Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a Regenerative Heat Exchange System for Solid Oxide Electrolyzer-Based Hydrogen Production

Georgi Todorov, Konstantin Kamberov and Todor Todorov ()
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Georgi Todorov: Department of Production Technology and Systems, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
Konstantin Kamberov: Department of Production Technology and Systems, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
Todor Todorov: Department of Theory of Mechanisms and Machines, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Technical University of Sofia, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-19

Abstract: The article discusses a regenerative heat exchange system for a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) used in the production of green hydrogen. The heating system comprises four heat exchangers, one condenser heat exchanger, and a mixer evaporator. A pump and two throttle valves have been added to separate the hydrogen at an elevated steam condensation temperature. Assuming steady flow, a thermodynamic analysis was performed to validate the design and to predict the main parameters of the heating system. Numerical optimization was then used to determine the optimal temperature distribution, ensuring the lowest possible additional external energy requirement for the regenerative system. The proportions of energy gained through heat exchange were determined, and their distribution analyzed. The calculated thermal efficiency of the regenerative system is 75%, while its exergy efficiency is 73%. These results can be applied to optimize the design of heat exchangers for hydrogen production systems using SOECs.

Keywords: solid oxide electrolyzer cell; SOEC; heat exchanger; optimization; thermodynamics; green hydrogen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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