Conceptual design, implementation, and testing of a water vapor supply control for the purpose of a full automated Solid Oxide Cell test rig

The Europ’s energy distribution grid’s continuing development makes finding innovative ways to energy storage imperative. One promising approach is the reversible solid oxide cell (ReSOC), with hydrogen as an energy carrier. At its core, a ReSOC is an electrochemical cell that can operate both as an electrolyzer and a fuel cell. Empirical research of such cells consists of large parts by conveying electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at a wide range of different running conditions. To improve the current research process, the test rig for the characterization of solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells could be up to date. These characterizations consist of a set of operating points defined by the cell temperature, the fuel/anode gas composition, the cathode gas composition, and the current applied to the cell. These characterizations can be achieved nearly automated using software developed at the institute, except for the water vapor supply. According to the water vapor supply, the test rig has two main problems. The first one, the water vapor supply, is not automated. The second one, the water vapor volume flow supplied to the test rig, is fluctuating flow; thus, this action directly impacts the Fuel Cell voltage. As a novelty, the research aims to develop a mechanism to automatically control the water vapor control settings’ adaptation to reach the required water volume flow and maintain the stable condition. This mechanism consists of a stepper motor to rotate the valve, the Coupling System, and an Arduino Uno control board to control the stepper motor to its desired position. The control variable is the steam pressure that is to be directed to a target value. The automated valve system runs with the Arduino software (IDE) to control the pressure valve position. The author also uses the Visual Studio code section to connect with Arduino IDE and run the stepper motor. Furthermore, for designing and assembling the Coupling System, the author utilizes SolidWorks software. Eventually, the author will implement the automated valve system into the test rig, and consequently, the control’s functionality will be getting more satisfying and more accurate.