Carbon neutrality is a green revolution, and green hydrogen is recognized as one of the important technological pathways to achieve the ‘dual carbon’ goals. In developed countries, Solid Oxide Cell (SOC) systems have been widely adopted as a strategic frontier technology to replace traditional fossil energy. In China, many companies are also vying for a share of this emerging industry.
As one of the early R&D leaders in the industry, Qingdao Proton Power Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as ‘Proton Power’) focuses on the fields of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), while also laying out the R&D and industrialization of the entire industry chain for SOEC/SOFC cell stacks and systems, and has initially established the foundation and capability for industrialization.
“The cell I have here is currently the largest SOFC single cell on the market. Although the thickness of a single SOFC cell is only 0.5 mm, it is formed by firing five different material coatings, and the different shrinkage rates during firing can lead to lower yield rates as the size increases. Currently, we have mastered the technology for the maximum area single cell of 20×20 cm, with a yield rate of 75%, which can be considered industry-leading.” At the Proton Power production base located in the core area of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Demonstration Zone, R&D personnel introduced this square cell, about the size of a ping pong paddle, to customers.
SOFC is a solid-state chemical power generation device that efficiently converts the chemical energy stored in fuel into electrical energy at medium to high temperatures, with broad application scenarios in distributed power generation, backup power sources, and combined heat and power systems in the industrial sector. SOEC can be considered the reverse process of SOFC, requiring electrical energy input to convert materials and store energy as chemical energy.
Data shows that by the end of July 2024, the installed capacity of wind and solar power generation nationwide reached 1.206 billion kilowatts. However, most wind and solar power is distributed in the northwest and northeast regions, which means that while there is a large supply of electricity, issues such as power imbalance and excess electricity will also emerge.
“Hydrogen energy is a great way to absorb electrical energy,” said Lv Dawei, director and general manager of Qingdao Proton Power Technology Co., Ltd. From the perspective of hydrogen production power and efficiency, SOEC hydrogen production efficiency is 20%-25% higher than other methods, and SOFC has advantages in power consumption and energy efficiency in combined heat and power applications. Moreover, the energy materials used in the technology routes of SOEC and SOFC are mainly common rare earth alloys like zirconia, without the use of precious metals, which can significantly reduce costs. Currently, Proton Power mainly develops and produces 10×10 cm and 15×15 cm single cells, with a yield rate of over 90%, a market share exceeding 20%, and has a strong technical accumulation in SOEC dedicated cell and stack technology, as well as SOEC/SOFC reversible stack technology.
With continuous technological breakthroughs, industrialization is also accelerating. Recently, Proton Power signed a cooperation agreement with the Shandong Energy Research Institute, and both parties will jointly build a ‘Solid Oxide Battery and Hydrogen Production Joint Laboratory’, collaborating in five areas: technology R&D, engineering demonstration, platform co-construction, joint projects, and talent training, to accelerate technological innovation and industrialization. “We are collaborating with state-owned enterprises such as State Grid, China General Nuclear Power Group, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dongfang Electric Corporation, and China Datang Corporation on scientific and technological projects and demonstration projects, providing strong support for the industrialization demonstration application of solid oxide batteries and their hydrogen production technology through pilot and demonstration projects, delivering multiple sets of kilowatt to tens of kilowatt SOEC and SOFC systems,” Lv Dawei stated.
Hydrogen energy has long been known as ‘green oil’. Under the exploration and innovation of industry enterprises represented by Proton Power, SOC systems have gradually moved from the laboratory stage to demonstration applications, showing a promising industrialization prospect. With the industrialization and large-scale production of SOC systems, new possibilities for achieving the ‘dual carbon’ goals are also provided.
Source: Comprehensive Department One
Reviewed by: Comprehensive Department One
