Stack module, solid oxide electrolytic apparatus equipped with a stack module, and method for replacing the stack module of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stack module having at least one solid oxide electrolytic stack comprising a plurality of stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells, and including two gas inlet connections and two gas outlet connections. In the present invention, the at least one solid oxide electrolytic stack is housed in a metal container, and the two gas inlet connections and the two gas outlet connections are attached to the metal container. The present invention further relates to a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus having at least one stack module, and a method for replacing the stack module of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stack module, a solid oxide electrolysis device including the stack module, and a method for replacing the stack module of the solid oxide electrolysis device.

[0002] The stack module described in the preamble of independent claim 1 includes at least one solid oxide electrolysis stack including a plurality of stacked solid oxide electrolysis cells, and the stack module includes two gas inlet connection parts and two gas outlet connection parts.

Background Art

[0003] Conventionally known solid oxide electrolysis devices including a stack module have been designed for small production capacity and mainly for laboratory scale or small technology demonstration units. Since these solid oxide electrolysis cells are highly sensitive, they are operated by solid oxide electrolysis experts in a controlled environment.

[0004] In order to upscale a solid oxide electrolysis device to large-scale industrial production, further improvements are needed to improve the durability and maintainability in the field of the stack module, which has a shorter lifespan than the solid oxide electrolysis device and other components of the solid oxide electrolysis device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved stack module.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The object of the present invention is solved when at least one solid oxide electrolysis stack is housed in a metal container and two gas inlet connection parts and two gas outlet connection parts are attached to the metal container.

[0007] By housing the solid oxide electrolytic stack in a metal container, the fragile solid oxide electrolytic stack is protected from impact and contamination. Furthermore, the complex installation of sensitive and easily fragile solid oxide electrolytic cells into the solid oxide electrolytic stack, and therefore into the stack module, can be performed in a quality-controlled environment at the solid oxide electrolytic plant supplier's specialized manufacturing facility. The stack module is also a robust component that can be easily handled by on-site mechanical plant operators at the customer's solid oxide electrolytic plant. Thus, the stack module of the present invention significantly improves the durability and maintainability of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus having at least one stack module.

[0008] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is the invention of the dependent claims.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two gas inlet connections and the two gas outlet connections are each provided with a high-temperature quick coupling for connecting them to an external gas inlet or outlet. Here, the high-temperature quick coupling relates to bolted connections, compression fitting style connections, piping unions, threaded connections, wedged connections, tight fit connections, or similar known high-temperature quick coupling solutions for piping. By using high-temperature quick couplings, stack modules can be replaced quickly and efficiently from their respective solid oxide electrolytic units. For this purpose, a solid oxide electrolysis expert is not required at the plant site. Preferably, the high-temperature quick coupling is configured as a piping union. In this way, a very secure connection can be achieved in a short timeframe.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the solid oxide electrolytic stack is configured to produce hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or synthesis gas. Preferably, the temperature regime in the solid oxide electrolytic stack is maintained between 500°C and 850°C during the production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or synthesis gas.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the stack module comprises two solid oxide electrolytic stacks, which are manifolded by a common manifold (which is part of the metal container to which the two gas inlet connections and the two gas outlet connections are attached). Including two solid oxide electrolytic stacks in one stack module can increase the overall production capacity of a single stack module. Furthermore, the stack module remains not too large and is easy to handle. The use of a common manifold reduces the number of required components. The same applies to the common manifold, which is part of the metal container.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks are housed in separate housing shrouds that, in combination with the common manifold and two lids (each of which is placed in one of the housing shrouds to enclose the solid oxide electrolytic stacks within the housing shrouds), form the metal container. The structure of the metal container is simple and efficient to manufacture. Furthermore, solid oxide electrolytic stacks of different heights can be housed in the same housing shroud by adjusting the position of the lids in each housing shroud. Preferably, the housing shrouds are cylindrical and open to both ends, with one end being able to be fixed to the common manifold.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks and the common manifold, and a ceramic fiber mat is positioned between the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks and each of the lids in the housing shroud, the lids preferably fixed in place in the housing shroud by welding, and the ceramic fiber mat is configured to apply compressive force to each solid oxide electrolytic stack, and thereby to each gasket and the common manifold. In this way, the solid oxide electrolytic stacks are pressed against the gasket and, consequently, the common manifold. This allows the position of the lids in the housing shroud and the properties of the ceramic fiber mat to be configured such that the seal of the gasket between the common manifold and the solid oxide electrolytic stacks is functionally maintained even in various temperature regimes. Preferably, the precise position of the lids is found by applying a specific pressure to the lids, and thereby to the ceramic fiber mat, solid oxide electrolytic stacks, gaskets and the common manifold, resulting in proper compression of the ceramic fiber mat, solid oxide electrolytic stacks and gaskets. Subsequently, the lids can be fixed in this position by welding.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, two solid oxide electrolytic stacks are arranged on either side of a common manifold, where the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks are preferably configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the axis of the housing shroud passing through the common manifold, and the common manifold is also preferably configured symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry. This arrangement allows for a compact design of the stack module. Furthermore, it can keep the distance that exhaust or product gases must travel through the manifold short. Another advantage is that the common manifold does not deform when the lid is pressed against the respective ceramic fiber mat, solid oxide electrolytic stack, gasket, and common manifold from opposite directions, because the forces on the common manifold cancel each other out. Thus, the common manifold can be designed to be thinner without the risk of manifold distortion or sealing problems between the solid oxide electrolytic stack and the common manifold.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, each stacked solid oxide electrolytic cell includes two sides, namely an anode and a cathode side, to which different gas flows can be supplied, the stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells are separated by an airtight divider plate, the common manifold includes a first gas inlet for each of the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks, the first gas inlet is supplied by a first gas inlet connector of the two gas inlet connectors, and the first gas inlet directs a first gas flow into the respective gap between the housing shroud and the solid oxide electrolytic stack, the first gas flow then enters the volume between one of the two sides of each solid oxide electrolytic cell and the respective adjacent divider plate, then moves through the volume toward a hole located in the center of each solid oxide electrolytic stack, from there the first The gas flow exits the common manifold through each first gas outlet connected to the first gas outlet connection of the two gas outlet connections, the common manifold further includes a second gas inlet for the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks, the second gas inlet being supplied with a second gas flow by the second gas inlet connection of the two gas inlet connections, the second gas flow being directed to each hole in each of the solid oxide electrolytic stacks extending over the entire height of the stack, from there the second gas flow entering another volume between the other side of the two sides of the solid oxide electrolytic cell and each adjacent dividing plate, then moving through the other volume to another hole over the entire height of the stack, from there the second gas flow exits the common manifold through a second gas outlet connected to the second outlet connection of the two gas outlet connections. This is an efficient method for supplying exhaust gas to the solid oxide electrolytic cell and guiding the product gas out.

[0016] The present invention further relates to a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus comprising a pressure shell and a high-temperature zone insulator within the pressure shell, wherein the high-temperature zone insulator surrounds a high-temperature zone, and in the high-temperature zone, at least one stack module (preferably at least one stack module according to one of the embodiments of the stack module) having stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells is arranged, the pressure shell comprises a lower pressure shell portion and an upper pressure shell portion connected by a pressure shell flange connector, the high-temperature zone insulator comprises an insulating bell and a static insulating portion, and external connections, including electrical connections, exhaust gas piping and product gas piping, pass through the lower pressure shell portion but not the upper pressure shell portion, so that when the pressure shell flange connector is opened, the upper pressure shell portion can be lifted away from the lower pressure shell portion without further disconnection work, and the electrical connections and the product gas piping pass through the static insulating portion but not the insulating bell, so that when the upper pressure shell portion is removed, the insulating bell can be lifted away without any disconnection work relating to the electrical connections and product gas piping.

[0017] Thus, dismantling can be carried out very efficiently, significantly improving the durability and maintainability of the solid oxide electrolytic device. Furthermore, by not using insulation for individual components, accessibility to the components can be improved, and they can be used continuously without needing to replace the insulation along with the components. This is particularly advantageous because high-temperature zone insulation has a significantly longer lifespan than stack modules.

[0018] The electrical connections relate to power connections for the stack module and power connections for the heater. Preferably, the external connections also include connections for further instrumentation and data acquisition. These connections for further instrumentation and data acquisition are preferably passed through the lower pressure shell and static insulation, so that the upper pressure shell and insulation bell can be lifted and removed without having to disconnect these connections for further instrumentation and data acquisition.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the external connection passes through the static insulation section but not through the insulation bell, and as a result, when the upper pressure shell section is removed, the insulation bell can be lifted and removed without any disconnection work.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus comprises a plurality of stack modules, and the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus has a capacity of at least 0.3 MW, preferably at least 0.5 MW. By using a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus of this size, the output of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus is suitable for industrial production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or synthesis gas.

[0021] Preferably, the solid oxide electrolytic device includes six stack modules arranged to surround the shared axis of the upper pressure shell and the insulated bell.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating bell opens downward. In this way, the insulating bell encloses a specific volume that is exposed and easily accessible when the insulating bell is lifted and removed. The insulating bell may be formed from several parts that can be lifted and removed from one another. However, preferably, the insulating bell is made of a single, integrated element. Thereafter, lifting the insulating bell requires less time and is more efficient.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, a heat exchanger between the exhaust gas and the generated gas, and a heater for the exhaust gas, are located inside the high-temperature zone.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the insulated bell is airtight and structurally stable, preferably comprising an airtight inner liner, an insulating material layer and an outer structural layer, or comprising a structurally stable insulating material, preferably a ceramic lightweight castable, from which the entire insulated bell is made. These are advantageous designs that enable a durable insulated bell.

[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment, the position of the static heat insulation part is fixed relative to the position of the lower pressure shell part, the high-temperature zone heat insulation gasket is arranged in the static heat insulation part, a heat insulation bell is arranged on the gasket, and the high-temperature zone is hermetically insulated by the gasket. In this way, the heat insulation bell seals the high-temperature zone heat insulator by its own weight resting on the high-temperature zone heat insulation gasket.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the pressure shell flange is at the maximum diameter of the solid oxide electrolysis device and preferably located at or below the position of the high-temperature zone heat insulation gasket. Thereby, in order to perform maintenance and servicing operations, the interior of the high-temperature zone can be sufficiently exposed.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the solid oxide electrolysis device includes a reheating space at least partially disposed around the outside of the high-temperature zone heat insulator, and a first portion of the exhaust gas pipe passed through the lower pressure shell part introduces the first exhaust gas into the reheating space, and the first exhaust gas exits the reheating space through a snorkel and enters a second portion of the exhaust gas pipe (which leads through the static heat insulation part to the stack module in the high-temperature zone). Thereby, the solid oxide electrolysis device becomes more energy-efficient and further, there is no need to subject the pressure shell to excessive temperatures.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the snorkel extends from the connection to the second portion of the exhaust gas pipe, along and away from the outside of the high-temperature zone heat insulator, through the reheating space, to a point at or above the uppermost height of the high-temperature zone heat insulator. In this way, the heat insulation bell can be lifted and removed without further disconnection operations when the upper pressure shell part is removed.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the snorkel is led from the connection to the second part of the exhaust gas pipe, into and through the heat-insulating bell, up to the uppermost height of the high-temperature zone insulator, where the snorkel exits the heat-insulating bell and enters the reheating space. In this way, the position where the snorkel exits the heat-insulating bell can be arranged on the axis of the heat-insulating bell, thereby bringing advantageous gas flow characteristics in the reheating space and thus improving cooling. When the upper pressure shell part is removed, only the connection between the snorkel and the second part of the exhaust gas pipe needs to be opened so that the heat-insulating bell can be lifted. Preferably, the connection between the snorkel and the second part of the exhaust gas pipe is configured as a flange connection. In this way, the connection can be opened quickly and efficiently.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least one stack module includes two gas inlet connections and two gas outlet connections each including a high-temperature quick coupling, the high-temperature quick coupling being attached to the gas connection within the high-temperature zone and guiding process gas to and from at least one stack module. The high-temperature quick coupling further facilitates stack module replacement, thus further improving durability and maintainability.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method of replacing a stack module of a solid oxide electrolyzer according to one of the above-described embodiments, the method including the steps of disconnecting the upper pressure shell part from the lower pressure shell part by opening the pressure shell flange connection, lifting and removing the upper pressure shell part from the lower pressure shell part, thereby exposing the heat-insulating bell, lifting and removing the heat-insulating bell, thereby exposing the stack module, disconnecting the stack module from all connections to the solid oxide electrolyzer, replacing the stack module, reconnecting the stack module to the connections to the solid oxide electrolyzer, and closing the solid oxide electrolyzer by rearranging the heat-insulating bell and the upper pressure shell.

[0032] This method allows for the time-efficient and cost-effective replacement of stack modules (as the replacement requires minimal disconnection work), can be performed without the need for solid oxide electrolysis experts, and allows for the reuse of components, particularly the insulation, except for the stack modules themselves.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the stack module includes two gas inlet connections and two gas outlet connections having high-temperature quick couplings, the step of disconnecting the stack module from all connections to the solid oxide electrolytic device includes disconnecting the high-temperature quick couplings of the two gas inlet connections and the two gas outlet connections, and the step of reconnecting the stack module to the connection to the solid oxide electrolytic device includes coupling the high-temperature quick couplings of the two gas inlet connections and the two gas outlet connections. The high-temperature quick couplings further improve the time efficiency of the method.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an axial cross-section of a stack module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which has a stack module according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the axial cross-section of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus shown in Figure 2, illustrating a method for replacing the stack module of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an axial cross-section of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which has a stack module according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 1 shows an axial cross-section of one embodiment of the stack module 1 according to the present invention. The stack module 1 includes two solid oxide electrolytic stacks 2 constructed of a plurality of stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells 3. The two solid oxide electrolytic stacks 2 are arranged on either side of a symmetrical common manifold 4, and a gasket (not shown) is placed between each solid oxide electrolytic stack 2 and the common manifold 4. The two solid oxide electrolytic stacks 2 are housed in two housing shrouds 5 that, together with the common manifold 4 and two lids 6, form a metal container. Here, the two lids 6 are located in the respective housing shrouds 5, at the ends of each solid oxide electrolytic stack 2 positioned on the common manifold 4 and the ends opposite to them. A ceramic fiber mat 7 is placed between the lids 6 and the solid oxide electrolytic stacks 2. Between specific pressures from both sides on both lids 6, the ceramic fiber mat 7 is compressed by fixing the position of the lids 6 relative to the common manifold 4 by welding, and acts as a spring that maintains specific pressure on the solid oxide electrolytic stacks 2 and thereby on the gasket (not shown). Since the storage shroud 5 and the solid oxide electrolytic stack 2 have different coefficients of thermal expansion, the ceramic fiber mat 7 ensures that the gasket seal between the solid oxide electrolytic stack 2 and the shared manifold 4 is maintained for different temperature regimes.

[0037] The stack module 1 further comprises two gas inlet connections 8, 9 and two gas outlet connections 10, 11 attached to the common manifold 4. In Figure 1, the gas flow through the stack module 1 is indicated by arrows. A first gas flow enters the common manifold 4 through the first gas inlet connection 8 of the two gas inlet connections, and this first gas flow exits the manifold 4 through a first gas inlet leading to the respective gaps between the housing shroud 5 and the solid oxide electrolytic stack 2. The solid oxide electrolytic cell 3 includes two sides, namely the anode side and the cathode side, and the solid oxide electrolytic cell 3 is separated by an airtight divider plate. The first gas flow enters from each of the gaps into the volume between one of the two sides of each solid oxide electrolytic cell 3 and each adjacent dividing plate, and then moves through the volume toward a hole located in the center of each solid oxide electrolytic stack 2, from there the first gas flow exits the common manifold 4 through each first gas outlet (which is connected to the first gas outlet connection 10 of the two gas outlet connections) in the centrally located hole.

[0038] The second gas flow enters the common manifold 4 through the second gas inlet connection 9 of the two gas inlet connections, and exits the manifold 4 through the second gas inlet leading to the respective holes in each solid oxide electrolytic stack 2, which extend across the entire height of the stack. From there, the second gas flow enters another volume between the other side of the solid oxide electrolytic cell 3 and each adjacent dividing plate, and through this other volume moves to another hole across the entire height of the stack. From there, the second gas flow exits the common manifold through the second gas outlet (which is connected to the second outlet connection 11 of the two gas outlet connections).

[0039] Furthermore, the stack module 1 includes four power connection points 12, which are connected to the solid oxide electrolytic stack 2 to supply power to them.

[0040] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, having a stack module 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Since the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 preferably includes a plurality of stack modules 1, Figure 2 is only schematic. For example, six stack modules 1 are arranged in a circle around the axis of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13. Furthermore, in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the gas flow and the exhaust gas piping and product gas piping are only schematically shown as black arrows. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 includes a pressure shell, which is divided into an upper pressure shell section 14 and a lower pressure shell section 15, which are connected by a pressure shell flange connection section 16. A high-temperature zone insulator is arranged inside the pressure shell, which surrounds the high-temperature zone 17 where the stack modules 1 are arranged, and the high-temperature zone insulator is divided into an insulator bell 18 and a static insulator section 19. In this embodiment, all external connections to the solid oxide electrolytic device 13, such as exhaust gas piping, product gas piping, power connections for the stack module, power connections for the heater 20, and connections for further instrumentation and data acquisition, are routed through the lower pressure shell section 15, and for the record, they enter the high-temperature zone 17 through the static insulator 19 and not through the upper pressure shell section 14 and the insulating bell 18. In this way, when the pressure shell flange connection section 16 is opened, the upper pressure shell section can be lifted and removed from the lower pressure shell section 15. Here, the pressure shell flange connection section 16 is located at the maximum diameter of the pressure shell and at the same height as the static insulating section 19. Thus, when the upper pressure shell section 14 is lifted and removed, the entire insulating bell 18 is exposed.

[0041] The insulation bell 18 is a single, open component positioned on a high-temperature zone insulation gasket 24 located in the static insulation section 19. In this way, the high-temperature zone is sealed by the high-temperature zone insulation gasket 24 due to the weight of the insulation bell 18. The insulation bell 18 in this embodiment is formed by three layers: an airtight inner liner 25, an insulation material layer 26, and an outer structural layer 27. These layers make the insulation bell 18 airtight, well insulated, and rigid. Since there are no connections leading through the insulation bell 18, when the upper pressure shell section 14 is lifted and removed, the insulation bell 18 can be safely lifted and removed from the high-temperature zone insulation gasket. By lifting and removing the insulation bell 18, the stack module 18 is exposed and can be replaced, for example.

[0042] The solid oxide electrolytic device 13 further includes a heat recovery space 21 surrounding the high-temperature zone insulator. One of the exhaust gas streams is led into the heat recovery space 21 by a first portion of the exhaust gas piping, which passes through the lower pressure shell section 15, to recover heat from the high-temperature zone insulator, and subsequently into a snorkel 28 connected by a connection to a second portion of the exhaust gas piping, which leads one of the exhaust gas streams into the high-temperature zone 17 through the static insulator section 19. The snorkel 28 passes through the heat recovery space 21 between the upper pressure shell section 14 and the insulator bell 18, from the connection to the second portion of the exhaust gas piping to a point above the insulator bell 18, and one of the exhaust gas streams enters the snorkel 28 from the heat recovery space 21. Another of the exhaust gas streams is led directly into the high-temperature zone 17 through the lower pressure shell section 15 and the static insulator section 19. In the high-temperature zone 17, two exhaust gas streams are guided through a heat exchanger 22 to exchange heat with two product gas streams, and then guided through two heaters 20 to be heated to the reaction temperature. The exhaust gas streams are then guided into the stack module 1 via two gas inlet connections of the stack module 1, which are connected to the exhaust gas piping by high-temperature quick couplings 23, and the two gas outlet connections of the stack module 1 are also connected by high-temperature quick couplings 23 to subsequent product gas piping unrelated to the stack module 1.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the axial cross-section of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 shown in Figure 2, illustrating a method for replacing the stack module 1 of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 according to the present invention. Since the stack module 1 in the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 has a shorter lifespan than other components such as the pressure shell, high-temperature zone insulator, heater 20 and heat exchanger 22, the stack module 1 must be replaced several times during the lifespan of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13. To reduce downtime and facilitate maintainability, this process must be simple, quick, and efficient. This is achieved by the method according to the present invention. After opening the pressure shell flange connection 16, the first step of the method is to lift and remove the upper pressure shell section 14. Since there are no external connections led through the upper pressure shell section 14, this can be done without further disconnection work and therefore very efficiently. By lifting and removing the upper pressure shell section 14, the insulator bell 18 is fully exposed and can be easily lifted and removed as the next step, because, with respect to the first embodiment of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13, there are no connections led through the insulator bell 18. This completely exposes the stack module 1. By opening the high-temperature quick coupling 23 and separating the gas connections from the gas inlet connections 8, 9 and gas outlet connections 10, 11 of the stack module 1, and by separating yet another connection (for example, the power connection from the stack module 1), the stack module 1 can be separated from the rest of the solid oxide electrolytic device 13 and lifted and removed from its position in the high-temperature zone 17. The connections between the stack module 1 and the rest of the solid oxide electrolytic device 13 can be opened easily and readily, and for the metal casing of the stack module 1, this can be done easily without a solid oxide electrolytic expert. Once a new stack module 1 is also supplied with its metal casing using the high-temperature quick coupling 23, the stack module 1 is ready to be incorporated into the solid oxide electrolytic device 13.For this purpose, the new stack module 1 is placed in the position of the removed stack module 1, and the connections to the remainder of the solid oxide electrolytic device 13 are reconnected. The insulating bell 18 is then returned to seal the high-temperature zone 17, and subsequently the upper part of the pressure shell 14 can be repositioned around the insulating bell 18. The method of replacing the stack module 1 is completed by closing the pressure shell flange connection 16.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an axial cross-section of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, having a stack module 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The only difference from the first embodiment of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus 13 according to Figure 2 is due to the different arrangement of the snorkel 28 and the resulting changes. The snorkel 28 extends from its connection to the second portion of the exhaust gas piping into and through the insulated bell 18 to the highest point of the insulated bell 18, where the snorkel 28 exits the insulated bell 18 and enters the reheat space 21 at an axial position of the insulated bell 28. The connection between the second portion of the exhaust gas piping and the insulated bell 18 is configured as a flange connection. When the upper pressure shell portion 14 is removed, this flange connection must be opened so that the insulated bell 18 can be lifted. Furthermore, no disconnection work is required. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] List of symbols 1 Stack Module 2. Solid oxide electrolytic stack 3. Solid oxide electrolytic cell 4. Shared manifold 5. Storage Shroud 6 Lid 7 Ceramic fiber mat 8. First gas inlet connection part among the gas inlet connection parts 9. Second gas inlet connection part among the gas inlet connection parts 10 First gas outlet connection part among gas outlet connection parts 11. Second gas outlet connection part among the gas outlet connection parts 12 Power connection section 13 Solid oxide electrolyzer 14 Upper pressure shell section 15 Lower pressure shell section 16 Pressure shell flange connection 17 High-temperature zone 18 Insulated Bell 19 Static Insulation Section 20 Heater 21 Heat recovery space 22 Heat exchanger 23 High-temperature quick coupling 24 High-temperature zone insulation gasket 25 Airtight inner liner 26. Insulation layer 27 Outer structural layer 28 Snorkel

Claims

1. A stack module (1) having at least one solid oxide electrolytic stack (2) comprising a plurality of stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells (3), and including two gas inlet connections (8, 9) and two gas outlet connections (10, 11), The stack module (1) is characterized in that at least one solid oxide electrolytic stack (2) is housed in a metal container, and the two gas inlet connection parts (8, 9) and the two gas outlet connection parts (10, 11) are attached to the metal container.

2. The stack module (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the two gas inlet connection parts (8, 9) and the two gas outlet connection parts (10, 11) includes a high-temperature quick coupling (23) for connecting them to an external gas inlet or outlet, and preferably the high-temperature quick coupling is configured as a piping union.

3. The stack module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stack module (1) includes two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2), the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) are manifolded by a common manifold (4), the common manifold (4) is part of the metal container, and the two gas inlet connection parts (8, 9) and the two gas outlet connection parts (10, 11) are attached to the common manifold (4).

4. The stack module (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) are arranged in each housing shroud (5) which are combined with the common manifold (4) and the two lids (6) to form the metal container, and the two lids (6) are each arranged in one of the housing shrouds (5) to enclose the solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) within the housing shrouds (5).

5. The stack module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a gasket is placed between the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) and the common manifold (5), and a ceramic fiber mat (7) is placed between the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) and each of the lids (6) in the housing shroud (5), the lids (6) are fixed in a certain position in the housing shroud (5), preferably by welding, and the ceramic fiber mat (7) is configured to apply compressive force to each of the solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2), and thereby to each of the gaskets and the common manifold (4).

6. The stack module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) are arranged on both sides of the common manifold (4), preferably the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) are configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the common manifold (4) which is perpendicular to the axis of the housing shroud (5), and preferably the common manifold (4) is also configured symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry.

7. Each stacked solid oxide electrolytic cell (3) includes two sides, namely an anode and a cathode side, to which different gas flows can be supplied, the stacked solid oxide electrolytic cells (3) are separated by an airtight divider plate, the common manifold (4) includes a first gas inlet for each of the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2), the first gas inlet being supplied by a first gas inlet connection (8) of the two gas inlet connections, and directing the first gas flow into the respective gaps between the housing shroud and the solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2), the first gas flow then entering the volume between one of the two sides of each solid oxide electrolytic cell (3) and the respective adjacent divider plates, then moving through the volume toward a hole located in the center of each solid oxide electrolytic stack (2), from which the first gas flow exits the first gas outlet of the two gas outlet connections. The stack module (1) according to claim 6, wherein the common manifold (4) exits through each first gas outlet connected to the connection (10), the common manifold (4) further includes a second gas inlet for the two solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2), the second gas inlet being supplied with a second gas flow by a second gas inlet connection (9) of the two gas inlet connections, the second gas flow being directed to each hole in each of the solid oxide electrolytic stacks (2) extending over the entire height of the stack, from there the second gas flow entering another volume between the other side of the two sides of the solid oxide electrolytic cell (3) and each adjacent dividing plate, then moving through the other volume to another hole over the entire height of the stack, from there the second gas flow exiting the common manifold through a second gas outlet connected to a second outlet connection (11) of the two gas outlet connections.

8. A solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) comprising a pressure shell and a high-temperature zone insulator within the pressure shell, wherein the high-temperature zone insulator surrounds a high-temperature zone (17), and within the high-temperature zone (17) is disposed a stack module (1), preferably the stack module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressure shell comprises a lower pressure shell portion (15) and an upper pressure shell portion (14) connected by a pressure shell flange connection portion (16), and the high-temperature zone insulator comprises an insulating bell (18) and a static insulating portion (19), and includes electrical connections, exhaust gas piping and The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) is characterized in that the external connection portion, including the product gas piping, passes through the lower pressure shell portion (15) but not through the upper pressure shell portion (14), and as a result, when the pressure shell flange connection portion (16) is opened, the upper pressure shell portion (14) can be lifted away from the lower pressure shell portion (15) without any further disconnection work, and the electrical connection portion and the product gas piping pass through the static heat insulating portion (19) but not through the heat insulating bell (18), and as a result, when the upper pressure shell portion (14) is removed, the heat insulating bell (18) can be lifted away without any disconnection work relating to the electrical connection portion and the product gas piping.

9. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that the insulating bell (18) opens downward and is preferably composed of a single integrated element.

10. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the insulating bell (18) is itself airtight and structurally stable, and preferably the insulating bell (18) consists of an airtight inner liner (25), an insulating material layer (26), and an outer structural layer (27), or is made of a structurally stable insulating material, preferably a lightweight ceramic castable, and the entire insulating bell (18) is made therefrom.

11. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the position of the static heat insulating portion (19) is fixed with respect to the position of the lower pressure shell portion (15), the high temperature zone heat insulating gasket (24) is placed on the static heat insulating portion (19), the heat insulating bell (18) is placed on the high temperature zone heat insulating gasket (24), and the high temperature zone (17) is airtightly insulated by the high temperature zone heat insulating gasket (24).

12. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the pressure shell flange (16) is located at the maximum diameter of the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13), and preferably at or below the position of the high-temperature zone insulating gasket (24).

13. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) includes a reheat space (21) at least partially arranged around the outside of the high-temperature zone insulator, a first portion of exhaust gas piping passing through the lower pressure shell portion (15) introduces a first exhaust gas into the reheat space (21), the first exhaust gas exits the reheat space (21) through a snorkel (28) and enters a second portion of the exhaust gas piping, the second portion of which is connected to the stack module (1) in the high-temperature zone (17) through the static insulation portion (19).

14. The solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to claim 13, characterized in that the snorkel extends from the connection to the second portion of the exhaust gas piping along the outside of and away from the high-temperature zone insulator through the heat recovery space to the point of the highest height of the high-temperature zone insulator or above, or the snorkel is led from the connection to the second portion of the exhaust gas piping into and through the insulated bell to the highest height of the high-temperature zone insulator, where the snorkel exits the insulated bell and enters the heat recovery space.

15. A method for replacing a stack module (1) of a solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, comprising the steps of: opening the pressure shell flange connection (16) to disconnect the upper pressure shell (14) from the lower pressure shell (15); lifting and removing the upper pressure shell (14) from the lower pressure shell (15) to expose the insulating bell (18); lifting and removing the insulating bell (18) to expose the stack module (1); disconnecting the stack module (1) from all connections to the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13); replacing the stack module (1); reconnecting the stack module (1) to the connections to the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13); and closing the solid oxide electrolytic apparatus (13) by rearranging the insulating bell (18) and the upper pressure shell (14).

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