Stack current output end sealing structure of SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) system
By combining a sleeve, a limiting block, and a thermosetting material filling layer, the insulation, sealing, and heat insulation problems of nickel wire between high-temperature and low-temperature regions are solved, achieving stable current transmission and system safety and stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 福赛尔(武汉)集成有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
In SOFC systems, when nickel wires travel from high-temperature regions to low-temperature regions, their insulation, sealing, and heat insulation effects are poor, leading to current leakage, escape of high-temperature gases, and uncontrolled heat conduction, which affects the system's power generation efficiency and safety.
It adopts a combination structure of sleeve, limiting block, thermosetting material filling layer and insulating plate, and fixes the wire through high temperature firing to form a sealing layer, which prevents high temperature gas leakage and isolates heat conduction.
It improves the insulation, sealing and heat insulation of nickel wire, ensures stable current transmission, avoids damage to the fuel cell stack and energy waste, and enhances system safety and stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224177331U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cell system technology, and in particular to a sealed structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system stack. Background Technology
[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have shown broad application prospects in the field of distributed power generation due to their significant advantages such as high efficiency and low pollution. In an SOFC system, the fuel cell stack is the core component, which generates current during operation. This current needs to be transferred to the load through high-temperature resistant nickel wire to achieve efficient utilization of electrical energy.
[0003] However, during the current extraction process, the nickel wire needs to cross from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region. The insulation, sealing, and thermal insulation between the nickel wire and the insulating surface become critical challenges. Inadequate insulation can lead to current leakage, reducing the system's power generation efficiency and potentially causing safety hazards. Poor sealing can allow gases from the high-temperature region to leak into the low-temperature region, affecting the normal operation of the fuel cell stack and potentially damaging it. Insufficient thermal insulation will cause a large amount of heat to be transferred from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region, wasting energy and damaging equipment and components in the low-temperature region. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system stack to solve the problems in related technologies where the insulation, sealing and heat insulation effects of nickel wires are poor when the nickel wires cross from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region, leading to current leakage, escape of high-temperature gases, and uncontrolled heat conduction, which in turn causes reduced system power generation efficiency, stack damage, energy waste and potential safety hazards.
[0005] In a first aspect, a sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system stack is provided, comprising:
[0006] A sleeve, used to wrap the wire and having a filling cavity between it and the wire;
[0007] Limiting blocks are disposed at both ends of the filling cavity, and the limiting blocks are provided with inner holes for wires to pass through;
[0008] A thermosetting material filling layer is disposed between the two limiting blocks;
[0009] An insulating plate is disposed at one end of the sleeve near the fuel cell stack and has through holes for wires to pass through.
[0010] In some embodiments, the diameter of the through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the wire and smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block.
[0011] In some embodiments, the thermosetting material filler layer is composed of glass powder doped with ceramic powder.
[0012] In some embodiments, the end of the sleeve away from the fuel cell stack is provided with a seal.
[0013] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the sleeve that contacts the thermosetting material filler layer is corrugated.
[0014] In some embodiments, the projection of the sleeve onto the insulating plate is located within the insulating plate.
[0015] In some embodiments, the sleeve is integrally formed with the insulating plate;
[0016] Alternatively, the sleeve may be movably connected to the insulating plate.
[0017] In some embodiments, the limiting block is made of ceramic.
[0018] In some embodiments, the sleeve and the insulating plate are made of stainless steel.
[0019] In some embodiments, the sealant is an organic adhesive.
[0020] This application provides a sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system fuel cell stack. An insulating plate is positioned at the end of the sleeve closest to the fuel cell stack to isolate the high temperature generated at the stack end and prevent heat conduction. During operation, the wire is first passed through the through-hole on the insulating plate and the inner hole of the limiting block. The limiting block is then inserted into the sleeve along its inner diameter. Thermosetting material is placed into the sleeve, and the other end of the wire extends from the inner hole of another limiting block. The thermosetting material filling layer is then compacted using a limiting block. The assembled assembly is placed in a high-temperature furnace for firing. After firing, the thermosetting material filling layer solidifies, fixing the wire to the limiting block and preventing loosening. Simultaneously, a sealing layer is formed to prevent gas leakage from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region. Therefore, this structure improves the insulation, sealing, and heat insulation effects of the nickel wire. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure of the sealing structure of the current output terminal of the SOFC system stack provided in the embodiment of this application.
[0023] In the figure: 1. Sleeve; 2. Thermosetting material filling layer; 3. Limiting block; 301. Inner hole; 302. First limiting block; 303. Second limiting block; 4. Insulating plate; 401. Through hole; 5. Sealing element; 6. Wire. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0025] This application provides a sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system stack, which can solve the problems in related technologies where the insulation, sealing and heat insulation effects of the nickel wire are poor when the nickel wire crosses from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region, resulting in current leakage, escape of high-temperature gas, and uncontrolled heat conduction, which in turn leads to reduced system power generation efficiency, stack damage, energy waste and potential safety hazards.
[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, a sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system stack is characterized by comprising:
[0027] Sleeve 1 is used to wrap wire 6 and has a filling cavity between it and wire 6;
[0028] Limiting blocks 3 are provided at both ends of the filling cavity, and the limiting blocks 3 are provided with inner holes 301 for the wires 6 to pass through;
[0029] A thermosetting material filler layer 2 is disposed between the two limiting blocks 3;
[0030] The insulating plate 4 is disposed at one end of the sleeve 1 near the fuel cell stack and has a through hole 401 for the wire 6 to pass through.
[0031] Among them, conductor 6 is nickel wire, and the direction of current flow in conductor 6 is as follows: Figure 1As shown by the middle arrow, the tail of the arrow is close to the fuel cell stack and is designated as the first end, while the tip of the arrow is designated as the second end. There are two limiting blocks 3: the one closer to the first end is the first limiting block 302, and the one closer to the second end is the second limiting block 303. The insulating plate 4 is located at the end of the sleeve 1 closest to the fuel cell stack, i.e., close to the first end, and is used to isolate the high temperature generated at the fuel cell stack end and prevent heat conduction. During operation, first, the wire 6 is passed through the through hole 401 on the insulating plate 4 and the inner hole 301 of the first limiting block 302. The first limiting block 302 is then inserted into the sleeve 1 along the inner diameter of the sleeve 1. Thermosetting material is then placed into the sleeve 1 to form a thermosetting material filling layer 2. The other end of the wire 6 is then extended from the inner hole 301 of the second limiting block 303. The thermosetting material filling layer 2 is then compacted by the second limiting block 303. The entire assembly is then placed in a high-temperature furnace for firing. After firing, the thermosetting material filling layer 2 solidifies under heat, fixing the wire 6 to the limiting block 3 to prevent the wire 6 from loosening. At the same time, a sealing layer is formed to prevent gas from the high-temperature area from leaking into the low-temperature area.
[0032] In some embodiments, the diameter of the through hole 401 is larger than the outer diameter of the wire 6 and smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block 3.
[0033] Specifically, the diameter of the through hole 401 is larger than the outer diameter of the wire 6, leaving a gap between the wire 6 and the insulating plate 4 to ensure insulation. The diameter of the through hole 401 is smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block 3, allowing the insulating plate 4 to support the limiting block 3 and limit its movement. It should be noted that the central axes of the through hole 401 and the inner hole 301 are collinear.
[0034] The thermosetting material filler layer 2 can be made of glass powder, but due to its high fluidity, it tends to clump together during firing, affecting the filling effect. Therefore, in this application, the preferred material for the thermosetting material filler layer 2 is a mixture of ceramic powder and glass powder. In some optional embodiments, the thermosetting material filler layer 2 can also be made of other materials, as long as it meets the following four conditions: 1. It must withstand high temperatures above 650°C; 2. The material's dense structure makes it airtight; 3. It has reliable adhesion to ensure a tight bond with the sleeve 1 and the limiting block 3; 4. It has insulating properties to eliminate the risk of electrical conductivity.
[0035] Adding a mixture of ceramic powder and glass powder in a specific ratio to the sleeve 1 and compacting it securely fixes the conductor 6 within the sleeve 1. This ensures that the conductor 6 does not loosen during fuel cell operation, thus guaranteeing stable current transmission. Furthermore, at a fuel cell operating temperature of 650℃, the ceramic powder and glass powder mixture becomes solid, providing excellent insulation properties. This effectively prevents short circuits between the nickel wire and other components, ensuring current transmission along the predetermined path and improving system safety and stability. Simultaneously, the thermosetting material filling layer 2 fills the inside of the sleeve 1, reducing the possibility of air and other impurities entering and achieving a sealing effect.
[0036] Furthermore, a sealing element 5 is provided at the end of the sleeve 1 furthest from the fuel cell stack. In this application, the sealing element 5 is preferably an organic adhesive. After the thermosetting material filler layer 2 is heated to a solid state, the sealing element 5 is applied to the end of the second limiting block 303 and the second end of the sleeve 1 to further bond the wire 6 and achieve a seal. Compared with glass glue, organic adhesive has superior bonding performance and can provide a more reliable sealing effect. In this structural design, the organic adhesive is placed at the second end, away from the high-temperature region of the fuel cell stack, avoiding the problem of organic adhesive being intolerant to high temperatures in SOFC systems. This not only fully utilizes the advantages of organic adhesive in sealing and ensures the system's airtightness, but also effectively avoids the damage of high temperature to the structure and performance of the organic adhesive, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the sealing at the current output end of the entire SOFC system fuel cell stack.
[0037] Furthermore, the inner wall of the sleeve 1 in contact with the thermosetting material filling layer 2 is provided with corrugations, which can increase the contact area between the sleeve 1 and the thermosetting material and improve the sealing performance of the contact surface.
[0038] Furthermore, the projection of sleeve 1 onto the insulating plate 4 is located inside the insulating plate 4, meaning that the area of the insulating plate 4 is larger than the area of sleeve 1. This can block gas exchange between the high-temperature region and the low-temperature region, improve the overall sealing performance, and reduce the risk of heat loss and the intrusion of external impurities.
[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the sleeve 1 and the insulating plate 4 are made of stainless steel, which facilitates welding them together.
[0040] Furthermore, the limiting block 3 is made of ceramic. During the high-temperature firing process, the ceramic limiting block 3 can withstand a high temperature of 850℃ without deformation or damage, and it still maintains stable performance in the 650℃ high-temperature environment of the fuel cell stack operation, ensuring the normal operation of the entire sealing structure in high-temperature environments.
[0041] In this application, the sleeve 1 and the isolation plate 4 are movably connected, such as by a threaded connection, which facilitates installation and disassembly. During subsequent maintenance, repair or replacement of parts, the threaded connection can be easily adjusted and adapted, improving the flexibility and versatility of the entire sealing structure.
[0042] Optionally, the sleeve 1 and the insulating plate 4 are integrated.
[0043] The specific steps for this application are as follows:
[0044] 101: Connect sleeve 1 to isolation plate 4 with threads to form a whole;
[0045] 102: Pass the wire 6 through the inner hole 301 of the first limiting block 302, and insert the first limiting block 302 into the inner diameter of the sleeve 1.
[0046] 103: Add a mixture of ceramic powder and glass powder into the sleeve 1 in a certain proportion to form a thermosetting material filling layer 2. Tamp it with a tool to ensure that the wire 6 is secure. Then extend the wire 6 out of the inner hole of the first limiting block 302, pass through the inner hole 301 of the second limiting block 303, and cover the second limiting block 303.
[0047] 104: Place the assembled parts into a high-temperature furnace and fire them at 850°C.
[0048] 105: Set a countdown of 1 hour, and after the ceramic powder and glass powder have been fully fired, remove them from the high-temperature furnace;
[0049] 106: After cooling to room temperature, apply organic adhesive to the end face of the second limit block 303 and the second end of the sleeve 1 to further bond the wire 6 and seal it.
[0050] During implementation, the fuel cell stack operates at a temperature of 650°C. The ceramic powder and glass mixture is in a solid state, which will not cause the wires to loosen and will ensure insulation. The organic adhesive at the end travels a long distance, and the actual temperature is around 200°C, which will not damage its structure.
[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0052] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.
Claims
1. A sealing structure for the current output terminal of an SOFC system fuel cell stack, characterized in that, It includes: A sleeve (1) is used to wrap the wire (6) and a filling cavity is provided between the sleeve (1) and the wire (6); Limiting blocks (3) are provided at both ends of the filling cavity, and the limiting blocks (3) are provided with inner holes (301) for the wires (6) to pass through; A thermosetting material filling layer (2) is disposed between the two limiting blocks (3); An insulating plate (4) is provided at one end of the sleeve (1) near the fuel cell stack and has a through hole (401) for the wire (6) to pass through.
2. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the through hole (401) is greater than the outer diameter of the wire (6) and smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block (3).
3. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The thermosetting material filling layer (2) is composed of glass powder doped with ceramic powder.
4. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (1) is provided with a seal (5) at the end away from the fuel cell.
5. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sleeve (1) in contact with the thermosetting material filling layer (2) is provided with a corrugated pattern.
6. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The projection of the sleeve (1) on the insulating plate (4) is located inside the insulating plate (4).
7. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (1) and the insulating plate (4) are integrally formed; Alternatively, the sleeve (1) may be movably connected to the insulating plate (4).
8. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting block (3) is made of ceramic.
9. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (1) and the insulating plate (4) are made of stainless steel.
10. The sealing structure of the SOFC system stack current output terminal as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing element (5) is an organic adhesive.