includes two power supply modules 2 instead of one. The two power supply modules 2 are arranged side-by-side between two piping modules 3, and the components of each power supply module are accessible via one of the access passages in the piping modules 3. The use of two power supply modules 2 makes it possible to increase the size and / or number of solid oxide electrolysis cores 12 in the two core modules 4 above the piping module 2, because the transmittable power of two power supply modules 2 can be greater than that of one, for the same external dimensions.

[0042] 3C shows a third arrangement with two piping modules 3, two core modules 4 and two power modules 2. In this arrangement, the piping module 3 is positioned side-by-side between the two power modules 2 and the two core modules 4 are positioned on top of the piping module 3. Again, the two piping modules 3 are rotated 180° relative to each other, with the access passages of the two piping modules facing one of the power modules 2.

[0043] Another embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis unit 21 according to the invention is shown in Figures 4 and 5, where Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the other embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis unit 21 and Figure 5 shows a longitudinal end view of a solid oxide electrolysis unit 21 according to the other embodiment.

[0044] The solid oxide electrolysis unit 21 includes a power module 22, a piping module 23, six intermediate modules 214, and twelve solid oxide electrolysis cores 212, the solid oxide electrolysis cores 212 mounted on a core frame 218 are shown in detail in FIG. 6, and the intermediate modules 214 with a portion of the passageway 217 are shown in detail in FIG. 7. The power module 22 includes a closed power skid frame 25 having the dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container and its connection points where the transformer and power unit are located. The closed power skid frame 25 is advantageous in limiting the effects of weather on the transformer and power unit. The piping module 23 includes an open piping skid frame 28 having the dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container and its connection points, with headers 29 and fluid connections 210 located along the longitudinal sides and bottom of the piping skid frame 28, and a central passageway is provided through the piping module 23 from which the fluid connections 210 can be accessed. The headers 29 run the entire longitudinal length of the piping skid frame 28 and are terminated at both ends with flanges or blind flanges. In this manner, the headers 28 can be connected to external components such as water, steam and / or carbon dioxide supplies, or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas storage at both longitudinal ends of the piping modules 23. Disposed on top of the power modules 22 and piping modules 23 are six intermediate modules 214 that are secured to the piping skid frame 28 and power skid frame 25. Two solid oxide electrolysis cores 212 are disposed on each intermediate module 214, one above the power supply module 22 and one above the piping module 23.

[0045] The power module 22 is disposed adjacent to the piping module 23, and the piping skid frame 28 and the power skid frame 25 are attached to each other. The intermediate module 214 has a width such that it can be attached to the connection point of the piping skid frame 28 and the power skid frame 25. In the intermediate module 214, an intermediate fluid connection 215 and an intermediate electrical connection 216 are disposed, which connect the fluid connection of the piping module 23 and the electrical connection of the power module 22 with the respective connections of the two solid oxide electrolysis cores 212 disposed on the upper side of each intermediate module 214. Between the two solid oxide electrolysis cores 212, a central passage 217 is installed on the intermediate module 214. The passage 217 extends to the upper surface of the six intermediate modules 214, and thus extends over the entire length of the solid oxide electrolysis unit 21, where two ladders at each end of the passage 217 lead from the ground to the passage 217. The passage 217 can be used for maintenance and commissioning.

[0046] The solid oxide electrolysis cores 212 are placed on top of core frames 218, which are disposed on the top surface of each intermediate module 214. These core frames 218 include junction boxes 219 that facilitate transportation of each solid oxide electrolysis core 212, provide pre-assembled electrical and instrument cable connections between the solid oxide electrolysis cores 212 and themselves, and can provide easy connection to the intermediate electrical connections 216.

[0047] List of reference signs 1,21 Solid oxide electrolysis unit 2,22 Power Module 3,23 Piping module 4 Core Modules 5,25 Power Skid Frame 6. Transformers 7 Power supply unit 8,28 Piping skid frame 9,29 Header 10,210 Fluid Connection 11 Core skid frame 12, 212 Solid oxide electrolytic core 13 Workbench 214 Intermediate Module 215 Intermediate Fluid Connection 216 Intermediate Electrical Connection Aisle 217 218 Core Frame 219 Junction Box

Claims

1. 1. A solid oxide electrolysis unit for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or synthesis gas production comprising at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores, each solid oxide electrolysis core including a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis stacks of solid oxide electrolysis cells, a power source for managing power to the solid oxide electrolysis cores, and piping connected to the solid oxide electrolysis cores, 13. The solid oxide electrolysis unit, comprising: a power supply module having a transformer and at least one power supply unit; and a piping module having piping headers and fluid connections to and from the solid oxide electrolysis core, wherein the power supply module and the piping module are disposed adjacent to one another and the solid oxide electrolysis core is disposed above the power supply module and / or the piping module.

2. 2. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 1, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis core is disposed above the piping module.

3. 3. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 2, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis core is also disposed above the power module.

4. 4. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply module includes a power supply skid frame, and the piping module includes a piping skid frame.

5. 4. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power supply module comprises a transformer skid frame on which a transformer is arranged, and a power supply unit skid frame on which at least one power supply unit is arranged, and the piping module comprises a piping skid frame, wherein preferably the transformer skid frame is arranged adjacent to the power supply unit skid frame.

6. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores are part of a core module which includes a core skid frame.

7. 6. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores are each arranged on a separate core frame, and the core frames preferably include junction boxes for electrical and instrument cable connections and for piping connections, respectively.

8. 8. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 7, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis unit includes at least one intermediate module, which supports the at least two solid oxide electrolysis cores and their core frames, and includes intermediate cables and piping that connect the solid electrolysis cores to the power supply module and the piping module.

9. 7. A solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that the skid frames all have the outer dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container and preferably have the same connection points where the skid frames of the modules are fixed to each other.

10. 6. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 5, wherein the transformer skid frame has the outer dimensions of a 20' high cube container, and the power unit skid frame and the piping skid frame have the outer dimensions of a standard 40' high cube container, preferably having the same connection points, where the power unit skid frame and the piping skid are fixed to each other, and where the transformer skid frame and the power unit skid frame are also fixed to each other.

11. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the piping module and its piping skid frame are configured to allow access therethrough to a transformer and at least one of the power supply units.

12. 10. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6 and 9, wherein the piping module and the piping skid frame are configured to allow access to bottom surfaces of the solid oxide electrolysis cores therethrough, and preferably the piping module and the piping skid frame are configured to allow a central heat exchanger that is a part of each of the solid oxide electrolysis cores to be lowered from the cores into the piping skid frame during maintenance of the solid oxide electrolysis cores.

13. 6. The solid oxide electrolysis unit of claim 4 or 5, wherein piping module headers and fluid connections to and from the solid oxide electrolysis core are located along the longitudinal sides of the piping skid frame and / or at a bottom of the piping skid frame, and a central passageway is provided through the piping modules by which the fluid connections are accessible.

14. 6. A solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the upper surface area of ​​the power supply skid frame or the power unit skid frame is configured as a work platform with a grid and handrails.

15. 15. The solid oxide electrolysis unit of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis unit comprises six solid oxide electrolysis cores, and the power supply module comprises two power supply units, wherein each power supply unit supplies power to three solid oxide electrolysis cores.

16. 16. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis unit comprises two of the piping modules and at least one of the power supply modules, preferably two of the power supply units, and wherein at least two of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, preferably six of the solid oxide electrolysis cores, are disposed above each of the two piping modules.

17. 17. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 16, wherein the two piping modules are disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the two piping modules are identical and rotated 180 degrees relative to each other.

18. 9. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one core frame is arranged above the piping module and above the power supply module, and preferably six core frames are arranged above the piping module and above the power supply module, respectively.

19. 20. The solid oxide electrolysis unit of claim 18, wherein the at least one intermediate module supports two solid oxide electrolysis cores, wherein the at least one intermediate module is disposed above a piping module and a power supply module, one of the two solid oxide electrolysis cores is disposed above the piping module, and the other of the two solid oxide electrolysis cores is disposed above the power supply module.

20. 20. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the solid oxide electrolysis unit comprises a central passage between the at least one core frame above a piping module and the at least one core frame above a power supply module, the central passage being preferably located above the at least one intermediate module, and further preferably comprising at least one access ladder.

21. 21. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the solid oxide electrolysis core and / or its upper housing is configured to be lifted by an external crane for maintenance and replacement of the solid oxide electrolysis core or stack.

22. 22. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the piping module / plurality of piping modules and the power supply module / plurality of power supply modules are configured to be pre-assembled before installation at site, wherein preferably the core module / plurality of core modules or the core frame / plurality of core frames having a solid oxide electrolysis core combined with the intermediate module / plurality of intermediate modules are also configured to be pre-assembled before installation at site.

23. The solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the header in a piping module extends over an entire length of the piping module and is terminated at both ends by flanges or blind flanges.

24. A solid oxide electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that each solid oxide electrolysis core has a capacity of at least 0.3 MW, preferably at least 0.5 MW.

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