Solid oxide electrolysis cell system

Abstract

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell System The present invention relates to a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas production comprising SOEC core modules with at least one SOEC core and a plurality of SOEC stacks, wherein the SOEC core modules are adapted to be stacked on top of each other in two or more layers to optimize the plot area of the SOEC system.

Description

[0001] Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell System

[0002] The present invention relates to a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell system for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas production, which is hydrogen and carbon monoxide combined.

[0003] The Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell system comprises at least two Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell cores that each comprise several Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell stacks of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, a minimum of one power supply to manage electrical power to the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell cores and piping connected to the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell cores.

[0004] A Solid Oxide Electrolysis unit is known from US 2021 / 0156039 A1. The known Solid Oxide Electrolysis unit comprises three Solid Oxide Electrolysis cores that are arranged next to each other, wherein a power supply module is attached to the side surface of every Solid Oxide Electrolysis core. 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 that is surrounding the area on which the Solid Oxide Electrolysis cores are placed. The known Solid Oxide Electrolysis unit further comprises a switchgear module that provides power to the three power supply modules and a common heat exchanger module that provides cool- ing / heat to the Solid Oxide Electrolysis cores, wherein these modules are also arranged at the hub. By using compact modules for certain components of the Solid Oxide Electrolysis unit these components can be preassembled elsewhere and an exchange of defect modules is facilitated.

[0005] However, further improvements are needed to improve the hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas turnover per required installation area and to improve the construction and maintenance efficiency so that the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell system are more competitive for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas production.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell system.

[0007] A solution of the object according to the invention exists if a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system for production of industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide or syngas, which comprises at least one SOEC section, each SOEC section comprise at least two SOEC core modules and at least one SOEC piping module, wherein the SOEC core modules each comprises at least one SOEC core, at least one power supply unit (PSU), an electrical unit adapted for the operation of the SOEC core, and piping connections for fluids going to and from the SOEC cores; and the SOEC core modules are adapted to be stacked on top of each other and are adapted to be connected to the SOEC piping module. By adapting the SOEC core modules to be stacked on top of each other, the plot plan is optimized. In an embodiment of the invention, pre-assembled skids are fitted with SOEC core(s), electric power components and basic piping will constitute one SOEC core module. The skids have outer dimensions ensuring easy road transport. The skids are then arranged in even numbers and connected to a standardized piping module which is equivalent to one SOEC section. This section is then multiplied as required to obtain the desired plant capacity and arranged in a way to ensure easy SOEC core replacement, service, and maintenance. As already mentioned, the core-skids can be stacked on top of each other for optimizing the plot plan. A transformer may be located beneath the structure for further plot plan improvement.

[0008] In an embodiment, preassembled standard skids may have a width / length identical to a standard 20 feet container and corners like standard containers. The skids may contain the SOEC core, Power Supply Unit (PSU) and electrical cabinet needed for operating of the core. In addition, the skid contains all piping connections for the fluids going to and from the SOEC cores. The skids are organized in such a way so the SOEC cores can easily be removed by forklift or telehandler from one end while access to the electrical components may happen via a walkway at the other end. The skids can be stacked on top of each other for optimized plot area. For instance, 8 cores arranged in layers of two are then arranged next to each other and tied into a standardized piping module corresponding to one SOEC section. The piping module contains all piping headers and connections for the fluids going to and from the SOEC Cores. This constitutes one SOEC section. The SOEC core skids (SOEC core modules) may be elevated in height to accommodate room for transformers. This ensures minimized cabling distance and allows for an optimal plot plan. In addition, having the SOEC cores at elevated height relative to the piping module minimizes the amount of steam traps needed.

[0009] As SOEC Core skids are stacked the plot plan is optimized. The core skids may be pre-assembled and placing them next to a standard piping module allows for minimal amount of site work and installation. Quick exchange of SOEC cores ensures the possibility of minimum plant downtime. In a specific embodiment of the invention, each SOEC section comprises four, six or eight SOEC core modules. The four, six or eight SOEC core modules are stacked on top of each other in layers of two, three or four and arranged next to each other and connected to at least one adjacent SOEC piping module. As can be understood, this allows for much higher efficiency of the SOEC system in relation to the surface area needed at the production site, which may be beneficial especially in more densely populated or otherwise restricted areas. As already discussed, each SOEC core module may be designed with a footprint area corresponding to standard container sizes and with corners as standard containers. In an embodiment of the invention the SOEC core modules are as previously mentioned arranged to allow for the easy removal of the SOEC cores by a forklift or a telehandler from one end of the SOEC core modules. From the other end of the SOEC core modules, access to the electrical unit is provided. It is off course beneficial to have easy access to the electrical unit to ease maintenance and operational work, but as it is a feature of the invention that the SOEC core modules are adapted to be stacked on top of each other, it is also important for the ease om maintenance and operational work that the SOEC cores can be easily lifted in place and lowered back to the ground, should this be necessary. Both the SOEC core modules and the SOEC piping modules may be preassembled before installation onsite. This allows for a reduction in the amount of sitework and installation required which reduces the time and cost of setup of the SOEC system. But another huge benefit of preassembling the modules is that they may then be assembled in controlled environments and even pre-tested before they are shipped to the construction site. The modules may be adapted to a minimal amount of site work and installation. For example, this may be realized by minimizing connection points by the location and orientation of the connection points and further simplifications.

[0010] An embodiment of the invention further exploits the benefits of the invention, as the SOEC core modules are not only stacked on top of each other but may even be further elevated in height to accommodate room for transformers underneath. This minimizes the cabling distance between the SOEC cores and the transformers and further optimizes the plot plan of the SOEC system, so it does not take up unnecessary space. Furthermore, it lowers the price of the cabling and improves the efficiency of the power supply, as the cabling distance is important in the SOEC systems.

[0011] Even though the SOEC core can be easily accessed and lifted / lowered, it is a further advantage in an embodiment of the invention that the SOEC cores are adapted to easy assembly and disassembly. The maintenance and replacement operations are thereby facilitated and simplified, which is of importance even if an entire SOEC core module can be replaced while being serviced. Furthermore, the electrical unit in each SOEC core module may be adapted to facilitate easy access and maintenance of electrical components. This may for instance be achieved by the orientation of the service openings to the electrical components, the orientation of the electrical components and by arranging the electrical components with the highest service needed in the most easily accessible locations. In a further embodiment of the invention, this principle also relates to the piping connections in each SOEC core module, as they may be adapted to easy connection and disconnection to facilitate maintenance and replacement operations. For instance, the piping connections may be of a quick-connection type, and they may be located and orientated easily accessible to mention some options. Features of the invention

[0012] 1. A Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or syngas production, comprising at least one SOEC section, each SOEC section comprise at least two SOEC core modules and at least one SOEC piping module, wherein the SOEC core modules each comprises at least one SOEC core, at least one power supply unit (PSU), an electrical unit adapted for the operation of the SOEC core, and piping connections for fluids going to and from the SOEC cores; and the SOEC core modules are adapted to be stacked on top of each other and the SOEC core modules are adapted to be connected to the SOEC piping module.

[0013] 2. An SOEC system according to feature 1 , wherein each SOEC section comprises four, six or eight SOEC core modules, wherein the four, six or eight SOEC core modules are stacked on top of each other in layers of two, three or four and arranged next to each other and connected to at least one adjacent SOEC piping module.

[0014] 3. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein each SOEC core module is designed with a footprint area corresponding to a standard container sizes and corners as standard containers.

[0015] 4. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC core modules are arranged to allow for the easy removal of the SOEC cores by a forklift or a telehandler from one end, while providing access to the electrical unit from the other end, thereby facilitating maintenance and operational work.

[0016] 5. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC core modules are elevated in height to accommodate room for transformers, thereby minimizing the cabling distance between the SOEC cores and the transformers, optimizing the plot plan of the SOEC system and improving the efficiency of power supply.

[0017] 6. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC core modules and the SOEC piping module are preassembled before installation onsite, thereby allowing for a reduction in the amount of site work and installation required, reducing the time and cost of setup. 7. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC core modules are adapted to quick exchange of SOEC cores to minimize plant downtime.

[0018] 8. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC core modules are adapted to be manufactured, assembled, and tested with all electrical connections at the minimum possible distance to the power supply units, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the unit.

[0019] 9. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC cores and the SOEC piping module are adapted to minimal amount of site work and installation.

[0020] 10. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the SOEC cores are adapted to easy assembly and disassembly, thereby facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

[0021] 11. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the PSU is adapted to efficiently manage the electrical power supply to the SOEC cores, thereby optimizing energy usage and operational efficiency.

[0022] 12. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the electrical unit in each SOEC core module is adapted to facilitate easy access and maintenance of electrical components.

[0023] 13. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding features, wherein the piping connections in each SOEC core module are adapted to easy connection and disconnection, thereby facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention shall be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of an SOEC system according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows the same embodiment of the SOEC system as in Fig. 1 , only now in a perspective front view.

[0026] List of reference signs

[0027] 01 Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system

[0028] 02 SOEC section

[0029] 03 SOEC core module

[0030] 04 SOEC core

[0031] 05 SOEC piping module

[0032] 06 PSU (Power Supply Unit)

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown on fig. 1 , the SOEC system 01 comprises SOEC core modules 03 stacked in two layers on top of each other as can be seen in the figure. The SOEC core modules comprise an outer, surrounding skid frame with standard container footprint and standard corners for attachment and lifting purposes. The skid frame enables the SOEC core modules to be stacked on top of each other and securely fastened to each other and the surrounding equipment and structures. Three layers can be seen in fig. 1 , as the two layers of SOEC core modules are elevated to provide space underneath for equipment (not shown) as for instance transformers.

[0034] Within each SOEC core module, there is (in this embodiment) one SOEC core 04, as well as a PSU 06 and further equipment such as further electrical equipment. In this perspective side view, it is clearly visible how the SOEC core is arranged in one end of the SOEC core module and the electrical equipment including the PSU is arranged in the opposite end for easy access as will be also more visible in Fig. 2. Already with only two layers of SOEC core modules stacked on top of each other, it is clear how the area necessary for the installation is minimized, as compared to SOEC cores which are not stacked. And this reduction in the necessary installation area is only further minimized when stacking the SOEC cores in even more layers.

[0035] As can be seen in Fig. 1, an SOEC piping module 05 is also present, arranged adjacent to the SOEC core modules on the ground level for easy connection and a minimized pipe length. Also, the SOEC piping module may be secured within a skid frame with standard container dimensions and connection corners corresponding to but possibly in other dimensions than the skid frame of the SOEC core module skid frames. In this embodiment the top of the SOEC piping modules also serves as a manway in level with the bottom of the lowest mounted SOEC core module. This may for instance be obtained simply by arranging a grid structure on top of the SOEC piping module hence in a simple manner saving material cost and construction time.

[0036] In Fig. 2 the same embodiment as in Fig. 1 can be seen in a perspective front view. Here it is more visible that the SOEC system comprises four columns of SOEC core modules and SOEC piping modules, each of these columns forms an SOEC section 02. The SOEC sections may be arranged adjacent to each other or with free space in-between. As already discussed, the SOEC sections may have more than the two layers of SOEC core modules stacked on top of each other as is visible in this embodiment. The flexibility of the SOEC system allows for two or more layers of SOEC core modules, depending on the needs, possibilities at the given site or other considerations. The dimensions and strength of each of the SOEC core module skids need of course to be adapted to the demands and it may even be considered to have different skids for different layers of the SOEC core modules, adapted to the strength requirements at a given level.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system for industrial hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or syngas production, comprising at least one SOEC section, each SOEC section comprise at least two SOEC core modules and at least one SOEC piping module, wherein the SOEC core modules each comprises at least one SOEC core, at least one power supply unit (PSU), an electrical unit adapted for the operation of the SOEC core, and piping connections for fluids going to and from the SOEC cores; and the SOEC core modules are adapted to be stacked on top of each other and the SOEC core modules are adapted to be connected to the SOEC piping module.

2. An SOEC system according to claim 1 , wherein each SOEC section comprises four, six or eight SOEC core modules, wherein the four, six or eight SOEC core modules are stacked on top of each other in layers of two, three or four and arranged next to each other and connected to at least one adjacent SOEC piping module.

3. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each SOEC core module is designed with a footprint area corresponding to a standard container sizes and corners as standard containers.

4. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC core modules are arranged to allow for the easy removal of the SOEC cores by a forklift or a telehandler from one end, while providing access to the electrical unit from the other end, thereby facilitating maintenance and operational work.

5. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC core modules are elevated in height to accommodate room for transformers, thereby minimizing the cabling distance between the SOEC cores and the transformers, optimizing the plot plan of the SOEC system and improving the efficiency of power supply.

6. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC core modules and the SOEC piping module are preassembled before installation onsite, thereby allowing for a reduction in the amount of site work and installation required, reducing the time and cost of setup.

7. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC core modules are adapted to quick exchange of SOEC cores to minimize plant downtime.

8. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC core modules are adapted to be manufactured, assembled, and tested with all electrical connections at the minimum possible distance to the power supply units, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the unit.

9. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC cores and the SOEC piping module are adapted to minimal amount of site work and installation.

10. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the SOEC cores are adapted to easy assembly and disassembly, thereby facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

11. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the PSU is adapted to efficiently manage the electrical power supply to the SOEC cores, thereby optimizing energy usage and operational efficiency.

12. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical unit in each SOEC core module is adapted to facilitate easy access and maintenance of electrical components.

13. An SOEC system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the piping connections in each SOEC core module are adapted to easy connection and disconnection, thereby facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

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