Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System with Axial Movable Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid oxide fuel cell systems face challenges with high internal thermal stresses and sealing issues due to their high operating temperatures, which can lead to premature failure and increased sealing requirements.

Innovation Solution

A solid oxide fuel cell system design that includes a central support means, a fixture means, and a current collection means, allowing the fuel cell and current collection means to move parallel to the axis, reducing thermal stresses and eliminating the need for seals between components, with features like conductive pastes and hemispherical dome-shaped manifolds to manage thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If planar fuel cells are operated at high temperatures (850-1000°C), then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but thermal stresses and sealing requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity generation efficiencyVSAvoidinternal thermal stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cell system is divided into modular planar cells that can be assembled in stacks. Each cell is a separate unit with defined functional layers (electrolyte, electrodes, interconnects), allowing thermal expansion to be managed at component level while maintaining overall system integrity at high temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional layers are nested within each planar cell structure - the electrolyte is sandwiched between anode and cathode layers, which are in turn connected to interconnect plates. This nested arrangement allows each layer to accommodate thermal stresses independently while maintaining the electrochemical function at 850-1000°C

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If planar fuel cells are operated at high temperatures (850-1000°C), then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but sealing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity generation efficiencyVSAvoidsealing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the structural interconnect plates that electrically and mechanically connect adjacent cells. The interconnects serve dual purposes: electrical conduction and mechanical support, while integrated sealing features prevent gas leakage without requiring separate sealing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Thin film seals are incorporated at the interfaces between planar cells and interconnect plates. These flexible thin films can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction at high temperatures while maintaining effective sealing, reducing the complexity of rigid sealing arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If fuel cell components are rigidly fixed, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion stresses worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates controlled flexibility in the assembly structure, allowing planar cells to expand and contract thermally while maintaining electrical and mechanical connections. Expansion joints and flexible seal arrangements enable dynamic adaptation to temperature changes without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces thermal stresses, minimizes gas leakage, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing for the removal of components, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the fuel cell system while maintaining high temperature operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolyte that conducts ions but prevents electrons from passing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

converts the energy potential of fuel to electricity through an electrochemical reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 3

the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS7629069B2Solid oxide fuel cell system

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 WATT FUEL CELL CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.