Development of Key Technologies for Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells( I )

This proposal is part of hydrogen and fuel cell system under NEP-II Alternative Energy Focus Center. The project focuses on the development of key technologies for proton-conducting solid oxide electrolyzer cells (P-SOECs). In the roadmap, the Taiwan government has proposed a target of 20% renewable energy in Taiwan overall energy mix by 2025. Thereby, wind and solar energy play an important role and how to utilize its surplus power may be an issue. The Power-to-Gas technology links the power grid with the gas grid by converting surplus power into a grid compatible gas via two possible processes: H2 production by water electrolysis or further H2 conversion with an external CO or CO2 source to CH4 via methanation. Therefore, renewable electric energy can be transformed into storable hydrogen or methanation. P-SOEC is a key technology that contributes to tackling this issue.There are 3 sub-projects in this proposed project: (1) technical development of key electrolytes for P-SOECs, (2) development of key electrode materials for integration with the key electrolytes developed in 1st sub-project, (3) system modeling and simulation. Different sub-projects in this proposed project are closely related. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop and take control of key technologies for P-SOECs for the P-SOEC applications. This research is joint efforts among two universities (National Central University and Yuan Ze University) and three industrial partners (Taiwan Edison Creative Technology Ltd Co., Asia Hydrogen Energy Ltd Co., and China Steel Ltd Co.). In terms of market potential and industrial development, this project is expected to significantly advance the commercial development of Power-to-Gas technologies for green power generation.