SOFC and SOEC Technologies

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOECs) are among the most efficient technologies for electrochemical energy conversion. They provide a key foundation for future energy supply concepts and the industrial hydrogen economy.

High-Temperature Technology for Power Generation and Hydrogen Production

  • High electrical efficiency through the direct conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy

  • Additional utilization of process heat is possible, enabling very high overall efficiencies in combined heat and power (CHP) applications

  • Fuel flexibility through the use of various hydrogen-containing gases such as natural gas, biogas, or synthesis gas

  • Continuous and low-emission operation for stationary energy applications

  • Quiet operation due to a minimal number of moving components

  • High reliability and long service life

  • Scalable from decentralized energy systems to industrial-scale applications

  • A key technology for climate-neutral energy systems, particularly when combined with hydrogen and Power-to-X concepts

Ensuring Long-Term Performance and Reliability

The performance of modern fuel cell systems is largely determined by component quality, operating conditions, and the media used.

A comprehensive evaluation of materials, operating concepts, and environmental conditions helps to ensure long-term efficiency, performance, and service life.

Structure of an SOFC

StackRender000_res Cathode Anode Sealing Elektrolyte Interconnector

Development Challenges Across the Stack

The performance of an SOFC system is not determined by a single component. Rather, it results from the interaction of all components within the stack.

Typical areas of development include:

  • Optimization of cell performance.
  • Development of interconnector designs.
  • Material and coating development.
  • Improvement of sealing concepts.
  • Thermal management.
  • Media distribution.
  • Long-term stability.
  • Scaling to higher stack power outputs.

Depending on the development stage, the focus may be on individual components, subassemblies, or complete stacks.

Component Testing

Individual components can be specifically evaluated to assess materials, geometries, or manufacturing processes.

Typical testing tasks include:

  • Leakage testing
  • Material testing
  • Thermal stress testing
  • Corrosion testing
  • Mechanical load testing

Single-Cell Testing

Single cells often represent the first step in evaluating new materials and cell concepts.

Typical investigations include:

  • Current-voltage characteristics
  • Power density
  • Aging behavior
  • Temperature dependence
  • The influence of different process gases

Stack Testing

As the technology matures, the evaluation of complete stacks becomes increasingly important.

The following aspects are typically assessed:

  • Overall system performance
  • Cell homogeneity
  • Temperature distribution
  • Pressure losses
  • Compression behavior
  • Degradation over extended operating periods

System Testing

At the system level, additional components such as media supply systems, instrumentation, control systems, and safety equipment are integrated.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Dynamic operating behavior
  • Start-up and shutdown cycles
  • Load changes
  • Safety functions
  • Long-term operation
  • Automated test procedures