High-power-density design

Develop high conductivity composite bipolar plates to allow high power density designs to be... 

Integrated planar SOFC and flat-tube high-power density designs... 

FIGURE 6.6 High power density (HPD) SOFC, consisting of a flattened tube with two flat faces. The vertical struts between the two flat faces provide shorter paths for the electronic current collection, eliminating the need for all of the electronic current to travel around the circumference of the cathode, as in the standard tubular cell design shown in Figure 6.5 [48], Reprinted from [48] with permission from Elsevier. 

Investigation of Design and Manufacturing Methods for Low-Cost Fabrication of High Efficiency, High Power Density PEM Fuel Cell Power Plant," prepared by International Fuel Cells, Final Report FCR-11320A, June 10, 1991. 

Research reactors themselves tend to have a very different set of safety-related parameters from power reactors. Some are helpful differences like simplicity, relatively low power, and low-temperature coolant. Other differences, especially the need for a high-power density core, pose challenges not faced in a power reactor. These challenges can be met through thoughtful design solutions. 

The so-called E- and F-designs for stacks with planar anode substrate type cells and metallic interconnects constitute the work horses at Forschungszentrum Jiilich used for testing SOFC materials, cells and manufacturing processes in cell and stack development since its introduction in the year 2000 [1]. Ferritic interconnects were chosen since they offer a high electric conductivity and thus the potential for high power density in the stacks. On the other hand the ferritic material gives rise to chromium evaporation (which can poison the cathodes) and is prone to massive corrosion at temperatures above approximately 900°C [2],... 

FZJ has adopted the design with stainless steel interconnect plates due to the steel s high electrical conductivity und the ensuing high power densities and compact stack designs. At the same time this material has a promising potential for low cost production. Still, the problems of chromium species evaporation from the steel and the corrosion behaviour of steel in SOFC relevant atmospheres need to be carefully addressed in order to achieve an... 

Micro fuel cells are primarily designed for portability. Their size is dictated by the size of the device they power. Consumer products such as laptop PCs, portable electronic video games, video cameras, PDAs, and cellular telephones are several examples of portable electronics where a micro fuel cell could be used to power the device. These fuel cells have been designed on primarily two fuel cell types, DMFC and PEMFC. These fuel cell types provide high power density based on their small size and are suitable for powering small devices. A need for high efficiency, combined with a need for lightweight and small size makes these fuel cell types ideal. 

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