Stack optimization and testing for its integration in a rSOC-based renewable energy storage system

International audienceStacks dedicated to rSOC operation require improvements as compared to stacks dedicated to purely SOEC or SOFC mode. Starting from an electrolysis stack, improvements have been performed in the European project REFLEX, mainly to enhance reactants distribution, reduce pressure drops, integrate new cells specifically developed as part of REFLEX project, and finally integrate larger cells to reduce stack and system cost and footprint. For easier handling, mechanical connection to the system was optimized. Long-term degradation tests were performed both for reference and optimized cells within two 5-cell stacks. A full size 25-cell stack was assembled integrating optimized connections to gases lines, specific stack clamping system and internal electrical insulation required for stack integration into REFLEX modules. For prospective reason enlarged cells were produced and integrated within first a 5-cell stack, and then a 25-cell stack. Finally, stability of performance along pre-serial manufacturing process was checked for 20 stacks before their delivery forintegration into REFLEX modules

Quantification of cytochrome P450 aromatase transcripts before and during luteal phase in rabbit

International audienceThe aim of the present study was to quantify the promoter II- and I.r-derived transcripts of P450 aromatase gene during follicular stages and during corpus luteum formation in the rabbit. An ovulatory dose of hCG induced, first the disappearance of 90% of aromatase transcripts since 6 h before ovulation, and second a gradual decrease during pseudopregnancy. Individual quantification of both the promoter-derived transcripts showed that promoter II-derived transcript was the main transcript expressed both during follicular phase and pseudopregnancy, but kinetics of disappearance were not similar between both the promoter-derived transcripts. Moreover, hCG up-regulates aromatase expression in vitro in luteal tissue but estradiol, which was without effect on aromatase expression in preovulatory granulosa cells, down-regulates this expression in luteal tissue. In conclusion, the regulation of P450 aromatase in rabbit is mainly under control of promoter II regardless of which cyclic stage is studied. Moreover, we reported an opposite effect of estradiol on aromatase expression in vitro between follicular and luteal cells