S.L. Swartz
Nexceris,
United States
Keywords: SOC, SOFC, SOEC, RSOC, fuel cell, electrolysis, co-electrolysis, hydrogen, syngas, renewable energy
Summary:
Solid oxide cell (SOC) technology offers highly efficient electrochemical means for generating power from hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels in the fuel cell mode (SOFC), and for producing hydrogen or syngas from steam and/or carbon dioxide in the electrolysis mode (SOEC). Solid oxide cell technology can also be used in the reversible mode (RSOC) for energy storage and grid stabilization, producing power at times of high electricity demand and producing hydrogen at times of low demand. Nexceris has been active in the development of solid oxide materials, cells, and stacks since its founding in 1994, and currently is a supplier and licensor of materials and components to this industry. Nexceris is vertically integrated within the solid oxide value chain and manufactures the ceramic materials used in its cells and stacks. Nexceris also has a rich history of collaboration with universities, national laboratories, and like-minded companies to advance Nexceris’ solid oxide product portfolio and to demonstrate the unique capabilities of our SOC technology. This presentation will describe Nexceris’ activities in solid oxide cell technology, and will provide updates on the following projects: 1. Nexceris is collaborating with Idaho National Laboratory and Strategic Analysis on a DOE (EERE) project to develop low-cost solid oxide cell and stack manufacturing technology. Long term stack durability testing and manufacturing cost analyses are key activities in this project. 2, Nexceris is collaborating with Northwestern University and the Colorado School of Mines on a DOE (FECM) project aimed at the development of high performance RSOC electrode materials, testing and demonstration of RSOC stacks, and techno-economic analysis of RSOC technology for grid stabilization. 3. Nexceris has been exploring co-electrolysis of steam and carbon dioxide to produce syngas, which can be further processed via Fischer Tropsch Synthesis into fuels and chemicals. Nexceris recently collaborated with RTI International on a techno-economic analysis of this carbon neutral approach for production of synthetic aviation fuel. 4. Nexceris is working with Czero and Brayton Energy on an ARPA-E (INTEGRATE) project aimed at the design, construction and demonstration of a high efficiency, natural gas fueled SOFC/turbine hybrid power system. 5. Nexceris is collaborating with the University of Connecticut on an ARPA-E (REEACH) project to design an SOFC/turbine hybrid power system for commercial aircraft, and to develop ultra-high-power density SOFC cells and stacks required for the system.