High-Temperature SOEC Stack Coupling via Refractory Gasket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling solutions for high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) and fuel cell (SOFC) stacks fail to provide reliable, high-temperature sealed connections that are reusable and facilitate easy relocation, leading to operational challenges and limitations in maintaining stack integrity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a threaded connector and smooth connector with a screw/nut system, utilizing nickel-based superalloys or austenitic stainless steel, and mica gaskets to ensure high-temperature sealing and ease of disassembly, allowing for 'Plug & Play' functionality by preventing diffusion bonding and simplifying reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling solutions are used for high-temperature solid oxide stacks, then connection simplicity is improved, but sealing reliability at high temperature deteriorates due to diffusion bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a refractory metal gasket as an intermediary sealing element between the stack flange and the coupling device. This gasket acts as a mediator that maintains reliable sealing at high temperatures (up to 900°C) without causing diffusion bonding, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using a refractory metal gasket with specific properties (high melting point, chemical stability) that can withstand high temperatures without deforming or bonding. This parameter change enables the system to maintain both ease of operation and sealing reliability under high-temperature conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reusable coupling systems are implemented for stack relocation, then adaptability is improved, but connection integrity at high temperature deteriorates due to repeated assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The refractory metal gasket serves as a reusable intermediary component that maintains connection integrity through multiple assembly and disassembly cycles. Its high-temperature stability and resistance to thermal fatigue ensure that connection integrity is preserved even after repeated operations, enabling adaptable relocation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system employs composite construction combining a refractory metal gasket with nickel-based superalloy or austenitic stainless steel connector bodies. This composite material approach leverages the high-temperature sealing properties of the refractory metal and the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the superalloy/stainless steel, achieving both adaptability and connection integrity.
3Ease of operation
If threaded connectors are used for easy disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but high-temperature sealing deteriorates due to thread diffusion bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional zones: the threaded connector body for easy assembly/disassembly, and a separate refractory metal gasket for high-temperature sealing. This segmentation allows the threaded portion to provide operational ease while the gasket maintains sealing reliability, preventing diffusion bonding in the sealing zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractory metal gasket acts as an intermediary between the threaded connector and the stack flange, isolating the threaded portions from direct high-temperature exposure and gas environments. This intermediary function prevents diffusion bonding in the threads while maintaining effective sealing at the connection interface.
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 system enables secure, high-temperature sealed connections up to 900°C, facilitating easy disassembly and reassembly, thus enhancing the operational flexibility and longevity of the stack while maintaining high-temperature integrity and preventing gas recombination.
Implementation Method 1
the threaded connector comprising an opening for establishing fluid communication with the gas inlet/outlet pipe, the smooth connector comprising an opening for establishing fluid communication with the gas inlet/outlet pipe of the stack
Implementation Method 2
A coupling system featuring a threaded connector and smooth connector with a screw/nut system
Implementation Method 3
utilizing nickel-based superalloys or austenitic stainless steel, and mica gaskets to ensure high-temperature sealing and ease of disassembly, allowing for 'Plug & Play' functionality by preventing diffusion bonding
Implementation Method 4
utilizing nickel-based superalloys or austenitic stainless steel, and mica gaskets to ensure high-temperature sealing
Implementation Method 5
maintaining high-temperature integrity and preventing gas recombination
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system for high-temperature tight coupling of a stack having SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxides is described. The system includes a threaded hollow connector, a smooth hollow connector, and a threaded nut. The threaded hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe and is intended to be attached to the gas inlet/outlet pipe. The smooth hollow connector includes an opening for establishing fluid communication with a gas inlet/outlet pipe of the stack and is intended to be attached to the inlet/outlet pipe. The threaded nut engages with the threaded hollow connector to form a screw/nut system, slides relative to the smooth hollow connector, and includes a first threaded portion and a second smooth portion in sliding contact with the smooth hollow connector.