EU harmonised testing protocols for high-temperature steam electrolysis

Performance and durability of stacks and systems

The objective of this document is to present testing protocols for establishing the performance and durability of high-temperature electrolyser (HTE) stacks and high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSEL) systems for the generation of bulk amounts of hydrogen by the electrolysis of steam (water vapour) using electricity mostly from variable renewable energy sources (RESs). In addition, stacks and systems may utilise heat from energy conversion, natural resources (geothermal and solar) and industrial processes. By applying these testing protocols, it will be generally possible to characterise and evaluate the performance and durability of different stacks and systems aiming at an adequate comparison of two HTSEL technologies namely solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOEL) and proton-conducting ceramic steam electrolysis (PCCEL). The test methods contained herein are based on standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These testing protocols are intended to be used by the research community and industry alike, for example, to evaluate research and development (R&D) progress, set research and innovation (R&I) priorities including cost
targets, development milestones and technological benchmarks as well as making informed decisions regarding technology selection in power-to-hydrogen (P2H2) and hydrogen-to-industry (H2I) applications.

MALKOW Thomas ; PILENGA Alberto

Malkow, T. and Pilenga, A., EU harmonised testing protocols for high-temperature steam electrolysis, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2023, ISBN 978-92-76-61557-6, doi:10.2760/7940, JRC129387.

2023-05-11

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC129387

978-92-76-61556-9 (online) , 978-92-76-61557-6 (print)

OP KJ-03-22-290-EN-N (online) , OP KJ-03-22-290-EN-C (print)

10.2760/31803 (online) , 10.2760/7940 (print)