Dynamic Integration of SOEC in Renewable Power-to-X Process Chains: Evaluating Heat Management and Efficiency

In this study, we investigate the integration of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) electrolysis systems with Power-to-X (PtX) synthesis plants, focusing on the use of heat integration for efficient process coupling. The main objective is to evaluate the process integration, particularly regarding heat supply and demand with fluctuating power. For this purpose, transient power data derived from the generation profiles of wind turbines are used for the comparison of dynamic process simulations and a real 150 kW SOEC electrolysis system. The investigation covers the system behavior and dynamics to determine the flexibility in renewable energy systems, as well as the analysis of the coupling potential of SOEC with different PtX synthesis processes, such as ammonia and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The results provide a comprehensive insight into the technical possibilities of SOEC technology for improving efficiency in future renewable PtX energy systems and their integration possibilities under dynamic operation.