SOFC Anode Lamination for Uniform Sintering Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing anode support layers in solid oxide fuel cells face challenges such as anisotropy and varying shrinkage during sintering due to the laminating direction, leading to non-uniform sizes and mechanical strength issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the alternate lamination of green sheets with intersecting elongation directions, followed by pressure-sintering, to control sintering behavior and achieve uniform shrinkage, using slurries containing YSZ, nickel, and a pore forming agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple anode support green sheets are laminated to secure high mechanical strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but anisotropy develops according to the forming direction and shrinkage varies during sintering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by alternating the lamination direction of green sheets. Instead of laminating all sheets in the same direction, the method uses alternating directions (e.g., horizontal, vertical, horizontal, vertical) to compensate for anisotropic shrinkage behavior during sintering. This directional alternation ensures that shrinkage in one direction is balanced by expansion or reduced shrinkage in the perpendicular direction, achieving uniform final dimensions while maintaining high mechanical strength through multiple layered sheets.
2Ease of manufacture
If green sheets are laminated in a single direction, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the degree of shrinkage varies during sintering depending on longitudinal and transverse directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by systematically alternating the lamination direction of successive green sheets. The lamination pattern follows a periodic sequence (e.g., direction A, direction B, direction A, direction B) that ensures uniform shrinkage behavior during sintering. This periodic alternation transforms the simple single-direction lamination into a controlled multi-directional process that maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving uniform dimensional changes during sintering.
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 method ensures uniform size and enhanced mechanical strength of the anode by inducing uniform shrinkage during sintering, resulting in a laminated structure with improved properties.
Implementation Method 1
pressure-sintering the first intermediate laminate
Implementation Method 2
there is a problem that the degree of shrinkage varies during sintering depending on the longitudinal and transverse directions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an anode for a fuel cell is provided. The method includes preparing a plurality of first green sheets elongated in one direction by shaping a first slurry containing YSZ, nickel, and a pore forming agent, preparing a second green sheet elongated in one direction by shaping a second slurry containing YSZ and nickel, preparing a first intermediate laminate by laminating the plurality of first green sheets alternately such that elongation directions of the first green sheets intersect, and then laminating the second green sheet thereon such that an elongation direction of the second green sheet intersects with that of an uppermost first green sheet, and pressure-sintering the first intermediate laminate.