Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has initiated the operation of a 400 kW test module for the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC), an advanced and efficient technology for hydrogen production, at Takasago Hydrogen Park located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan's west-central region.
Building upon the technology of the previously established Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) represents a significant advancement, aiming to reach an overall efficiency of 90 percent HHV (Higher Heating Value). The outcomes of this research endeavor will be leveraged to enhance output and capacity further, as stated by the company.
Additionally, MHI's exclusive tubular cell stack is employed to facilitate the advancement of a technology capable of functioning effectively under high pressures, distinguishing it from other systems in the market, according to the company. The SOEC test module consists of multiple cartridges containing bundled stacks of 500 cells each.
Throughout the testing phase, the module demonstrated an electrolytic efficiency of 3.5 kWh/Nm3 (101%-HHV), affirming its high operational efficiency. Mitsubishi asserts that this milestone represents significant progress towards realizing their objective of developing a system with an overall efficiency of 90 percent HHV.
MHI has also successfully conducted cartridge tests under larger amounts of electric current condition per cell stack, steadily making progress toward the development of a "megawatt-class" SOEC with high power density. In addition, MHI plans to install a MW-class SOEC system demonstration facility at Takasago Hydrogen Park within the next few years and is moving forward with preparations for integrated verification within the park, with the aim of commercialization of the system following actual operation.
In the forthcoming years, Mitsubishi intends to advance demonstrations aimed at commercializing hydrogen production equipment with diverse features, including anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis and methane pyrolysis. The company is dedicated to expediting the development of hydrogen production and power generation technologies, as well as validating systems, leveraging its Takasago Hydrogen Park.