Combined solid oxide electrolyzer cell and polymer electrolyte electrolyzer cell hydrogen generation system and method of operating thereof

Integrating SOEC and PEC modules in hydrogen generation systems addresses the complexity and cost issues of SOEC systems by utilizing PEC modules for hydrogen generation, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for hydrogen storage vessels.

US20260062816A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-05BLOOM ENERGY CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
US19/311350
Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-30
Filing Date
2025-08-27
Publication Date
2026-03-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hydrogen generation systems using solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs) are complex and costly due to the need for hydrogen storage vessels and recycling systems, which increase cost and complexity.

Method used

Integrate both SOEC modules and polymer electrolyte cell (PEC) modules, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) or anion exchange membrane (AEM) cells, to generate and supply hydrogen, eliminating the need for hydrogen storage vessels and simplifying the system design.

Benefits of technology

The integrated system reduces complexity and cost while maintaining efficient hydrogen production, with faster startup times and improved efficiency through the use of PEC modules, which can generate hydrogen during startup, shutdown, and emergency modes.

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Abstract

A method of operating an electrolyzer system includes electrolyzing water into oxygen and inlet hydrogen using a polymer electrolyte cell (PEC) module including PECs, providing the inlet hydrogen to solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) modules that each include at least one SOEC stack, providing steam to the SOEC modules, and electrolyzing the steam to generate oxygen and a main product stream containing hydrogen.
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