SOFC Fe-Cr Alloy Composition to Suppress Chromium Volatilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal materials used in electrochemical devices, such as Crofer 22 APU, suffer from Cr volatilization, which poisons other components and reduces durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
Employing a Fe-Cr based alloy with specific Ti and Cu content, along with a metal oxide thin layer, to stabilize the alloy and suppress Cr volatilization, while maintaining thermal expansion compatibility with other layers and reducing electric resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a button cell or coin-shaped electrochemical device is used, then the device can be integrated into jewelry or accessories, but the device generates harmful electromagnetic signals that can be detected by scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic shielding materials (such as mu-metal or ferrite) around the electrochemical device to absorb and redirect electromagnetic signals. This converts the harmful detectable signal into a contained magnetic field that protects against detection by scanners while maintaining the device's functionality in jewelry applications
2Device complexity
If conventional electrochemical devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is prone to leakage and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sealing structure where an inner seal member is placed within an outer seal member, creating multiple barriers against leakage. The inner seal member directly contacts the electrolyte while the outer seal member provides additional protection, and both are contained within the device housing. This multi-layer nested approach significantly reduces leakage and short circuit risks without substantially increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates seal members and gaskets made of elastomeric or polymeric materials between the electrochemical device and the housing before assembly. These pre-installed cushioning elements compensate for manufacturing tolerances and prevent leakage by creating a compliant seal that accommodates minor dimensional variations, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex precision manufacturing
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed for jewelry integration, then the device size is reduced, but the device may cause skin irritation or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible biocompatible coatings or thin film barriers on the outer surface of the device that contacts the skin. These flexible shells provide a protective interface that prevents direct contact between skin and potential irritants while maintaining the small size required for jewelry integration. The thin film structure conforms to the device's compact geometry and provides continuous protection during wear
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
Enhances durability, reliability, and performance by preventing Cr volatilization, reducing electric resistance, and maintaining thermal expansion compatibility, thus achieving a low-cost electrochemical device.
Implementation Method 1
a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a reformer... The solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a first end and a second end opposite each other
Implementation Method 2
the reformer is configured to receive a hydrocarbon... convert the hydrocarbon into a reformed gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided are a low-cost electrochemical device and the like that have both durability and high performance as well as excellent reliability. The electrochemical device includes at least one metal material, and the metal material is made of a Fe-Cr alloy that contains Ti in an amount of more than 0.10 mass% and 1.0 mass% or less.