DOE OSTI · 3387202
A stable high-humidity bubbler design to supply steam for solid oxide electrolysis cells
Abstract
A stable steam supply is required for the operation of solid oxide electrolysis cells. Heated water bubblers are the most common method due to the simplicity and inherent safety of the method, however, several design challenges hinder effective implementation. Here, a stable and validated bubbler design is presented, capable of achieving very high steam concentrations, relatively high flow rates, and continuous operation. A piping and instrumentation diagram and bill of materials are provided to enable easy duplication. Critical design parameters are discussed, including safety considerations and materials requirements, which are applicable to any bubbler design. The practical implementation of bubblers is also presented, including methods to prevent condensation instability and reduce backpressure to achieve a stable steam supply. The 3″ x 6″ (7.6 cm × 15.2 cm) bubbler achieves up to 98% steam balance hydrogen at 200 sccm and up to 1 slpm at 96% steam.
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Kane, Nicholas John [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0000000283956088), Hartvigsen, Jeremy Lee [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0000000293205552), Gomez, Joshua Yoel [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0009000997597176), Cutts, Konner Stephen [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)], Ding, Dong [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0000000269214504), Casteel, Micah Joel [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0009000460150032). 2026-01-22. A stable high-humidity bubbler design to supply steam for solid oxide electrolysis cells. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1640596
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