Gas distribution assembly, particularly for a high temperature solid oxide electrolysis or fuel cell

Abstract

To at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the conventional technologies.SOLUTION: A gas distribution assembly includes a first plate (20) and a second plate (12) parallel with each other, the first plate (20) including gas communication orifices (21, 22, 23, 24). A sealing interface device (40) includes seals (41, 42, 43, 44) disposed around communication orifices (21, 22, 23, 24), and a strut (50) disposed in a coupling plane between the first plate (20) and the second plate (12). The strut (50) and the seals (41, 42, 43, 44) form a sealing interface having two planes of symmetry perpendicular with each other and perpendicular to the coupling plane, the thickness of the seals (41, 42, 43, 44) before coupling under pressure of the first plate (20) and the second plate (12) being greater than the thickness of the strut (50). The gas distribution assembly is used for high-temperature solid oxide electrolyser cells or fuel cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas distribution assembly, particularly for a high temperature solid oxide electrolysis or fuel cell.

[0002] The present invention relates to the general fields of high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) and high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE).

[0003] More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of high-temperature solid oxide electrolyser cells, commonly referred to using the acronym SOEC.

[0004] The invention also relates to the field of high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, commonly referred to using the acronym SOFC.

[0005] More generally, the invention therefore relates to the field of solid oxide stacks of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperatures.

[0006] More particularly, the present invention relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising a first plate, such as a gas distribution plate, a second plate, such as an end plate of a solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperatures, and a sealing interface device for ensuring a seal between the first and second plates for gas distribution.

[0007] In particular, the present invention relates to a sealing interface device for ensuring the sealing of a solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type, which is attached to a gas distribution plate, also known as a manifold, which allows the delivery and recovery of gases for the anode and cathode circuits of the solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type in a known manner. [Background technology]

[0008] SOEC / SOFC type solid oxide stacks, whether on the fabrication / tuning bench or when finally installed in an industrial system, must be connected to the gas supply circuit of a fixed installation.

[0009] In order to simplify the assembly, installation and removal of the stack, it is known to make such connections, apart from welding-type solutions, via easily removable mechanical interfaces, in which case it is necessary to achieve a seal between the gas distribution device of the fixed installation and the solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type.

[0010] Providing such a seal is complex: the seal must withstand high temperatures (on the order of 600°C to 1000°C) and also provide electrical insulation between the gas distribution device of the fixed installation and the solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type.

[0011] For example, it is known to use seals composed of mineral-derived materials (clay, talc, mica, ceramic, glass-ceramic) that are compressed via an external mechanical clamping system to ensure a seal between gas supply circuits. For example, flat compression seals made from compacted vermiculite powder are used around the communication orifices for the gas inlets or outlets of gas distribution plates or manifolds.

[0012] In addition to their sealing function, these seals provide an electrical insulating function between the mechanical interfaces between which they are mounted.

[0013] However, such seals require the application of significant compressive forces to achieve a sufficient seal due to the densification of the material and its adhesion to the opposing interfaces. Clamping stresses of the order of 1 MPa or even tens of MPa are required to achieve a seal compression ratio that allows a reliable seal.

[0014] Conversely, excessive collapse of the seal may result in the seal tearing, thereby compromising the sealing function of the seal.

[0015] Furthermore, clamping stresses of several MPa at high temperatures can cause bending loads on the end plates of the stack, potentially resulting in plastic deformation of these end plates, plastic deformation of the stack, and / or plastic deformation of the gas distribution plate. The flatness of the gas distribution plate or manifold can deteriorate over time, especially when the stack is repeatedly mounted and dismounted on the gas distribution plate on a conditioning bench. The risk of deterioration increases as the width of the base of the stack increases.

[0016] The gas distribution plate or manifold, which is located in the center of the conditioning bench, is a difficult component to replace. Tuning a stack on a deformed manifold plate will increasingly result in substantial deformation of the stack's end plates, in addition to causing sealing problems.

[0017] More generally, such deformations may be observed in gas distribution assemblies having parallel plates joined under pressure by a clamping device together with a sealing interface device that includes a seal around a communication orifice of one of the plates for gas inlet or outlet to the other plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0018] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 3075481 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] To this end, the present invention provides - a first plate and a second plate, the first plate comprising at least one communication orifice for a gas inlet or a gas outlet positioned facing a corresponding communication orifice of the second plate, said first plate and second plate extending parallel to each other; a clamping device for connecting under pressure said first plate and said second plate in a connecting plane parallel to said first plate and said second plate; - a sealing interface device including at least one seal disposed around said at least one communication orifice of said first plate at said coupling surface; The present invention relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising:

[0021] According to the invention, the sealing interface device comprises a support pillar arranged between the first plate and the second plate at said coupling surface, said support pillar and seal forming a sealing interface having two planes of symmetry perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to said coupling surface, and the thickness of the seal before coupling under pressure of said first plate and second plate is strictly greater than the thickness of said support pillar.

[0022] The struts thus make it possible to limit the collapse of the seal during connection under pressure of the first and second plates of the gas distribution assembly, and thus limit the movement of the first and / or second plates that would crush the seal. The symmetrical arrangement of the sealing interfaces at the connection surfaces and the limitation of the collapse of the seal by the struts make it possible to reduce the risk of bending of the first and second plates of the gas distribution assembly during connection under pressure.

[0023] Therefore, deformation of the first plate and the second plate is limited, and their flatness can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0024] Thus, the risk of bending of the plates of the gas distribution assembly during mechanical compression of the various elements of the stack and sealing interface device is reduced.

[0025] The gas distribution assembly may further include one or more of the following features taken separately or in combination:

[0026] Advantageously, the surface area formed by the struts at said connecting surface is greater than the surface area formed by the seal at said connecting surface.

[0027] The support surface area at the connecting surface formed by the struts, which is greater than the surface area formed by the seal, makes it possible to avoid excessive collapse of the seal even under clamping stresses greater than those required to compress the seal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the stiffness of the material forming the struts is greater than the stiffness of the material forming the seal.

[0029] The struts therefore provide a stronger mechanical support than the seal at the sealing interface, making it possible to limit the movement of the first and second plates during their connection under pressure. Such support at the connection surface makes it possible to (geometrically) limit the bending moments of the first and second plates.

[0030] In one advantageous embodiment, the strut includes at least one portion that forms a frame that extends around the periphery of the seal, the portion that forms the frame combining with the seal to provide an enhanced seal around the communication orifice.

[0031] In one preferred embodiment, when the sealing interface device comprises several seals, said struts comprise support portions that are positioned equidistant from said seals.

[0032] The support sections of the struts are therefore located at the shortest possible distance from the various seals at the sealing interface, so that the bending moments applied to the first and / or second plates during their connection under pressure are reduced.

[0033] In reality, said strut comprises several portions forming a frame extending around each of said several seals.

[0034] Advantageously, said support column is formed from a one-piece planar structure including said portions forming a frame.

[0035] The integral planar structure facilitates positioning of the posts and seal at the mating surfaces of the first and second plates. By varying the surface area of ​​the integral planar structure at the mating surfaces and the stiffness of the material forming the integral planar structure, the stiffness of the posts can be controlled according to the desired collapse ratio of the seal.

[0036] In practice, the dimensions of the opening formed by the portions forming the frame extending around the periphery of the seal at the connecting surface are strictly larger than the dimensions of said seal at said connecting surface.

[0037] A gap is therefore formed between the seal and the frame-forming portion of the strut to allow free expansion of the seal at the interface during collapse of the seal.

[0038] In one particular embodiment, each portion forming the frame comprises one or more projecting fingers that extend towards and contact said seal.

[0039] The protruding fingers may provide a holder for the seal at the post to facilitate positioning of the sealing interface device between the first plate and the second plate.

[0040] In another particular embodiment, said seal comprises at least one protrusion extending on the connecting surface and located in a contact zone with the part forming the frame, said contact zone of the part forming the frame having a width at the connecting surface that is reduced relative to the width of the part forming the frame outside said contact zone.

[0041] The protrusions provide a holder for the seal on the post making it possible to facilitate positioning of the sealing interface device between the first plate and the second plate.

[0042] During expansion of the seal at the connecting surface, the contact zone of the frame-forming part, of reduced width, can deform or even break, preventing reduced collapse of the seal at the protrusion abutting the frame-forming part.

[0043] The seal is preferably made from a mineral-based material such as mica, clay, or talc.

[0044] Similarly, the aforementioned posts are made from mineral-based materials such as mica, clay, or talc.

[0045] The sealing interface is therefore well suited to creating an intimate connection at high temperatures (between 600° C. and 1000° C.) while at the same time providing an electrical insulating function between the first and second plates.

[0046] In practice, before said connection under pressure of the first and second plates, the thickness of the seal is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0047] In one particular non-limiting embodiment, prior to coupling under pressure of said first plate and said second plate, the thickness of the seal is substantially equal to 1 mm and the thickness of said strut is substantially equal to 0.8 mm.

[0048] In the above gas distribution assembly, the said first plate may be a gas distribution plate and the said second plate may be an end plate of a solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperature.

[0049] Further specificities and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the description set forth below.

[0050] The accompanying drawings are for purposes of non-limiting example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows, in accordance with a front view block diagram, a gas distribution assembly adapted to implement the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is an exploded perspective block diagram of a gas distribution assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2]2 shows a schematic top view of a sealing interface device associated with a first plate of the gas distribution assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the sealing interface device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail of the upper left corner of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 shows the ratio of dimensions of the sealing interface device of FIG. 3. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a variation of a gas distribution assembly according to the prior art. [Figure 6B] 10A-10C illustrate variations of a gas distribution assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic representation of a collapse ratio curve of a sealing interface of a gas distribution assembly according to the prior art and an example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a sealing interface device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a sealing interface device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing interface device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail A of the sealing interface device of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing interface device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail B of the sealing interface device of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail C of the sealing interface device of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective block diagram of a gas distribution assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of the sealing interface device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Throughout the figures, the same reference symbols may designate the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, the various parts in the figures are not necessarily to scale in order to make the figures more legible.

[0053] First, with reference to Figures 1A and 1B, an example of a gas distribution assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0054] In this first embodiment, the gas distribution assembly is used for high temperature intimate coupling of a solid oxide stack of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperatures together with a gas distribution plate for the gas inlet and gas outlet, which in the following description may also be generally referred to as a manifold.

[0055] A solid oxide stack 10 of the SOEC / SOFC type is shown very diagrammatically in FIG. 1A.

[0056] In a known embodiment, such a stack 10 includes a plurality of electrochemical cells, each formed from a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte interposed between the cathode and the anode, and several intermediate interconnects, each disposed between two adjacent electrochemical cells. This assembly of electrochemical cells and intermediate interconnects is sometimes referred to as a "stack."

[0057] The stack 10 includes an upper end plate 11 and a lower end plate 12 between which the electrochemical cells and intermediate interconnects are sandwiched.

[0058] Such stacks are known, for example from US Pat. No. 5,649,999 and need not be described in more detail here.

[0059] The stack 10 is provided to be coupled with a gas distribution plate 20 for gas inlet and gas outlet in a solid oxide stack 10 of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperature.

[0060] The gas distribution plate or manifold 20 comprises at least one communication orifice for a gas inlet or gas outlet positioned facing the end plate of the stack, here the lower end plate 12 .

[0061] In this embodiment, the manifold 20 includes, for example, four manifold tubes 25, 26 (two are visible in FIG. 1A) for gas inlets and outlets, each of which includes a communicating orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 opening in a surface 20a of the manifold 20 as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0062] 1A and 1B, manifold 20 has a substantially rectangular or square surface 20a, and each of communication orifices 21, 22, 23, 24 of manifold 20 extends parallel to one of the sides of surface 20a of manifold 20. Each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of manifold 20 is intended to be positioned facing a corresponding communication orifice 121, 122, 123, 124 of lower end plate 12 of stack 10 to enable fluid communication between stack 10 and manifold 20 for gas inlet and gas outlet.

[0063] Implementing this fluid connection between the first plate formed by the manifold 20 and the second plate formed by the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10 requires a clamping device 30 to connect the manifold 20 and the lower end plate 12 parallel to each other and under pressure.

[0064] 1A, the clamping device may include a holder 31 intended to support the manifold 20 at its center and a support rod 32 associated with a force distribution plate 33 that contacts the top end plate 11 of the stack 10. Compression of the manifold 20 and stack 10 is achieved by application of force at the support rod 32, and the stack 10 and manifold 20 are clamped between the force distribution plate 33 of the clamping device 30 and the holder 31.

[0065] Alternatively, the clamping device may include a threaded clamping rod that cooperates with a nut and extends through fixed orifices in the manifold 20 and stack 10. Examples of such clamping devices are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,623,999 and need not be described in greater detail herein.

[0066] To ensure a seal at the interface extending between manifold 20 and lower end plate 12, a sealing interface device 40 is provided, as seen in FIG. 1B.

[0067] In this application implementing a solid oxide stack 10 of the SOEC / SOFC type, the sealing interface device must provide a high temperature seal, ie a seal that can withstand at least 600°C to 1000°C.

[0068] Such a sealing interface device 40 is shown in more detail in FIGS.

[0069] The sealing interface device 40 includes at least one or more seals disposed around each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of the manifold 20 at the interface.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the sealing interface device 40 comprises four seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 disposed around each communication orifice 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 of the manifold 20 , respectively.

[0071] By way of example, in this embodiment, each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of manifold 20 is formed from an elongated slot-shaped opening, and each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 has an oblong or rectangular shape adapted to extend around each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of manifold 20.

[0072] Each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 is, for example, a flat seal, which is produced in the form of a plate by compressing / rolling powder made of mineral material.

[0073] Each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 is made from a material having electrical insulating properties compatible with the operating constraints of a high temperature solid oxide fuel cell.

[0074] Thus, each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 may be made of a mineral-based material such as mica, clay, or talc. Typically, the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 may be made of mica.

[0075] The thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. These thickness ranges are well suited to mineral-based materials, such as mica or talc, that can be used in high-temperature electrolysis applications. Below 0.5 mm, there is a risk that imperfections in the flatness of, for example, the surface 20 a of the manifold or the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10 will prevent the seal from being compressed sufficiently, and therefore the required sealing will not be achieved.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 2, the thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 is measured in a direction z perpendicular to the plane (x, y) in which the surface 20a of the manifold 20 extends.

[0077] Furthermore, this thickness is defined by the thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 before the application of compressive stress.

[0078] Thus, the thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 is provided prior to the clamping attachment of the manifold 20 and stack 10, i.e., prior to the connection under pressure between the surface 20a of the manifold 20 and the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10.

[0079] Vermiculite type compression seals require high compression to make it possible to obtain a sufficient seal for the connection between the manifold 20 and the stack 10. Compression stresses equal to several MPa or even tens of MPa are required to achieve a seal compression ratio that makes it possible to ensure a seal.

[0080] In order to limit deformations induced by these high compressive stresses, particularly at the surface 20a of the manifold 20 and the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10, the sealing interface device 40 comprises struts 50 intended to be placed at the connecting surface extending between the manifold 20 and the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10.

[0081] The thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 before coupling under pressure is strictly greater than the thickness of the strut 50.

[0082] Thus, the support posts 50 have a thickness less than that of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, which allows clamping of the stack 10 onto the manifold 20 to initially compress the seals 41, 42, 43, 44. The onset of this compression induces a collapse of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 until the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10 comes to a stop against both the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the support posts 50. The support posts therefore have a collapse limiting function, restricting the movement of the lower end plate 12 which would otherwise crush the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the posts 50 and seals 41, 42, 43, 44 form a sealing interface having two planes of symmetry that are perpendicular to each other and to the interface plane defined by the plane ((x,y)) in FIG.

[0084] In this example embodiment, the sealing interface device 40 has a plane of symmetry (x,z) and a plane of symmetry (y,z) both perpendicular to the plane of coupling ((x,y)) where the seal is made.

[0085] The struts 50 therefore make it possible to limit the collapse of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the movement of the lower end plate 12 symmetrically in the connection plane ((x,y)).

[0086] The struts 50 thus allow for a symmetrical reduction in the bending moment applied to the plates compressing the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 at the interface plane, reducing the stresses and deformations applied to the manifold 20 and stack 10, particularly the lower end plate 12.

[0087] To ensure the best possible sealing during mechanical compression of the various elements of the stack and sealing interface device 40, the risk of bending of the lower end plate 12 and upper end plate 11 of the stack 10 and the manifold 20 is reduced.

[0088] The thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the struts 20 is selected so that when the seals have a thickness of the order of 1 millimeter, the difference in thickness between the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the struts 50 is a few tenths, for example between one tenth and three tenths.

[0089] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, if the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 have a thickness substantially equal to 1 mm prior to connection under pressure between the manifold 20 and the stack 10, the thickness of the struts 50 is substantially equal to 0.8 mm.

[0090] A thickness difference of 0.2 mm between the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the struts 50 makes it possible to ensure that the collapse ratio of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 is of the order of 20% and in any case does not exceed 25%.

[0091] Naturally, the thickness values ​​and the thickness differences between the struts 50 and the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 may be selected according to the maximum collapse ratio desired for the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0092] Typically, for a flat seal, a maximum collapse ratio of between 10% and 25% of its original dimension before connection under pressure is preferred.

[0093] It is therefore possible to control the collapse ratio of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 to prevent seal rupture which could adversely affect the seal.

[0094] In applications implementing a solid oxide stack 10 of the SOEC / SOFC type, the posts 50 are also preferably made of a mineral-based material such as mica, clay, or talc.

[0095] Thus, the sealing interface device 40 facilitates providing a sealing interface that is well resistant to high temperatures and provides adequate electrical insulation.

[0096] The material of the struts 50 may be similar or the same as the material of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0097] Among the available materials useful for the intimate coupling of solid oxide stacks of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperatures, there are various grades of vermiculite obtained by different incorporation of the same material. The vermiculite grades have a stiffness that can vary according to a ratio between 1 and 10.

[0098] Note that the stiffness (in Newtons per meter, or N / m) of an object characterizes its resistance to elastic deformation. The greater the stiffness, the greater the force that must be applied to obtain a given deflection of the object for a given force.

[0099] Thus, for the same compressive stress, the crush ratio of one vermiculite grade may be ten times greater than that of another vermiculite grade.

[0100] Measurement of the stiffness of these mineral materials and their comparison can be carried out by compression test methods as specified by ISO standard 17892-7:2017, which defines the method for determining unconfined compressive strength.

[0101] Preferably, the stiffness of the material forming the struts 50 may exceed the stiffness of the material forming the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0102] Thus, the stiffness of the material forming the struts 50 allows for increased collapse limiting capability for the connection under pressure between the stack 10 and the manifold 20. The struts 50, having a stiffness greater than that of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, provide rigid mechanical support in the sealing interface device 40 that prevents relative movement between the manifold 20 and the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10, effectively limiting compression of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and reducing bending moments of the opposing plates in the connection plane (x, y).

[0103] It is therefore possible to crush the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 within a certain deformation range in response to the compressive force applied to clamp the gas distribution assembly.

[0104] Similarly, the surface area formed by the posts 50 in the connection plane may be greater than the surface area formed by the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 in this connection plane (x, y).

[0105] The area formed in the coupling plane corresponding to the plane (x,y) in FIG. 3 corresponds to the cumulative surface in the plane (x,y) of the surfaces of the various parts of the struts 50 or seals 41, 42, 43, 44 for both the struts 50 and the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0106] The large surface formed by the struts 50 compared to the surface formed by the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 in the connection plane (x, y) makes it possible to ensure that the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 are crushed to the required crush ratio without risk of excessive crushing, even under compressive stresses significantly above the required values ​​(for example, several MPa).

[0107] If the materials of the struts 50 and the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 are the same and have the same stiffness, the surface area for the struts 50 in the coupling plane (x, y) that exceeds the surface area for the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 allows the struts 50 to provide a collapse limiting function for the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0108] Furthermore, if the material of the struts 50 has a stiffness that exceeds the stiffness of the material forming the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, the collapse limiting function of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 provided by the struts is further improved.

[0109] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the strut 50 is formed from a one-piece planar structure including portions forming frames 51, 52, 53, 54 that extend around the peripheries of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, respectively.

[0110] The one-piece planar structure can be formed from a one-piece plate including portions forming the frames 51, 52, 53, 54, or from a plate further including holes 50', as shown in Figure 3. The holes 50' make it possible to provide good rigidity to the sealing interface device 40 while limiting the support surface formed by the posts 50 in the connection plane (x, y).

[0111] In a non-limiting embodiment, these holes 50', here four in total, are arranged according to a 90° distribution in the connection plane (x, y).

[0112] The shape of the holes 50' may vary and may be adapted depending on the geometry of the various components of the gas distribution assembly. Preferably, the holes 50' allow the surface area formed by the posts 50 to remain greater than the surface area formed by the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0113] The shape of the hole 50 ′ may also allow for the central support portion 55 to be held in the center of the one-piece planar structure of the support post 50 .

[0114] Here, in a non-limiting embodiment, the central support portion 55 has a cross shape.

[0115] The central support portion 55 is positioned equidistant from the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 in the sealing interface device 40. This allows for further limiting the bending moments that arise in the lower end plate 12 and manifold 20 of the stack 10 due to the connection under pressure.

[0116] Such a central support portion 55 on the strut 50 is even more useful when the seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 associated with the communication orifices 21 , 22 , 23 , 34 are located around the periphery of the manifold 20 .

[0117] The larger the surface 20a of the manifold 20, the higher the risk of deformation. Similarly, the greater the distance between the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, the higher the risk of bending and deformation.

[0118] 3 further comprises orifices 56, here two in total, to allow for the insertion of locating pins (not shown) that fit into countersunk holes made in surface 20a of manifold 20 and are adapted to be inserted into orifices 56 of post 50 and lower end plate 12 of stack 10 to ensure accurate centering and relative positioning of stack 10, sealing interface device 40, and manifold 20 prior to their connection under pressure.

[0119] The parts forming the frames 51, 52, 53, 54 enable the respective seals 41, 42, 43, 44 to be clamped to provide additional sealing around each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of the manifold 20.

[0120] The installation of seal J1 in the section forming frame C2 is shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 5. Seal J1 may be any of seals 41, 42, 43, 44, and the section forming frame C2 corresponds to the section forming frames 51, 52, 53, 54 that extend around seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0121] In principle, the dimensions of the opening formed by the portion forming the frame C2 extending around the periphery of the seal J1 in the connection plane (x, y) are strictly greater than the dimensions of the seal J1 in this connection plane (x, y).

[0122] As noted above, the portion forming the frame C2 has a thickness E2 that is less than the thickness E1 of the seal J1, which allows the seal J1 to be compressed initially during application of a compressive force.

[0123] Regarding the geometry, the width L1 of the seal J1 must be less than the width L2 of the opening formed in the portion forming the frame C2.

[0124] Similarly, the length of the seal J1 must be less than the length of the opening formed in the portion forming the frame C2.

[0125] A gap therefore exists between the seal J1 and the parts forming the frame C2 to allow free radial expansion of the seal J1 in the interface plane (x,y) during collapse of the seal J1.

[0126] A gap preferably exists around the entire periphery of the seal J1 between the seal J1 and the portion forming the frame C2.

[0127] Thus, the sealing function of seal J1 can be provided as soon as the struts no longer prevent seal J1 from achieving a minimum collapse ratio.

[0128] If the thickness E1 of the seal J1 is strictly greater than the thickness E2 of the part forming the frame C2, then the collapse ratio of the seal J1, if a sufficient compressive force is applied, will be directly related to the difference between the thicknesses E1 and E2.

[0129] The seal J1 is free to be crushed and deformed within the opening formed by the portion of the support that forms the frame C2 until it stops against the portion that forms the frame C2.

[0130] The comparative behavior of the above gas distribution assemblies with and without the support posts 50 in the sealing interface device 40 is shown schematically in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. FIG.

[0131] Thus, when a compressive force F is applied for the clamping connection of the stack 10 on the manifold 20, the presence of the support posts (situation of Figure 6B) makes it possible to limit bending and buckling of various components, particularly the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10, compared to a sealing interface without the support posts (situation of Figure 6A).

[0132] In fact, the compressive and clamping forces of the stack 10 on the manifold 20 at several MPa and high temperatures in this configuration can result in bending loads on the end plates of the stack 10 or on the manifold 20, which can deform the stack 10 positioned on the manifold 20.

[0133] The behavior of the sealing interface device 40 with and without the struts 50 is also shown in FIG. 7, which schematically depicts the collapse ratio curves (as % collapse) as a function of force (in Newtons) applied to the seal J1 alone or to the seal J1 coupled with the struts comprising the portion forming the frame C2 around each seal J1.

[0134] It is therefore observed that the collapse ratio of the seal J1 alone can reach 25% for a compression force of, for example, 5000N.

[0135] On the other hand, when seals J1 are associated with struts with portions forming a frame C2 around each seal J1, the collapse ratio is similar to that of seal J1 alone at the onset of compression when the compression force does not exceed approximately 2000 N. The collapse ratio of seal J1 then decreases from 25% to approximately 12% for compression forces between 2000 N and 5000 N.

[0136] As can be seen in FIG. 7, the collapse of the seal J1 connected to the strut with the portion forming the frame C2 then follows the same collapse gradient as the strut alone with the portion forming the frame C2.

[0137] Thus, the support pillars 50 control the collapse ratio of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 in the sealing interface device 40, making it possible to reduce bending stresses in the stack 10, particularly when the support pillars 50 absorb compressive forces at the center of the coupling plane (x, y).

[0138] Therefore, it is advantageous to have the struts 50 formed from a one-piece planar structure, since the maximum collapse ratio of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 can be controlled by varying the surface and / or stiffness of the struts 50.

[0139] If the thickness of the struts 50 is less than the thickness of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 can be crushed without being hindered by the presence of the struts 50 to a given value sufficient to ensure a seal at the interface.

[0140] As a non-limiting example, struts 50 may be used that have the same surface as the cumulative surface of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and are made of a material such as vermiculite with a stiffness four times greater than the stiffness of the material of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0141] Alternatively, the same material may be selected for the struts 50 and the seals 41, 42, 43, 44. In that case, the only difference between the struts 50 and the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 is the thickness E1 of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and the thickness E2 of the struts 50. The struts 50 may be dimensioned such that E2=0.9×E1.

[0142] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the example embodiments described above.

[0143] In particular, the above-mentioned pillars 50 are formed from a one-piece planar structure, which makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the sealing interface device 40 in the connection plane (x, y).

[0144] However, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, imperfections in the flatness of surface 20a of manifold 20 or lower end plate 12 of stack 10 can result in localized point support in the connection plane (x,y) and limit the collapse rate of seals 41, 42, 43, 44. This effect can be particularly amplified when seals 41, 42, 43, 44 are far apart from one another.

[0145] To remedy this drawback, the posts of the sealing interface device may be formed in several parts.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 8, the strut 150 includes several sections forming frames 151, 152, 153, 154 that are positioned around the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, respectively.

[0147] In this embodiment, each part forming the frames 151, 152, 153, 154 comprises a rectangular frame portion adapted to surround each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 and tongues 151', 152', 153', 154' for handling the parts forming the frames 151, 152, 153, 154, in particular for their attachment around the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 on the surface 20a of the manifold 20.

[0148] In this exemplary embodiment, the strut 150 further includes a central support portion 155 positioned equidistant from the seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 .

[0149] The central support portion 155 is formed from a four-armed cross that is located in the center of the surface 20a of the manifold 20 and is located in the connection plane x, y.

[0150] 8 further includes orifices 156, here two in total, to allow for the insertion of locating pins (not shown) that fit into countersunk holes made in surface 20a of manifold 20 and are adapted to be inserted into orifices 156 in central support portion 155 of support column 150 and lower end plate 12 of stack 10 to ensure accurate centering and relative positioning of stack 10, central support portion 155, and manifold 20 for connection under pressure.

[0151] The central support portion 155 makes it possible to limit bending moments that occur in the lower end plate 12 and manifold 20 of the stack 10 due to the connection under pressure.

[0152] Thus, in Figure 8, the support 150 is made up of four sections forming frames 151, 152, 153, 154, and a central support section 155. The support 150 has similar characteristics to those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5 in terms of available materials, stiffness, and surface area in the connecting plane (x, y), depending on the characteristics of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0153] The thickness E2 of the parts forming the frames 151, 152, 153, 154 and of the central support part 155 are identical, and the thickness E2 of the various parts forming the strut 150 is strictly less than the thickness E1 of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0154] In this embodiment, the parts forming the frame 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 and the central support part 155 make it possible to limit bending moments occurring in the stack 10 and the manifold 20 .

[0155] Furthermore, if the portions forming frames 151, 152, 153, 154 are formed from a frame having a small cross-section, for example a frame having a cross-section substantially equal to or similar to the cross-section of seals 41, 42, 43, 44, then the portions forming frames 151, 152, 153, 154 may be subjected to compressive stresses that enable them to compress sufficiently to provide a second sealing barrier complementary to the sealing barrier formed by each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 around each communication orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 of manifold 20.

[0156] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, when the sealing interface device 40 includes several seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , the support post may include only one support portion 250 positioned equidistant from the seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 .

[0157] 9, the support portion 250 forms a support block that is located in the center of the connection plane (x, y) of the manifold 20 and the stack 10. By way of non-limiting example, the support portion 250 may be a washer-shaped support portion 250.

[0158] Thus, the support post formed from the washer-shaped support portion 250 has similar characteristics to those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5 in terms of available materials, stiffness, and surface area in the coupling plane (x, y), depending on the characteristics of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0159] The thickness E2 of the washer-shaped support portion 250 is strictly less than the thickness E1 of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0160] The washer-shaped support portion 250 thus provides a collapse limiting function, restricting movement of the lower end plate 12 of the stack toward the surface 20a of the manifold 20 when support is established based on the washer. With the support portion 250 equidistant from the seals 41, 42, 43, and 44, the distance between each support point on the interface between the support portion 250 and the seals 41, 42, 43, and 44 is shortest. Therefore, the bending moment induced in the lower end plate 12 of the stack 10 is correspondingly reduced.

[0161] Of course, the washer shape for the support portion 250 is exemplary and may be replaced by a disk or quadrilateral shape.

[0162] An advantageous mounting of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 within the struts 350, 450 formed from a one-piece planar structure as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5 will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[0163] The posts 350, 450 shown in Figures 10 to 14 are similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and have substantially the same shapes and features as those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0164] The posts 350, 450 having an integral planar structure make it possible to facilitate the positioning of the sealing interface device 40 in the connection plane (x, y). By further mounting the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 in the posts 350, 450, the operations for mounting the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 around each orifice 21, 22, 23, 24 can be simplified.

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the strut 350 includes several portions that form frames 351, 352, 353, 354 around each seal 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0166] To create one or more protruding fingers 360, the post 350 is notched in the portions that form the frames 351, 352, 353, 354.

[0167] Thus, each part forming the frame 351, 352, 353, 354 comprises one or more projecting fingers 360 extending towards and in contact with the seal 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0168] 10 and 11, each part forming the frame 351, 352, 353, 354 includes four fingers 360 distributed in pairs on each side of the length of the seal 41, 42, 43, 44 and arranged opposite each other in pairs. The fingers 360 thus form four retaining supports or pins that retain the seal 41, 42, 43, 44 inside the parts forming the frame 351, 352, 353, 354.

[0169] Fingers 360 preferably provide point support for seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 and facilitate positioning of posts 350 and seals 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 on surface 20 a of manifold 20 .

[0170] Furthermore, in addition to the simple mechanical support provided by the fingers 360 bearing against the seals 41, 42, 43, 44, spots of glue or adhesive may be added to the point support zones.

[0171] In a further embodiment, the retaining elements may be formed on the sides of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the strut 450 includes several portions that form frames 451, 452, 453, 454 around each seal 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0173] Each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 includes at least one protrusion 460 extending in the connection plane (x, y) and located in the contact zone with the part forming the frame 451, 452, 453, 454 surrounding the seal.

[0174] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 includes eight projections 460 arranged symmetrically around the seal 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0175] In this embodiment, and by way of non-limiting example, each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 includes six protrusions 460 distributed in pairs on each side of the length of the seal 41, 42, 43, 44 and arranged opposite each other in pairs, and two protrusions 460 arranged at both ends of the seal 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0176] Of course, the number of protrusions 460 around the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and their distribution are merely examples and may vary depending on the shape and size of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0177] The projections 460 are adapted to form a retaining support for each seal 41, 42, 43, 44 in the part that forms the frame 451, 452, 453, 454 that surrounds the seal.

[0178] To ensure expansion of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 for collapse during connection of the stack 10 and manifold 20 under pressure, the portions forming the frames 451, 452, 453, 454 are machined so as not to impede the expansion of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and not to induce localized partial collapse of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0179] In fact, the contact zones of the parts forming the frames 451, 452, 453, 454 and the projections 460 have a reduced width in the connection plane (x, y) relative to the width of the parts forming the frames 451, 452, 453, 454 outside the contact zones.

[0180] One embodiment of the procedure is to create a weakened zone opposite each protrusion 460 in the form of machining of the parts forming the frames 451, 452, 453, 454, leaving free space behind a strip of reduced width in the parts forming the frames 451, 452, 453, 454.

[0181] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 14, each part forming the frame 451, 452, 453, 454 includes machined opposing recesses 470 in each contact zone between the part forming the frame 451, 452, 453, 454 and the projections 460 of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0182] The compression of the seals 41, 42, 43, 44 and their expansion create radial forces in the connection plane (x, y) that cause stresses in the contact zones, which can then deform or break. The free space left in the contact zones by the recesses 470 allows the strips of reduced width that form the frames 451, 452, 453, 454 to be released during their deformation or after their rupture without causing localized additional thickness in the seals 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0183] More generally, the invention described above can be implemented for any type of planar seal geometry inserted between two parallel flanges. The shape of the sealing interface device can be very diverse, depending on the shape of the plates implemented at the mating surfaces.

[0184] An example of implementation for a standard PN6 type flange is shown in FIGS.

[0185] In high temperature electrolysis (HTE) applications, flanges 510, 520 of this type are provided with flat seals 541 made, for example, from vermiculite.

[0186] Each flange 510, 520 includes an end plate 510a, 520a in which a communication orifice for a gas inlet or outlet opens, and the end plates 510a, 520a are parallel to each other and define a connecting surface therebetween for connecting the two flanges 510, 520 under pressure by a clamping device (not shown).

[0187] Thus, a flat seal 541 is disposed around the communication orifice 521 in the end plate 510a of the first flange 510 at this connection surface.

[0188] In this embodiment, the communication orifice 521 is circular and the flat seal 541 is formed from a washer.

[0189] In addition to the planar seal 541, the sealing interface device 540 comprises a post 550 which positions the interface between the two end plates 510a and 520 of the flanges 510,520.

[0190] As can be seen in FIG. 16, the posts 550 and the planar seal 541 form a sealing interface with two planes of symmetry that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the mating plane.

[0191] As described above for the other embodiments, the thickness of the seal 541 before the two flanges 510, 520 are joined under pressure is strictly greater than the thickness of the strut 550.

[0192] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-16, the posts 550 are formed from washers around the flat seal 541, thus forming frame portions that each extend around the periphery of the flat seal 541.

[0193] Thus, the washer-shaped support 550 has similar characteristics to those described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5 in terms of available materials, stiffness, and surface area in the coupling plane (x, y), depending on the characteristics of the flat seal 541.

[0194] In this embodiment, the washer-shaped post 550 provides a collapse limiting function for the planar seal 541 .

[0195] The collapse limiting feature avoids the need to control the tightening torque during installation under pressure of the flanges 510, 520. The support posts 550 avoid reaching an excessively high collapse ratio of the flat seal 541 that would prevent the flanges 510, 520 from sealing the installation.

[0196] 10 to 14, the support posts 550 may include means for holding the flat seal 541 in place inside the frame formed by the washer-shaped support posts, which facilitates the installation and positioning of the flat seal 541 between the two flanges 510, 520, particularly when the connecting surface between the two end plates 510a, 520 of the two flanges is in a vertical plane, thus facilitating the centering of the flat seal 541.

[0197] In the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, the flat seal 541 includes protrusions 560 extending at the coupling surface and located in the contact zone with the frame-forming portion of the support post 550 surrounding the flat seal 541.

[0198] By way of example, the flat seal 541 includes four projections 560 arranged symmetrically around the flat seal 541 and along two orthogonal diameters of the flat seal 541, for example in the form of washers.

[0199] Of course, the number of protrusions 560 around the seal 541 and their distribution may vary depending on the shape and size of the planar seal 541 .

[0200] As explained with reference to Figures 12 to 14, the projections 560 are adapted to form a retaining support for the seals 541, 42, 43, 44 on the struts 550. To ensure expansion of the flat seal 541 during collapse of the flat seal 541 during coupling under pressure of the two flanges 510, 520, the struts 550 include machined opposing recesses 570 in each contact zone of the struts 550 with the projections 560 of the flat seal 541. The features and advantages of this retaining arrangement are similar to those explained with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

[0201] Alternatively, the means for holding the flat seal 541 in place inside the frame formed by the washer-shaped posts 550 may be formed by protruding fingers (not shown) on the posts 550 that extend toward and contact the flat seal 541. Such a retention arrangement has similar features and advantages to those described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11.

[0202] These retention means facilitate the positioning and centering of the planar seal 541, which is coupled to the posts 550, at the coupling surface. The posts 550 also make it possible to ensure good electrical insulation and to provide a second sealing barrier around the planar seal 541.

[0203] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the example embodiments described above.

[0204] Specifically, the sealing interface device may be applicable to any high temperature and low pressure application. The sealing interface device may comprise any type of gas distribution assembly implementing various planar seal geometries inserted between two parallel flanges or plates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 10 SOEC / SOFC type solid oxide stack 11 Upper end plate 12 Lower end plate 20 Manifold 20a surface 21 communicating orifice 22 communicating orifice 23 Connecting orifice 24 Connecting orifice 25 Manifold pipe 26 Manifold pipe 30 Tightening Device 31 Holder 32 Support rod 33 Force distribution plate 40 Sealed Interface Device 41 Seal 42 stickers 43 Seal 44 Seals 50 pillars 50' hole 51 frames 52 frames 53 frames 54 frames 55 Central support part 56 Orifice 121 communicating orifice 122 communicating orifice 123 Communicating Orifice 124 communicating orifice 150 pillars 151 frames 151' Tongue 152 frames 152' Tongue 153 frames 153' Tongue 154 frames 154' Tongue 155 Central support part 156 Orifice 250 Support part 350 Post 351 frames 352 frames 353 frames 354 frames 360 protruding finger 450 Post 451 frames 452 frames 453 frames 454 frames 460 Protrusion 470 recess 510 flange, first flange 510a End Plate 520 flange 520a End Plate 521 communicating orifice 540 Sealed Interface Device 541 Flat seal 550 Post 560 Protrusion 570 recess C2 Frame E1 Thickness E2 Thickness F Compression force J1 Seal L1 width L2 width

Claims

1. 1. A gas distribution assembly comprising: a first plate (20; 510a) and a second plate (12; 520a), said first plate (20; 510a) comprising at least one communication orifice (21, 22, 23, 24; 521) for a gas inlet or a gas outlet positioned facing a corresponding communication orifice (121, 122, 123, 124) of said second plate (12), said first plate and said second plate extending parallel to each other; a clamping device (30) for connecting under pressure said first plate (20) and said second plate (12) in a connecting plane ((x, y)) parallel to said first plate and said second plate; a sealing interface device (40; 540) comprising at least one seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) arranged around said at least one communication orifice (21, 22, 23, 24; 521) of said first plate (20; 510a) in said connection plane ((x, y)); Equipped with The sealing interface device (40; 540) comprises struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) arranged between the first plate (20; 510a) and the second plate (12; 520a) in the coupling plane ((x, y)), the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) and the seals (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) being perpendicular to each other and A gas distribution assembly, characterized in that it forms a sealing interface with two planes of symmetry ((x, z), (y, z)) perpendicular to the plane of connection ((x, y)), and the thickness of the seals (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) before connection under pressure of the first plate (20; 510a) and the second plate (12; 520a) is strictly greater than the thickness of the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550).

2. 2. The gas distribution assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface area formed by the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) at the connection plane ((x, y)) is greater than the surface area formed by the seals (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) at the connection plane ((x, y)).

3. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stiffness of the material from which the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) are made is greater than the stiffness of the material from which the seals (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) are made.

4. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the struts (50; 150; 350; 450; 550) include at least one portion forming a frame (51, 52, 53, 54; 151, 152, 153, 154; 351, 352, 353, 354; 451, 452, 453, 454; 550) extending around the periphery of the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541).

5. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing interface device (40) comprises several seals (41, 42, 43, 44), and the support pillars (50; 150; 250) comprise support portions (55; 155; 250) arranged equidistant from the seals (41, 42, 43, 44).

6. 6. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the strut (50; 150; 350; 450) comprises several portions forming a frame (51, 52, 53, 54; 151, 152, 153, 154; 351, 352, 353, 354; 451, 452, 453, 454) extending around each of the several seals (41, 42, 43, 44).

7. 7. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said struts (50; 350; 450) are formed from a one-piece planar structure including said portions forming a frame (51, 52, 53, 54; 351, 352, 353, 354; 451, 452, 453, 454).

8. 5. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the dimensions of the openings formed by the portions forming the frame (51, 52, 53, 54; 151, 152, 153, 154; 351, 352, 353, 354; 451, 452, 453, 454; 550) extending around the periphery of the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) in the connecting plane ((x, y)) are strictly greater than the dimensions of the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) in the connecting plane ((x, y)).

9. 9. The gas distribution assembly of claim 8, wherein each portion forming the frame (351, 352, 353, 354) comprises one or more protruding fingers (360) extending towards and contacting said seal (41, 42, 43, 44).

10. 9. The gas distribution assembly according to claim 8, wherein the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) comprises at least one protrusion (460; 560) extending in the connecting surface ((x, y)) and located in a contact zone with the part forming the frame (451, 452, 453, 454; 550), and wherein the contact zone of the part forming the frame (451, 452, 453, 454; 550) has a width that is reduced in the connecting surface ((x, y)) relative to the width of the part forming the frame (451, 452, 453, 454; 550) outside the contact zone.

11. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) is made of a mineral-based material such as mica, clay or talc.

12. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) are made of a mineral-based material such as mica, clay or talc.

13. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, before the connection under pressure of the first plate (20; 510a) and the second plate (12; 520a), the thickness of the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

14. A gas distribution assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness of the seal (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm before the first plate (20; 510a) and the second plate (12; 520a) are connected under pressure.

15. 14. The gas distribution assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, before the coupling under pressure of the first plate (20; 510a) and the second plate (12; 520a), the thickness of the seals (41, 42, 43, 44; 541) is substantially equal to 1 mm and the thickness of the struts (50; 150; 250; 350; 450; 550) is substantially equal to 0.8 mm.

16. 3. A gas distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plate (20) is a gas distribution plate and the second plate (12) is an end plate of a solid oxide stack (10) of the SOEC / SOFC type operating at high temperatures.

Images