Multiphysics CFD-Analysis of pressurized Solid Oxide Co-Electrolysis

Institute

Lehrstuhl für Energiesysteme (TUM-ED)

Type

Semester Thesis / Master's Thesis /

Content

theoretical /  

Description

Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) have the capacity to produce hydrogen or syngas (H2, CO, CO2)
using the electricity generated from the intermittent renewable sources, and to reverse the process
within the same system for generating electricity as well. Namely, the technology has the potential to
play a central role in green energy systems for the flexibility of the energy network and the supply of
input streams for the chemical sector. Increasing operating pressure enhances the efficiency of rSOCs
in fuel cell mode, and can also lead to energy savings during the electrolysis operation on the electrochemical
aswell as the system side, because it saves energy required for compressing the product
gases after electrolysis. However, rSOCs are intrinsically quite fragile and their operations under high
pressures are challenging. rSOCs can be designed in various concepts, such as electrolyte-supported,
anode-supported etc., each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of their electrochemical and
mechanical performances.
The main goal in this thesis is to predict and compare the electrochemical performance of different rSOC
designs of the state-of-the-art under pressure and reversible operation. For conducting these investigations,
a thermo-electrochemical model will further be developed for rSOCs in electrolysis and fuel cell
mode, especially focusing on the Co-Electrolysis. The base software is OpenFoam and the model was
previously adapted from the OpenFuelCell2-model. The master’s thesis will be in collaboration with
another student working on a mechanical simulation model, which will be coupled with the CFD-model
at the end of the thesis. The validation will be conducted with experimental and literature data. Operations
of different rSOC designs will be simulated and their performances will be evaluated. The final
investigations will focus on pressurized high-stress operational cases in SOC-systems. 

To realize a
good transfer of knowledge/skills, a start at the middle/end of August would be beneficial.

 

• Studying thermo-electrochemical modeling of rSOCs
• Development of thermo-electrochemical model of rSOCs
• Evaluating different state-of-the-art rSOC designs
• Written documentation of the thesis

Requirements

• Strong interest in energy conversion technologies
• Interest in electrochemical energy conversion technologies
• Knowlegde about numerical modelling
• Optional: Knowledge on OpenFoam/C++

Possible start

11.8.2026

Contact

Sören Ohmstedt, M.Sc.
Room: R3737
Phone: 089 289 16342
soeren.ohmstedttum.de

Announcement