Conical Gas Channel SOFC Structure for Stack Sealing and Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells face challenges in electrical contacts, mechanical stability, gas diffusion, and integration into reactor stacks, particularly due to unchanging gas channel cross-sections which lead to inefficiencies and installation complexities.
Innovation Solution
Designing gas channels and substrates with varying conically tapering cross-sections along the length of the fuel cells, incorporating features like threads, recesses, and coatings to enhance electrical connections, mechanical strength, and gas diffusion, while simplifying integration and sealing within a stack system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gas channels have an unchanging cross-section, then the cell structure is simple to manufacture, but electrical connections are poor and gas diffusion is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of gas channels along their length. Specifically, the gas channel cross-section changes from a first dimension at one end to a second dimension at the other end, creating different local geometries that optimize both electrical connection areas and gas diffusion characteristics in different regions of the cell
2Ease of manufacture
If gas channels have an unchanging cross-section, then manufacturing is easier, but mechanical stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the cross-sectional dimensions of gas channels along their length. This gradual parameter variation optimizes mechanical stress distribution throughout the cell structure, enhancing overall mechanical stability while maintaining manufacturability through controlled geometric transitions
3Device complexity
If gas channels have an unchanging cross-section, then the cell design is simple, but integration into stack is complex and sealing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing gas channels with non-uniform cross-sections that create asymmetric geometries. This asymmetry enables better integration into stack systems by providing improved sealing surfaces and more effective mechanical interlocking between adjacent cells, while the asymmetric design remains manufacturable through standardized forming processes
4Ease of manufacture
If gas channel cross-section is constant, then manufacturing is simpler, but gas diffusion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of gas channels along their length. Specifically, the gas channel cross-section changes from a first dimension at one end to a second dimension at the other end, creating different local geometries that optimize both electrical connection areas and gas diffusion characteristics in different regions of the cell
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to high- temperature solid oxide fuel cells, in particular to rotationally symmetrical high- temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The inventive oxide-ceramic high- temperature fuel cell having one or more gas channel (s) open at at least one end. The fuel cell has a substrate surrounding the gas channel (s) at least sectionally, preferably completely. The gas channel (s) and/or the substrate surrounding the gas channel (s) has/have (a) changing cross-sections (s), preferably (a) conically tapering cross -section (s), seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis/axes of the gas channel (s). oxide-ceramic high-temperature fuel cell