A SOFC system prevents the sealing structure of the exhaust end of the stack
By using a combination of protective shields, ceramic fiber cotton, and support barrier components in the SOFC system, the problem of sealing failure at the fuel cell stack outlet end was solved, achieving efficient sealing and system 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
- 2025-07-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In SOFC systems, seal failure at the fuel cell stack outlet can lead to uncontrollable gas leakage, affecting system safety and stability.
The system employs a combination structure of a protective cover, ceramic fiber cotton, and a support and barrier component. The protective cover surrounds the fuel cell stack and is fixed to the catalytic burner. The ceramic fiber cotton fills the filling cavity, and the support and barrier component supports the protective cover and blocks the combustion gas, forming a closed and sealed structure to enhance the sealing effect.
It significantly improves the sealing performance and long-term operational reliability of SOFC systems, prevents gas leakage, and ensures system stability and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224472464U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of SOFC system technology, and in particular to a sealing structure for preventing gas from escaping from the fuel cell stack in an SOFC system. Background Technology
[0002] In the operation of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, the matching between the stack outlet and the catalytic burner is a critical link, and the quality of its sealing performance directly affects the safety and stability of the entire system.
[0003] The catalytic burner is isolated from the fuel cell stack by a ceramic frame, and the sides of the ceramic frame are sealed with high-temperature resistant adhesive. During actual operation, due to insufficient design and high-temperature adhesive strength of the fuel cell stack itself, seal failure can occur. For example, the contact surface between the fuel cell stack side and the ceramic frame may not be perfectly smooth, with minor bumps or depressions. This can prevent the high-temperature adhesive from being evenly distributed during application, creating localized weak sealing areas. During SOFC system operation, the gas pressure and temperature inside the fuel cell stack constantly change. Under long-term pressure and temperature effects, these minor weak sealing areas can gradually expand, eventually leading to seal failure.
[0004] When a seal fails, the fuel gas at the fuel cell stack outlet will leak uncontrollably into the surrounding environment, which can lead to a series of serious problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a sealing structure for preventing gas from leaking from the fuel cell stack outlet in an SOFC system, thereby addressing the problem in related technologies where sealing failure leads to uncontrollable leakage of fuel cell stack outlet gas into the surrounding environment, which in turn causes a series of serious problems.
[0006] In a first aspect, a sealing structure is provided for the gas outlet end of an SOFC system. The sealing structure includes a ceramic frame connected between the fuel cell stack and the catalytic combustor, and further includes: a protective cover surrounding the fuel cell stack and fixedly connected to the outer walls of both sides of the catalytic combustor, wherein a filling cavity is formed between the protective cover and the outer walls of the fuel cell stack and the catalytic combustor; ceramic fiber cotton filling the filling cavity; and a support and barrier assembly disposed within the filling cavity. The protective cover wraps around the support and barrier assembly, which supports the protective cover and blocks the gas combustion gas within the filling cavity.
[0007] In some embodiments, the support barrier assembly includes: multiple U-shaped sheets vertically distributed along the fuel cell stack, with the opening of each U-shaped sheet facing the catalytic burner; and multiple connecting sheets connecting the multiple U-shaped sheets.
[0008] In some embodiments, both the U-shaped sheet and the connecting piece are coated with glass glue, and the protective cover is bonded to the U-shaped sheet and the connecting piece by the glass glue.
[0009] In some embodiments, bolts are connected between the two ends of the fuel cell stack, and the U-shaped plate has through holes for the bolts to pass through.
[0010] In some embodiments, the interior of the opening of the connecting piece is provided with a clearance groove adapted to the ceramic frame.
[0011] In some embodiments, the protective cover is welded and fixed to the outer walls on both sides of the catalytic burner.
[0012] In some embodiments, a metal tube is fixedly connected to the protective cover, and a wire is connected to the current collector plate on the fuel cell stack. The wire extends out of the metal tube and is used to transmit electrical energy. A sealing component is provided inside the metal tube to prevent gas from leaking from the metal tube.
[0013] In some embodiments, the sealing assembly includes: a plurality of ceramic pillars, each of which has a through hole for the wire to pass through; and a high-temperature adhesive filled between adjacent ceramic pillars.
[0014] In some embodiments, the top and bottom of the protective cover are provided with brackets near the catalytic burner, the brackets are provided with connection holes for installing connectors, and the connectors are used to connect to the catalytic burner.
[0015] In some embodiments, the protective shield and the support barrier assembly are made of alumina ceramic.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: This application provides a sealing structure for preventing gas leakage at the outlet of an SOFC system. The protective cover surrounds the fuel cell stack and is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the catalytic burner to form a closed filling cavity. Ceramic fiber cotton serves as the filling medium, which can adsorb and block trace amounts of leaked gas. In addition, the design of the support and barrier component further maintains the geometric stability of the protective cover by supporting it. Also, because it is inserted into the filling cavity, it can block the gas when it encounters the support and barrier component. Therefore, through the cooperation of the protective cover, ceramic fiber cotton, and support and barrier component, the sealing effect is significantly improved, ensuring the long-term operational reliability of the SOFC system. Attached Figure Description
[0017] 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.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view provided for illustrating ceramic fiber cotton in an embodiment of this application;
[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram provided for illustrating the connection state of the protective cover and the supporting barrier assembly, as provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating a support barrier component provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view provided for illustrating the sealing assembly in an embodiment of this application;
[0023] In the diagram: 1. Fuel cell stack; 2. Catalytic burner; 3. Ceramic frame; 4. Protective cover; 40. Support; 41. Connecting hole; 5. Filling cavity; 6. Ceramic fiber cotton; 7. Support and barrier assembly; 70. U-shaped plate; 71. Connecting plate; 710. Clearance groove; 8. Bolt; 80. Perforation; 90. Metal tube; 91. Wire; 92. Ceramic column; 93. High-temperature adhesive. 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 preventing gas from leaking from the fuel cell stack outlet in an SOFC system. This structure solves the problem in related technologies where sealing failure leads to uncontrollable leakage of fuel cell stack outlet gas into the surrounding environment, which in turn causes a series of serious problems.
[0026] Reference Figures 1-5A sealing structure for preventing gas leakage at the outlet of an SOFC (Solar Fuel Cell) stack is disclosed. The sealing structure includes a ceramic frame 3 connecting the stack 1 and the catalytic combustor 2. However, during actual operation, insufficient design and high-temperature adhesive strength of the stack 1 itself can lead to seal failure. For example, the contact surface between the side of the stack 1 and the ceramic frame 3 may not be smooth enough, with minor protrusions or depressions. This prevents the high-temperature adhesive 93 from being evenly distributed during application, creating localized weak sealing areas. During SOFC system operation, the gas pressure and temperature inside the stack 1 constantly change. These minor weak sealing areas are prone to gradually expanding under long-term pressure and temperature changes, eventually leading to seal failure. To address the shortcomings of the ceramic frame 3 seal, the sealing structure also includes a protective cover 4, ceramic fiber cotton 6, and a support and barrier component 7. The protective cover 4 surrounds the fuel cell stack 1 and is fixedly connected to the outer walls of both sides of the catalytic burner 2. A filling cavity 5 is formed between the protective cover 4 and the outer walls of the fuel cell stack 1 and the catalytic burner 2. The designed ceramic fiber cotton 6 is filled into the filling cavity 5. The designed support and barrier component 7 is also located in the filling cavity 5, and the protective cover 4 is wrapped around the support and barrier component 7. The support and barrier component 7 is used to support the protective cover 4 and to block the gas in the filling cavity 5.
[0027] In this application, the protective cover 4 and the support and barrier assembly 7 are made of alumina ceramic. During use, the protective cover 4 first encloses a portion of the fuel cell stack 1 and the catalytic burner 2, providing overall protection and auxiliary sealing. The protective cover 4 is welded and fixed to the outer walls of both sides of the catalytic burner 2, forming a rigid integral structure. This ensures a tight connection between the protective cover 4 and the catalytic burner 2, eliminating any gaps that may exist between them and cutting off the potential path for gas leakage from the fuel cell stack 1 through this area. Secondly, ceramic fiber cotton 6 is filled into the filling cavity 5. The ceramic fiber cotton 6 has good flexibility and sealing properties, capable of filling gaps caused by uneven contact surfaces between the fuel cell stack 1 and the ceramic frame 3, compensating for weak sealing areas caused by uneven application of the high-temperature adhesive 93, and enhancing the sealing effect. Furthermore, the ceramic fiber cotton 6 can also absorb and block trace amounts of combustible gas. Finally, the support and barrier assembly 7 serves two purposes: firstly, it supports the protective cover 4, ensuring its structural stability and preventing deformation or damage due to internal pressure and temperature changes during the operation of the fuel cell stack 1, thus maintaining the integrity of the entire sealing structure; secondly, it also isolates the gas in the filling cavity 5, preventing gas leakage and further improving sealing performance. Moreover, alumina ceramics possess excellent properties such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and high strength. Under the high-temperature environment of the SOFC system, alumina ceramics maintain stable physical and chemical properties, without deforming, softening, or undergoing chemical reactions due to high temperatures. This ensures that the protective cover 4 and the support and barrier assembly 7 effectively perform their supporting, barrier, and protective functions over a long period, guaranteeing the reliability of the sealing structure.
[0028] In this application, the protective cover 4 is welded and fixed to the catalytic burner 2. To ensure accurate welding and convenient operation, brackets 40 are provided at the top and bottom of the protective cover 4 near the catalytic burner 2. The brackets 40 are provided with connection holes 41 for installing connectors, which are used to connect to the catalytic burner 2. The connectors include, but are not limited to, bolts 8. Using bolts 8 to connect the brackets 40 to the catalytic burner 2 can reinforce the catalytic burner 2, ensuring that the welding is stable and reliable. After welding and fixing, the connection between the two is more secure with the reinforcement of the bolts 8.
[0029] In this application, the supporting barrier assembly 7 includes: U-shaped sheets 70 and connecting pieces 71. Multiple layers of U-shaped sheets 70 are vertically distributed along the fuel cell stack 1, with the opening of each layer facing the catalytic burner 2. Multiple connecting pieces 71 connect the multiple layers of U-shaped sheets 70. After combining the U-shaped sheets 70 and connecting pieces 71 to form the supporting barrier assembly 7, it is installed around the fuel cell stack 1. A protective cover 4 is then installed around the fuel cell stack 1 to form a filling cavity 5. The supporting barrier assembly 7 is then directly located within the filling cavity 5. During the operation of the SOFC system, the gas pressure and temperature inside the fuel cell stack 1 constantly change, exerting forces on the protective cover 4. The U-shaped sheets 70 can withstand these forces, preventing the protective cover 4 from deforming due to pressure and temperature changes, maintaining its preset shape, and ensuring that the protective cover 4 effectively wraps and protects the internally filled ceramic fiber cotton 6, etc. In addition, when the gas that may leak inside the fuel cell stack 1 diffuses toward the catalytic burner 2, it needs to pass through the channels formed by these U-shaped plates 70 and connecting plates 71 in sequence, which increases the length and difficulty of the gas leakage path, effectively preventing the rapid leakage of gas and improving the sealing performance of the system.
[0030] In this application, glass adhesive is applied to both the U-shaped sheet 70 and the connecting piece 71, and the protective cover 4 is bonded to the U-shaped sheet 70 and the connecting piece 71 by the glass adhesive. The glass adhesive has good flexibility and filling properties, allowing it to penetrate into uneven areas or tiny gaps between the U-shaped sheet 70, the connecting piece 71, and the protective cover 4 to form a continuous sealing layer. This effectively prevents gas leakage from the fuel cell stack 1 through these gaps, significantly improving the sealing performance of the entire sealing structure. It also effectively connects the protective cover 4 to the supporting barrier component 7. Furthermore, the glass adhesive has excellent high-temperature resistance, maintaining stable physical and chemical properties under high-temperature conditions. It will not soften, flow, or decompose due to high temperatures, thus ensuring effective bonding of components even in high-temperature environments and maintaining the integrity and sealing performance of the sealing structure.
[0031] In this application, since the fuel cell stack 1 is fastened, bolts 8 are connected between the two ends of the fuel cell stack 1. When the support and barrier component 7 is added, to ensure the fastening of the fuel cell stack 1, a through hole 80 is provided on the U-shaped plate 70. The through hole 80 is used for the bolts 8 to pass through, so that the fuel cell stack 1 can operate normally. In addition, since the opening of the U-shaped plate 70 faces the catalytic burner 2, and there is a ceramic frame 3 between the catalytic burner 2 and the fuel cell stack 1, in order to avoid connection interference, an avoidance groove 710 adapted to the ceramic frame 3 is provided inside the opening of the connecting piece 71.
[0032] In this application, to further ensure the normal power transmission of the fuel cell stack 1, a metal tube 90 is fixedly connected to the protective cover 4. A wire 91 is connected to the current collector plate on the fuel cell stack 1, and the wire 91 extends through the metal tube 90. The wire 91 is used to transmit electrical energy. A sealing assembly is provided inside the metal tube 90 to prevent gas leakage from the metal tube 90. The sealing assembly includes: ceramic pillars 92 and high-temperature adhesive 93. Multiple ceramic pillars 92 are provided, and each ceramic pillar 92 has a through hole for the wire 91 to pass through. The high-temperature adhesive 93 fills the spaces between adjacent ceramic pillars 92.
[0033] The metal tube 90 provides a physical protection channel for the conductor 91, ensuring that electrical energy can be stably transmitted from the current collector of the fuel cell stack 1, guaranteeing the normal power supply of the system. The ceramic pillar 92 itself has a dense structure, effectively preventing the passage of gas. When gas flows within the metal tube 90, it must bypass the ceramic pillar 92 to continue diffusing, increasing the path length and difficulty of gas leakage, thus greatly reducing the possibility of gas leakage from the metal tube 90. High-temperature adhesive 93 fills the spaces between adjacent ceramic pillars 92, further enhancing the sealing effect. The high-temperature adhesive 93 has excellent adhesion and sealing properties, filling the tiny gaps between the ceramic pillars 92 to form a continuous sealing layer, preventing gas leakage through these gaps.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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 SOFC system for preventing the sealing structure of the exhaust end of the stack, said sealing structure comprising a ceramic frame (3) connected between the stack (1) and the catalytic burner (2), characterized in that, Also include: The protective cover (4) is surrounded by the electric pile (1) and is fixedly connected with the two side walls of the catalytic burner (2). The protective cover (4) and the outer wall of the electric pile (1) and the catalytic burner (2) form a filling cavity (5); The ceramic fiber cotton (6) is filled in the filling cavity (5); The support barrier assembly (7) is arranged in the filling cavity (5), the protective cover (4) is wrapped on the support barrier assembly (7), the support barrier assembly (7) is used for supporting the protective cover (4) and blocking the gas in the filling cavity (5).
2. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The support barrier assembly (7) comprises: The U-shaped sheet body (70) is vertically distributed with multiple layers along the electric pile (1), and the opening of each layer of the U-shaped sheet body (70) faces the catalytic burner (2); The connecting sheet (71) is connected between the multiple layers of the U-shaped sheet body (70) and is provided with multiple.
3. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The U-shaped sheet body (70) and the connecting sheet (71) are coated with glass glue, and the protective cover (4) is bonded with the U-shaped sheet body (70) and the connecting sheet (71) through the glass glue.
4. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The electric pile (1) is connected with a bolt (8) between the two ends, the U-shaped sheet body (70) is provided with a through hole (80), and the through hole (80) is used for the bolt (8) to pass through.
5. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The inside of the opening of the connecting sheet (71) is provided with an avoidance groove (710) matched with the ceramic frame (3).
6. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover (4) and the two side walls of the catalytic burner (2) are welded and fixed.
7. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The protective cover (4) is fixedly connected with a metal pipe (90), the current collecting plate on the electric pile (1) is connected with a wire (91), the wire (91) passes out of the metal pipe (90), the wire (91) is used for transmitting electric energy, and the metal pipe (90) is provided with a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is used for blocking the leakage of gas from the metal pipe (90).
8. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The sealing assembly comprises: The ceramic column (92) is provided with multiple, and each ceramic column (92) is provided with a through hole for the wire (91) to pass through; The high-temperature glue (93) is filled between adjacent ceramic columns (92).
9. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The protective cover (4) is provided with a support (40) near the catalytic burner (2) at the top and bottom. The support (40) is provided with a connecting hole (41), and the connecting hole (41) is used for installing a connecting piece. The connecting piece is used for connecting with the catalytic burner (2).
10. A SOFC system preventing the sealing structure of the gas outlet end of the stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover (4) and the support barrier assembly (7) are made of alumina ceramic.