SOC Stack Interconnector with Alternating Perforated Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interconnector arrangements in Solid Oxide Cell (SOC) systems, such as SOFC and SOEC, fail to achieve targeted fluid flow direction and reduce polarization resistance effectively, leading to inefficient gas distribution and increased polarization resistance.

Innovation Solution

A SOC-Stack interluder design featuring three stacked plates, where the base plate and two perforated plates form a common gas distribution structure with alternating hole patterns, directing fluid flow linearly and ensuring reproducible flow resistance, enhancing gas distribution and reducing polarization resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a common distribution structure with alternating hole patterns is used, then gas distribution homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas distribution homogeneityVSAvoidinterconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnector is segmented into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) with alternating hole patterns. Each plate contributes to the overall gas distribution function through its specific hole arrangement, allowing complex flow control to be achieved through simple individual components stacked together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-plane gas distribution structure to a multi-layer stacked structure. The alternating hole patterns across multiple plates create a three-dimensional flow path that achieves superior gas distribution homogeneity compared to traditional single-plane designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If fluid flow is directed linearly through the common distribution structure, then polarization resistance is reduced, but flow control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarization resistanceVSAvoidflow direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow direction control is segmented across multiple plates with alternating hole patterns. The first plate has holes at certain positions, the second plate has holes at different positions, creating a staged flow path that directs fluid linearly through the stack while maintaining simple individual plate designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alternating hole patterns are pre-configured in the stacked plates to establish the linear flow direction before the fluid actually flows through the system. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the fluid naturally follows the desired linear path from gas inlet through the membrane electrode arrangement to the gas outlet

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 interluder design achieves targeted gas flow direction to the membrane electrode arrangement, reducing polarization resistance and improving overall efficiency by ensuring better material provision and homogeneous gas distribution, while maintaining mechanical stability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the main direction of a fluid flow extends due to the common distribution structure in a linear direction between the gas inlet and the gas outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the first hole pattern is moved to the second hole pattern in the main direction of the fluid flow, whereby a sewer structure in the main direction of the fluid flow is formed when the first and second plate is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHomogeneous distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP4047696A1Soc-stack interconnector and soc-stack assembly
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 SUNFIRE SE
  • EP4047696A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4047696A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4047696A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a SOC stack interconnect for gas distribution for a fuel and/or electrolysis cell arrangement comprising: - a base plate which is contactable on a first side with a membrane electrode arrangement, - a plate structure arranged on the second side of the base plate, wherein the plate structure is contactable on a first side with the base plate and on a second side with a further membrane electrode arrangement, wherein the plate structure comprises a first plate and a second plate which are arranged one above the other, and the first plate and the second plate form a common distribution structure for gas distribution, wherein the first and the second plate as well as the base plate each have a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and wherein the main direction of a fluid flow through the common distribution structure extends in a linear direction between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.and the common distribution structure has connections to the gas inlet and connections to the gas outlet, wherein: - the first plate, as part of the common distribution structure, has a first hole pattern with a plurality of holes in parallel rows of holes aligned along the main direction of the fluid flow and is channel-free; - the second plate, as part of the common distribution structure, has a second hole pattern with a plurality of holes in parallel rows of holes aligned along the main direction of the fluid flow and is channel-free; and - the first hole pattern is offset from the second hole pattern in the main direction of the fluid flow, wherein a channel structure is formed in the main direction of the fluid flow when the first and second plates are arranged one above the other.which alternates between the first and second plates in the main direction of fluid flow. Furthermore, the invention relates to a SOC stack arrangement.