Development of Intermediate Temperature SOFC Stacks Systems

The stack design and its fabrication process are quite important in developing the SOFC systems. For the case of the first-generation SOFCs, selection of materials was accompanied by adoption of the electrochemical vapor deposition technique and the sealless tubular design. For the intermediate-temperature SOFCs, utilization of metals is a key in selecting the fabrication technique and the design. Typical designs are as follows  

Sealless planar Electrochemical cells made up of electrolyte, cathode, and anode are stacked with metal interconnects without using sealing materials. For example, disk-type planar sealless stacks have been constructed by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. For this purpose, fuel and air are introduced through the central part of the respective cells. Outside the cells, the remaining fuel becomes combusted with air. Self-supporting cells are usually used for this design. 

Planar cells with sealant Fuel and air are separately controlled using sealing materials. Anode-supported cells are used for this design, which makes it necessary to seal properly the edge part of anode-supported cells. 

Micro tubes Micro tubes without oxide intercoimects are fabricated with cathodes and anodes. Current collection becomes a key issue in this design. 

Metal-supported cell Since metal-supported cells are still in the early stages of development, there is no defined stack design associated with metal-supported cells. There is a possibility of achieving gas tightness without using sealing materials. 

---

Development of Intermediate Temperature SOFC Stacks/Systems 2.3.1 KyocerajOsaka Gas... 

---