Reversible Long-Term Operation of a MK35x Electrolyte-Supported Solid Oxide Cell-Based Stack

High-temperature reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) combine electrolyzer and fuel cell in one process unit which promises economic advantages with unrivaled high electrical efficiencies. However, large temperature gradients during dynamic rSOC operation can increase the risk of mechanical failure. Here, the degradation behavior of a 10-cell stack of the type “MK35x” with chromium-iron-yttrium (CFY) interconnects and electrolyte-supported cells (ESC) developed at Fraunhofer IKTS was investigated in rSOC operation at DLR. Its degradation was evaluated during nominal rSOC operation for more than 3400 h with 137 switching cycles between solid oxide fuel cell and solid oxide electrolysis cell operation of 24 h reflecting intermittent availability of solar energy. The voltage degradation rates of +0.58%/kh and −1.23%/kh in electrolysis and fuel cell operation, respectively, are among the lowest reported in literature. Comparison to a previously published long-term test in steam electrolysis did not show any indication for an increased degradation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed for all repeat units to evaluate the degradation behavior in detail. An overall polarization resistance decrease due to an improvement of the oxygen electrode was observed during electrolysis operation but was absent during fuel cell operation.