Fuel Cell Interconnect Encapsulation for Conductive Material Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid oxide fuel cell stacks, electrically conductive materials used for ensuring adequate electrical contact between electrodes and interconnects are prone to volatilization due to high operating temperatures and reactant flow, leading to performance degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
The use of an encapsulating arrangement that segregates the electrically conductive material from the flow of oxidants or fuels, utilizing structures such as recesses, glass composite seals, or glass-electrically conductive material matrices to prevent volatilization and maintain stable electrical contact between electrode interconnects and electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically conductive material is provided between the electrode interconnect and the electrode, then adequate electrical contact is ensured, but the conductive material is subject to volatilization due to high operating temperatures and reactant flow
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode interconnect is segmented with protrusions that create discrete contact regions. The conductive material is placed in recesses between these protrusions, segregating it from the main reactant flow paths while maintaining electrical contact functionality through the protrusion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the conductive material from direct exposure to reactant flows. The recess creates a physical shield that allows the conductive material to perform its electrical function while being isolated from the harmful volatilizing environment.
2Reliability
If electrically conductive material is used to ensure electrical contact, then adequate electrical communication is achieved, but the material loses functionality over time due to volatilization
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect surface is segmented into protrusions and recesses, creating distinct functional zones. The conductive material is confined to recesses where it is protected from reactant flows, allowing it to maintain electrical conductivity throughout the fuel cell stack's operational life without degradation from volatilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode interconnect have different functions: protrusions provide electrical contact and define flow passages, while recesses provide protected housing for the conductive material. This local differentiation allows the conductive material to be shielded in specific locations where it is most vulnerable to volatilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell cassettes each including a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode. Each fuel cell cassette also includes an electrode interconnect adjacent to the anode or the cathode for providing electrical communication between an adjacent fuel cell cassette and the anode or the cathode. The interconnect includes a plurality of electrode interconnect protrusions defining a flow passage along the anode or the cathode for communicating oxidant or fuel to the anode or the cathode. An electrically conductive material is disposed between at least one of the electrode interconnect protrusions and the anode or the cathode in order to provide a stable electrical contact between the electrode interconnect and the anode or cathode. An encapsulating arrangement segregates the electrically conductive material from the flow passage thereby, preventing volatilization of the electrically conductive material in use of the fuel cell stack.