Decoupled Compressive Force Seal for High-Pressure SOFC Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and electrolyzers face challenges in maintaining leak-tightness and efficient gas distribution under pressure, as conventional glass or glass-ceramic seals are prone to failure at high pressures and temperatures, requiring complex and costly pressurized chambers for operation.
Innovation Solution
A module design with a compression piston and sealing bellows that decouples the forces for compressing seals from those for electrical contact, using adjustable compressive forces and a sealing bellows to manage pressure and ensure leak-tightness without a pressurized chamber, and incorporating mica seals for enhanced adhesion and mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional glass or glass-ceramic seals are used in high-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers, then electrical insulation and basic sealing are achieved, but leak-tightness fails under high pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional glass/glass-ceramic seals to mica-based seals that can withstand high temperatures and pressures. The mica seal maintains its structural integrity and sealing properties under the extreme operating conditions (high temperature and pressure) where conventional seals fail, thereby achieving reliable leak-tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure combining mica with metal components (such as nickel or stainless steel) to create a seal system that leverages the high-temperature stability of mica and the mechanical strength of metal. This composite approach ensures both electrical insulation and reliable sealing under high pressure and temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If complex pressurized chambers are used to maintain operation under pressure, then leak-tightness is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pressurized chamber structure by using mica-based seals that inherently maintain leak-tightness under pressure without requiring additional containment structures. The mica seal directly handles the high-pressure sealing requirement, allowing the system to operate under pressure with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mica-based seal system is self-sufficient in maintaining leak-tightness under pressure and temperature conditions without requiring external pressurized chambers or additional sealing mechanisms. The material properties of mica itself provide the necessary sealing function, making the system self-service and reducing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If conventional seals are used, then basic assembly is achieved, but mechanical integrity and electrical insulation fail under high pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the seal material parameter to mica, which has superior resistance to high pressure and temperature compared to conventional glass or glass-ceramic seals. This material parameter change enables the seal to maintain mechanical integrity and electrical insulation properties under the harmful effects of high pressure and temperature operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining mica with metal components to create a seal system that resists high pressure and temperature. The mica provides thermal stability and electrical insulation, while the metal components provide mechanical strength, together maintaining mechanical integrity under extreme operating conditions.
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 module simplifies production and implementation by eliminating the need for a pressurized chamber, maintaining leak-tightness and efficient gas distribution across varying pressures, while ensuring mechanical integrity and electrical insulation, thus enabling stable operation at high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a compression piston (20) mounted so as to slide inside the first interconnector (5.1), the piston being suitable for compressing the electrical contact element(s)
Implementation Method 2
a sealing bellows, assembled by one end thereof to the piston and by the other end thereof to the first interconnector (5.1); the bellows being suitable both for containing the pressure of the steam and the hydrogen produced inside the module and for deforming along the direction of displacement of the piston
Implementation Method 3
a first electrically insulating seal (61) arranged at the periphery of the individual cell and bearing both against the first interconnector and against the second interconnector
Implementation Method 4
mechanical means for assembling the interconnectors with one another, suitable for clamping the first seal (61) by compression
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a novel module for electrolysis or co-electrolysis of water or of SOFC fuel cell, within which the forces necessary to compress the seals are decoupled from those necessary for the electrical contact elements that ensure the passage of current in the module.