Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Current Collector Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid oxide fuel cells face challenges in achieving stable gas sealing, high open circuit voltage, and long-term stability due to complex current collecting structures and high material costs, particularly in forming a metal mesh pattern that compromises adhesion between the fuel electrode and electrolyte layer.
Innovation Solution
A flat plate-shaped solid oxide fuel cell design incorporating a porous ceramic support with a fuel electrode current collector extended in a direction opposite to the air electrode, utilizing a metal mesh layer and extension lines for current collection, allowing for stable gas sealing and reduced material costs with inexpensive materials like nickel and copper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal mesh pattern is used for current collection in existing solid oxide fuel cells, then current collection is achieved, but adhesion between the fuel electrode and electrolyte layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the metal mesh pattern from the fuel electrode surface and relocates it to the back surface of the electrolyte layer. This separation removes the harmful effect of the metal mesh on fuel electrode-electrolyte adhesion while preserving the current collection function. The metal mesh is now positioned where it does not interfere with the critical interface between the fuel electrode and electrolyte layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collecting structure is moved from the two-dimensional plane of the fuel electrode surface to the back surface of the electrolyte layer, effectively using another dimension (depth/thickness direction) to resolve the conflict between current collection and adhesion. This spatial relocation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
2Reliability
If expensive materials are used in existing solid oxide fuel cells, then performance is maintained, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive materials (such as platinum-based catalysts and precious metal current collectors) with cheaper alternatives (nickel-based materials and stainless steel or copper mesh). The functional requirements are met using these cost-effective materials, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining cell performance through optimized structural design.
3Reliability
If a complex current collecting structure is used, then current collection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex metal mesh pattern is extracted from the fuel electrode fabrication process and applied separately to the back surface of the electrolyte layer. This simplifies the fuel electrode manufacturing process by eliminating the need to form metal mesh patterns on the electrode surface, while current collection functionality is maintained through the relocated mesh structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the location parameter of the current collecting structure from the fuel electrode surface to the electrolyte layer back surface. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing by decoupling the current collection function from the electrode fabrication process, allowing each component to be manufactured independently and assembled more easily.
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
This design enhances cell efficiency, achieves high open circuit voltage, and ensures long-term stability by simplifying the current collection structure and using cost-effective materials, while maintaining stable gas sealing and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
a porous ceramic support
Implementation Method 2
the fuel releases electrons while bonding to the oxygen ions and electrochemically oxidized to produce water. Through such a reaction, electrons migrate to an external circuit.
Implementation Method 3
the produced oxygen ions are transferred to a fuel electrode through an electrolyte layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present specification relates a solid oxide fuel cell. Specifically, the present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell consecutively provided with a fuel electrode, an electrolyte layer and an air electrode.