[ case study ]
Fig. 3. SOE VETNI installation integrated with the UNIMOT refinery in Jasło
for Hydrogen Technologies at IEN-PIB. One such method is a 3D printing technique using glassceramic mixtures( Patent PL238936B1), which was applied to produce seals for SOC stacks. This method enables the creation of complex shapes with high accuracy, is highly efficient, and minimises production waste. High-pressure ceramic injection moulding( HPIM) was used to fabricate key components of the solid oxide electrochemical cells. This method significantly shortens fabrication time and eliminates process waste, thereby reducing the CAPEX of SOE systems.
Integration with the facility and operation of the system
For the purpose of developing a hydrogen production system, the design phase included a variant numerical analysis, within which three different operating points were analysed in terms of operating conditions. This analysis aided in defining the optimal outline of the system corresponding to the expected functionality. These simulations allowed for the selection of the best scenario and, based on the results of numerical and conceptual work, process diagrams and blue prints of the final systems were prepared.
The documentation included both the mechanical section and the automation system and control algorithms( Fig. 2). The studies also covered safety codes and standards, including general and site-specific requirements.
In the final stage of the VETNI project, a number of tasks were carried out related to the physical construction of the installation and the verification of its functionality. This work was completed through the integration of SOE stacks, initial start-up, and confirmation of the functionality of the complete electrolyser. After confirming full functionality, the electrolyser was transported to Jasło and integrated with the UNIMOT refinery infrastructure( Fig. 3).
In the final stage of the project, the work focused on the operation of the installation, including the definition of performance maps for the hydrogen production process over a broad range of operating parameters. The measurements made it possible to collect SOE current-voltage curves for the operation of the electrolyser under both endothermic and exothermic conditions, i. e. below and above the thermoneutral point. As part of this task, the interaction between the photovoltaic installation, the SOE electrolyser, and peripheral
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 22 | June 2025 25