Optimal integration of a solid-oxide electrolyser cell into a direct steam generation solar tower plant for zero-emission hydrogen production

Steam electrolysis through Solid-Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) coupled with concentrating solar power (CSP) plants stands for a promising system of large-scale carbon-free hydrogen production process. This study presents an energetic analysis on integration schemes of a SOEC Unit into a direct steam generation solar tower plant. Several configurations have been analyzed aiming at minimizing the penalties of the integration over the CSP plant, and maximizing the electrolysis performance. Atmospheric and high pressure operation modes of SOEC have been analyzed.