Flat Sheet Interconnectors for Thermal Gradient Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and high temperature water electrolysis reactors face challenges in managing thermal gradients, leading to mechanical stress and reduced lifespan, with existing cooling methods increasing costs and efficiency losses.
Innovation Solution
Integrating thermal regulation stages within the stack using flat sheet interconnectors with modified designs, allowing for heat transfer gases to pass through, reducing the need for additional cooling elements and materials, and maintaining the same manufacturing processes for all interconnectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional cooling elements and materials are added to manage thermal gradients, then thermal management effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management function with the existing interconnector structure by modifying the interconnector to include heat transfer gas passage channels. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling elements and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective thermal gradient management across the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection between cells, gas distribution, and thermal management through integrated heat transfer gas passages. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Temperature
If additional cooling elements and materials are added to manage thermal gradients, then thermal management effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the thermal management function into the existing interconnector design, the patent eliminates the need for separate cooling components and materials. The modified interconnector can be manufactured using the same processes as traditional interconnectors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional interconnector that handles both electrical connection and thermal management reduces the total component count and material requirements. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall production costs compared to systems requiring separate dedicated cooling elements.
3Strength
If thermal regulation stages are integrated within the stack using modified interconnectors, then mechanical stress is reduced, but interconnector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal regulation function directly into the interconnector structure by incorporating heat transfer gas passages. This integration allows for uniform heat distribution across the stack, reducing thermal gradients and consequently mechanical stress, while the interconnector design remains relatively simple and manufacturable.
4Temperature
If heat transfer gases are allowed to pass through interconnectors, then thermal reactions are managed effectively, but interconnector structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector is designed with localized modifications to include heat transfer gas passages. These passages are strategically positioned to enable effective thermal management while maintaining the structural integrity of the interconnector in critical load-bearing areas. The design ensures that thermal functions and structural functions are optimally distributed.
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
This approach effectively manages thermal reactions, reduces mechanical stress, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for extra cooling components, while maintaining the reversibility and efficiency of the SOFC and electrolysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for heat transfer gases to pass through, reducing the need for additional cooling elements and materials
Implementation Method 2
Integrating thermal regulation stages within the stack using flat sheet interconnectors with modified designs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to the production of a heat-transfer gas circuit for the heat management/regulation of the stack of an HTE reactor or an SOFC fuel cell by removing certain cells in certain areas of the stack in order to replace them with electrical contact elements that allow the heat-transfer gas to pass through.