Monolithic Argonne National Laboratory

An alternative SOFC configuration, based on the corrugated monolithic concept, was first proposed by the Argonne National Laboratories (Fee et al, 1986). The design is shown schematically in Fig. 11.26(h). The cells incorporate two triple layer subassemblies each prepared by... 

The concept of monolithic module design is associated with Argonne National Laboratories [111, 112]. Power density of about 8 kW/kg or 4kW/1 and fuel efficiency over 50% are expected to be achieved with monolithic SOFCs. The monolithic structure started with a co-flow version where the cell consists of a honeycomb-like array of adjacent fuel and oxidant channels that look like corrugated paperboard, as shown in Fig. 42. Multilayer laminates of the active cell components (anode-elec-ttolyte-cathode) are appropriately corrugated and stacked alternatively between flat multilayer laminates in the following sequence anode- interconnection material-cathode. Tape casting [111] and hot-roll calendering [113, 114] are used to fabricate the monolithic structure. A cross-flow version where oxidant and fuel channels are... 

Fig. 13.22. The monolithic SOFC concept of Argonne National Laboratory. Anode nickel-yttria-stabilized zirconia. Cathode strontium-doped lanthanum manganite. Interconnect doped lanthanum chromite, a, Interconnection b, electron-ion path c, anode d, electrolyte e, cathode. (Reprinted from K. Kordesch,...

Fig. 6M High-temperature solid-oxide (HTSO) fuel cell. The monolithic design, by Argonne National Laboratory.

One effective method of cost reduction would be to reduce the operating temperature, and in this respect four types of stack have been developed. These include (i) a tubular design, with the tubes closed at one end (Westinghouse prototypes) or opened at both ends (ii) a planar technology (iii) a segmented series arrangement of individual cells (Rolls-Royce) and (iv) a monolith concept (Argonne National Laboratory). 

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