SOFC-SOEC Charging Hub for On-Site Hydrogen and EV Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen vehicle refueling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure is unreliable and carbon-intensive, with compressed hydrogen generation using natural gas and AC power from the grid contributing to high carbon footprints, limiting the adoption of zero-emission transportation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) energy charging system incorporating a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) system that generates hydrogen and electricity from renewable fuels, providing baseload energy and charging electric vehicles while producing hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles, reducing reliance on external grid power and minimizing carbon emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed hydrogen is transported to refueling stations, then hydrogen vehicles can be refueled, but the reliability is low due to transportation and mechanical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by producing hydrogen on-site at the refueling station using the SOEC system that electrolyzes water with electricity from the SOFC system, eliminating the need for external hydrogen transportation and making the station self-sufficient in hydrogen production
Solution Approach 2:
The SOFC and SOEC systems serve as intermediaries that convert renewable fuel and water into hydrogen and electricity on-site, replacing the need for compressed hydrogen transportation infrastructure and simplifying the refueling process
2Reliability
If AC power from external grid is used to charge EVs, then electric vehicles can be charged, but carbon footprint is high and power supply is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by generating electricity on-site from renewable fuels using the SOFC system, eliminating dependence on the external grid and enabling reliable charging without carbon-intensive power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from grid AC power to on-site generated DC power from renewable fuels, fundamentally altering the carbon footprint and reliability characteristics of EV charging
3Productivity
If battery systems are installed to offset demand charges, then rapid charging is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by generating electricity on-demand from renewable fuels, eliminating the need for battery storage systems and simplifying the charging infrastructure while maintaining continuous charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously generating electricity from renewable fuels before charging is needed, ensuring power availability without requiring storage infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system offers a reliable, low-carbon solution for hydrogen refueling and electric vehicle charging by generating hydrogen on-site and using renewable energy sources, enhancing the adoption of zero-emission transportation and reducing carbon footprints.
Implementation Method 1
a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system configured to generate electricity from one or more fuel inputs, where one or more fuel inputs are renewable fuels
Implementation Method 2
a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) system that is coupled to the SOFC system. The SOEC system is configured to generate hydrogen from the electricity received from the SOFC system and water input
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-input multi-output energy charging system to generate hydrogen, provide baseload energy to a facility, and provide electrical power to charge electric vehicles (EV). In an embodiment, a charging system includes a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system that generates electricity from one or more fuel inputs. One or more fuel inputs are renewable fuels. The charging system further includes a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) system coupled to the SOFC system. The SOEC system generates hydrogen from the electricity received from the SOFC system and water input. The SOFC system facilitates the charging of an electric vehicle, storing charge in a battery, and providing electric power to a load from the generated electricity. The SOEC system facilitates refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle from the generated hydrogen and storing the generated hydrogen in a hydrogen storage vessel.