Conference Presentation (After Call)

FZJ-2026-05295

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Multi-Mode Electrochemical Transient Characterisation of SOC Short Stacks under Fuel-Flexible/Biogas Operating Conditions

Golani, S. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; haart, U. d. ; Schäfer, D.FZJ* ; Samsun, R. C.FZJ* ; Eichel, R.-A.FZJ*RWTH*

2026

Abstract: The transition to carbon-neutral energy systems underscores the need to advance solid oxide cell (SOC) technologies capable of fuel-flexible operation, including the use of carbon-containing fuels such as methane and biomass-derived biogas. Although the Jülich F10 short-stack platform demonstrates proven long-term stability, systematic comparisons across multiple operating modes—such as fuel cell, steam electrolysis, and co-electrolysis— investigations under carbon-containing fuel conditions remain limited. Such fuels introduce operational complexities including internal reforming, carbon deposition risks, impurity sensitivity, and localised thermal gradients, all of which influence electrochemical performance and degradation of cells, seals and contact layers.To address this gap, a comprehensive multi-mode characterisation of a four-layer short-stack is presented under harmonised operating conditions, enabling direct cross-regime performance comparison. Advanced electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) coupled with distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis was employed to resolve mode-specific kinetic and transport contributions. A systematic test campaign was conducted in which fuel composition, cell voltage, and temperature distribution were continuously monitored. The stack exhibited stable voltage behaviour across all conditions, with a moderate but measurable thermal response upon methane addition. Multi-dimensional parameter maps were generated to correlate performance, efficiency, and stability across the operating envelope, identifying optimal utilisation strategies and studying this stack platform as a versatile system for both power generation and energy storage.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Grundlagen der Elektrochemie (IET-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 1231 - Electrochemistry for Hydrogen (POF4-123) (POF4-123)
2. 1232 - Power-based Fuels and Chemicals (POF4-123) (POF4-123)
3. PHOENIX - Verbundvorhaben PHOENIX: Im Fokus des Launch Space Power-to-X (PHOENIX) steht die Weiterentwicklung und Demonstration der vielversprechendsten P2X-Technologien. Der Forschungs- und Entwicklungsbedarf zur Realisierung nachhaltiger P2X-Technologien konzentriert sich auf die Elektrolyse als Schlüsseltechnologie (MWIDE-03SF0775A) (MWIDE-03SF0775A)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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