Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Gas Sealing Part for Uniform Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid oxide fuel cells face issues with non-uniform gas flow across electrode planes due to simple gas flowing path configurations, leading to reduced utilization of gases, increased stack thickness, temperature differences, and complex manufacturing processes, which complicate operation and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a gas sealing part with distinct first and second gas flowing paths that do not communicate, and a third gas flowing path formed in an adjacent member, allowing for thinner interconnectors and reduced stack thickness, enabling uniform temperature distribution and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple gas flowing path configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas flow uniformity across electrode planes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas sealing part is divided into multiple functional regions: a first gas flowing path for gas supply, a second gas flowing path for gas distribution, and a third gas flowing path for gas discharge. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, achieving uniform gas flow without requiring complex overall configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gas sealing part are assigned different functions with specific flow characteristics. The first path provides high-pressure gas supply, the second path distributes gas uniformly across the electrode plane, and the third path collects exhaust gas. This local differentiation achieves uniform gas distribution while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Productivity
If the second gas flowing path is formed on the interconnector, then the gas distribution function is improved, but the interconnector thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second gas flowing path and its associated gas distribution function are extracted from the interconnector and transferred to a separate gas sealing part. This allows the interconnector to maintain its original thin structure while the gas sealing part provides the required gas distribution functionality through its dedicated second flowing path
Solution Approach 2:
A separate gas sealing part is introduced as an intermediary component between the interconnector and the electrodes. This mediator contains the second gas flowing path that distributes gas uniformly across the electrode plane, eliminating the need to increase interconnector thickness for gas distribution purposes
3Strength
If the stack thickness is increased, then the structural strength is improved, but the temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flowing paths are arranged in a stacked configuration with the first path above, second path in the middle, and third path below the gas sealing part. This three-dimensional arrangement allows gas to flow uniformly across the electrode plane from multiple directions, improving temperature uniformity without requiring increased stack thickness
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 configuration ensures uniform gas flow, reduces stack thickness, improves temperature uniformity, and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solid oxide fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter, also referred to as SOFC) in which a solid electrolyte (solid oxide) is used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A fuel battery cell includes, between a pair of upper and lower interconnectors, a gas sealing part in an air-electrode side, a separator, a fuel electrode frame, and a gas sealing part in a fuel-electrode side. The gas sealing part includes a first gas flowing path penetrating therethrough in a stacking direction of the fuel battery cell to constitute a part of gas flowing paths, and a second gas flowing path extending along a plane direction of the gas sealing part. In the gas sealing part, the first and second gas flowing paths do not communicate with each other. A third gas flowing path is formed in a member stacked on at least one of both sides of the gas sealing part in a thickness direction of the gas sealing part. Through the third gas flowing path, the first and second gas flowing paths communicate with each other.