Cost-optimal Design and Operation of a Reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC) based Multi-Energy System under Different End-use Scenarios

Multi-energy systems (MES) are an interesting option to efficiently integrate diverse energy sources and final uses, under the goal of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Systems based on reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) appear promising for high efficiency and unit reduction. A mixed-integer linear programming optimization model is developed to assess an rSOC-based MES, where a given demand of electricity, hydrogen, and heat must be covered. The model sizes the storage units and solves the hourly operation schedule, ensuring energy and mass balances while minimizing the total annual cost and limiting external exchanges. Strict limits constrain the rSOC system operation, in terms of electrolysis/fuel cell/standby mode switches and operating ranges. An urban scenario is compared to a rural scenario, differing in resource availabilities and demand quantities. Results are highly case-specific and show that the thermal balance strongly influences the advantage of the MES installation. The behavior of battery energy storage is critical for the overall balances.