Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Air Path Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solid oxide fuel cell structures face breakage issues due to stress concentration at the right-angled distal ends of air paths during manufacturing and operation, particularly under high air pressure and thermal expansion, leading to reduced lifespan and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates air paths with continuous curved distal ends that intersect with the main path at a continuous turn, distributing stress and enhancing structural integrity during manufacturing and operation, using a solid oxide fuel cell structure with ceramic materials and a three-layer thin film porous structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the distal ends of air paths are designed with right angles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but stress concentrates at the distal ends causing breakage during manufacturing and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the right-angled distal ends of air paths with continuous curved surfaces. The main path intersects with the continuous surface of the distal end at a turn that is continuous without singularity, eliminating stress concentration points while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized curved geometry.
2Device complexity
If the distal ends of air paths are designed with right angles, then the manufacturing process is simple, but breakage occurs during drying, sintering, and curing due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous curved surfaces at the distal ends of air paths, where the main path intersects with the continuous surface at a turn that is continuous without singularity. This curvature design distributes stress evenly during manufacturing processes like drying, sintering, and curing, preventing breakage while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If the distal ends of air paths are right angles, then the air path structure is simple, but the lifespan of the fuel cell is reduced due to stress concentration under high air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous curved surfaces at the distal ends of air paths, creating turns that are continuous without singularity. This curvature design effectively distributes stress during operation under high air pressure, preventing fatigue and extend the lifespan of the fuel cell, while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid oxide fuel cell structure includes an anode, a cathode arranged oppositely relative to the anode and electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode and at least two air paths each having a distal end provided with a turn and a continuous surface on the inner surface of the distal end.