Analysis of rSOC Systems to Support the Energy Supply of Modern Positive Energy Districts

Bernsteiner, Christof and Ganglbauer, Johanna and Hummer, Evelyn and Pratter, Robert (2025) Analysis of rSOC Systems to Support the Energy Supply of Modern Positive Energy Districts. URBAN INNOVATION: TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO CITIES HAVE GONE BEFORE. Medium sized cities and towns as a major arena of global urbanisation. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2025, 30th Intl. Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 145-152. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

This study evaluates the integration of reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC) systems within Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) to enhance energy self-sufficiency and optimize the use of renewable energy based on seasonal energy storaging. rSOC systems are dual-mode technologies capable of operating as both electrolyzers and fuel cells, enabling seasonal energy storage by converting surplus energy, in this case from photovoltaic (PV) systems, into hydrogen during the summer months and converting it back to electricity and heat during winter. The heat generated is of a high temperature, making it suitable for both heating and hot water preparation. For the investigation, an own simulation model was developed using Python-based tools, incorporating detailed component characteristics and operating models. The emphasis was shifted towards seasonal operation, as it became evident that there were no benefits to be gained from short-term storage in comparison to battery storages. For the saisonal operation, two operation models have been investigated: continuous operation (Scenario I) and predictive operation based on short-term forecasts (Scenario II). Results show that predictive operation reduces electricity grid dependency by aligning rSOC activity with PED energy demands and PV generation patterns. Parameter studies identified optimal configurations of rSOC power, battery capacity, and battery inverter dimensions to balance self-sufficiency and economic performance. While the system exhibits considerable technical potential, its economic integration represents a significant challenge, caused by high investment costs of rSOC systems and the comparatively low electrical efficiency for hydrogen production and subsequent reconversion into electricity. Consequently, it was not possible to identify an economically viable business model within the prevailing framework conditions, whether for Scenario I or Scenario II. Sensitive analyses taking into account the further development of the technology and the relevant framework contions however, shows, that rSOC has the potential to be an interesting option for use in PEDs in the future. The investigation was carried out as part of the Cell4Live project, focusing on technical and economic aspects of rSOC systems integrated in PEDs.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Fuel Cell, Simulation Model, Positiv Energy District, hydrogen, rSOC-system
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Depositing User:	The CORP Team
Date Deposited:	24 May 2025 14:12
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 09:08
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1223

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