SOFC Interconnect Layout Without Bipolar Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar plates in conventional solid oxide fuel cell stacks are heavy and not suitable for compact, three-dimensional fuel cell designs, leading to high weight and inefficiencies in current collection and reactant supply.
Innovation Solution
An interconnecting device with a body having distinct interface surfaces for anode and cathode exhaust inputs, fuel and oxidant supply ports, and electrical ports, designed to fit between compact SOFCs, allowing for efficient reactant supply and current collection without the need for bipolar plates, and capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If bipolar plates are used in conventional solid oxide fuel cell stacks, then current collection and reactant distribution functions are fulfilled, but the stack weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bipolar plate component entirely from the fuel cell stack design. Instead of using separate bipolar plates for current collection and reactant distribution, these functions are integrated directly into the electrolyte support structure through three-dimensional gas channels that serve dual purposes as both flow fields and electrical interconnects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of bipolar plates (current collection, reactant distribution, and structural support) into a single integrated electrolyte support structure. The three-dimensional gas channels within the electrolyte perform both fluid distribution and electrical conduction functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate bipolar plate components.
2Ease of operation
If bipolar plates are used for reactant distribution, then gas channels are provided, but the remaining material is subjected to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte support structure integrates gas channel functionality directly into its body, eliminating the need for separate bipolar plates with cut-out channels. This integration distributes stress more evenly throughout the electrolyte structure rather than concentrating stress at the edges of removed material sections.
3Area of stationary object
If planar bipolar plates are used, then current collection area is maximized, but the stack becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar current collection in bipolar plates to three-dimensional current collection pathways within the electrolyte support structure. The gas channels extend through the electrolyte thickness, providing electrical conduction paths in the vertical dimension while maintaining large effective collection areas.
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 interconnecting device reduces weight and ohmic losses, optimizing current collection and reactant distribution in compact SOFC stacks, enabling a more efficient and compact fuel cell configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte consists of a solid and gas-tight ceramic material, that is capable of conducting oxygen ions
Implementation Method 2
By connecting a series of fuel cells through bipolar plates arranged between them, a fuel cell stack is formed. An electric circuit can be connected to the fuel cell stack to use the generated voltage and to maintain the fuel cell process.
Implementation Method 3
heat that is generated in the fuel cells by the electrochemical reaction is received by the bipolar plates and may be transported out of the fuel cell by its thermal conductivity
Data Source
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AI summary
An interconnecting device for compact solid oxide fuel cells is proposed, the interconnecting device comprising a body having a first interface surface, and a second interface surface on distinct sides of the body, wherein the first interface surface comprises at least one anode exhaust input and at least one cathode exhaust input in a distance to the at least one anode exhaust input, wherein the second interface surface comprises at least one fuel supply port and at least one air supply port in a distance to the at least one fuel supply port, wherein the at least one anode exhaust input is in fluid communication with the at least one fuel supply port and/or at least one anode exhaust outlet arranged at a distance to the first interface surface and the second interface surface, wherein the at least one cathode exhaust input is in fluid communication with the at least one air supply port and/or at least one cathode exhaust outlet arranged at a distance to the first interface surface and the second interface surface, wherein at least one first electrical port is arranged at or in the at least one cathode exhaust input and is connectable from the first interface surface, wherein at least one second electrical port is arranged at or in the at least one fuel supply port and is connectable from the second interface surface, and wherein the at least one first electrical port is electrically connected to the at least one second electrical port.