Renewable Energy-Driven Reversible Solid Oxide Cell Systems for Grid-Energy Storage and Power-to-Gas Applications

Reversible solid oxide cells are an electrochemical energy technology capable of providing high roundtrip efficiency and cost-effective electrical energy storage (EES). This presentation discusses the thermodynamics of cell operation and system concepts for leveraging C-H-O chemistry for energy storage and Power-to-Gas production options. Strategies for effective thermal management and balance-of-plant systems integration are highlighted, including distributed energy systems. This involves analyzing the off-design behavior of balance-of-plant components employed in both operating modes, which is necessary to reduce capital cost. The roundtrip efficiency, energy density, and capital cost tradeoffs of these configurations are quantified through computational modeling and production cost estimates for the technology. At the distributed scale, system performance of nearly 70% roundtrip efficiency and cost of storage at 6-7 cent/kWh are possible. Power-to-gas ReSOC systems can achieve nearly 70% LHV efficiencies and reasonable costs of syngas and electricity. The presentation concludes with challenges for technology deployment.