(20b) Advanced High Temperature Water Electrolysis and Competing Hydrogen Generation Technologies

Whitney G. Colella, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Principal Research Engineer, Gaia Energy Research Institute, Arlington, Virginia, 22203

Tel: +1-650-283-2701, Email: wgc@gaia-energy-research-institute.com, web:http://www.linkedin.com/in/wgcgaia

This research discusses high temperature water electrolysis in the context of competing hydrogen generation technologies. This research analyzes next generation electrochemical and hydrogen energy technologies. Insights are shared into the engineering design, economics, and environmental impacts of these advanced energy concepts:

1. low temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis for hydrogen production;
2. high temperature solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) for hydrogen production; and
3. tri-generative, high temperature FCSs for simultaneously generation of electricity, heat, and hydrogen (H₂-FCSs).

Which of these three technologies portends to be the most economical way to produce hydrogen? This work discusses the results from the techno-economic modelling of these three technologies. Model results quantify the future, expected, levelized cost of hydrogen, produced from each of these three technologies. Key results are discussed from both detailed thermodynamics modeling work and techno-economic-environmental impact models.