Anode-Supported SOFC Flame Fuel Cell Power Density

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Anode-supported solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based flame fuel cells face challenges with low power density and thermal cracking, particularly when using methane/air mixtures, due to high ohmic resistance and incomplete fuel utilization, limiting their efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

The development of an anode-supported SOFC with a thin electrolyte layer, catalyst layer using Ru or Pt, and an interlayer of materials like Samarium-doped ceria (SDC) between the cathode and electrolyte, which enhances power density and thermal shock resistance, allowing for high power output and rapid start-up with hydrocarbon/air flames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a thick electrolyte layer is used to sustain mechanical strength, then structural stability is improved, but ohmic resistance increases and power density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpower density

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin electrolyte layer (replacing the conventional thick electrolyte) that provides sufficient mechanical strength through optimized material composition and anode support structure, while dramatically reducing ohmic resistance and enhancing power density output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Power

If a thin electrolyte layer is used to reduce ohmic resistance, then power density is improved, but thermal shock resistance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoidthermal shock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures including the anode support layer, thin electrolyte layer, and cathode layer with optimized material compositions that provide both low ohmic resistance for high power density and sufficient thermal shock resistance for reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If direct chemical oxidation is used for rapid start-up, then start-up speed is improved, but fuel efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up speedVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a catalyst layer applied to the anode surface that pre-prepares the fuel oxidation reaction, enabling rapid start-up through catalytic activation while improving fuel utilization efficiency through controlled electrochemical reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves a high power density of 791 mW/cm², comparable to dual or single chamber SOFCs, with improved thermal shock resistance and stability, making it suitable for portable and military applications with high energy density and fuel flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The flame serves as a fuel-flexible partial oxidation reformer, while simultaneously providing the heat required for SOFC operation. Taking methane as an example, the burning methane can generate some useful fuels such as H2 and CO, which are the ideal fuels for SOFC. The combustion of methane can generate large amounts of heat to maintain the fuel cell temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are all-solid electrochemical devices that directly convert the chemical energy stored in fuel to electricity.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical conversion: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 3

catalyst layer that can act as a protective layer for the anode layer, wherein the catalyst layer includes Ru, Pt, or other possible catalysts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

A previous study has shown that the AS-SOFC based FFC achieved much higher power density and higher thermal shock resistance than those of ES-SOFC based FFC. The AS-SOFC has a thick and porous anode and a thin electrolyte layer which can minimize the ohmic resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8906577B2High performance flame fuel cell using an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention relates to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that enable the generation of both electricity and heat from a flame (i.e. flame is used as a heat source and a fuel source for the fuel cell's operation, while supplying a useful heat for other thermochemical systems) and, more particularly, to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that uses hydrocarbon/air mixture as a fuel source and includes a catalyst layer that can act as a protective layer for the anode layer, an anode layer, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an interlayer between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer.