Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Junction Member Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid oxide fuel cell stacks face challenges in following large deformations during high-temperature operation due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients and pressure, leading to increased electric resistance and potential deterioration in electricity generation performance.
Innovation Solution
A solid oxide fuel cell stack design featuring a junction structure with an elastic and electrically conductive member between end members and interconnectors, ensuring deformation followability and reducing electric resistance by maintaining effective contact and preventing creep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid end plate structure is used to maintain structural stability, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to follow large deformations of the fuel cell at high temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate incorporates a flexible thin film structure that can deform elastically to follow the thermal expansion and deformation of the fuel cell at high temperatures, while still providing structural support and electrical connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate uses composite material construction combining rigid structural components with flexible deformation-capable layers, allowing simultaneous achievement of structural strength and deformation followability under thermal stress
2Device complexity
If the current path between the end plate and interconnector is narrowed, then device complexity is reduced, but electric resistance increases due to electrically nonconductive portions
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically conductive intermediary layer or coating is introduced between the end plate and interconnector to ensure continuous electrical connection, eliminating nonconductive gaps while maintaining a simple overall structure
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 effectively follows fuel cell deformation at high temperatures, maintains good electrical contact, and prevents the increase in electric resistance, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the fuel cell stack.
Implementation Method 1
a junction member composed of an elastic member and an electrically conductive member is disposed in the space
Implementation Method 2
another portion of the electrically conductive member is disposed between the first interconnector and the elastic member; and the first end member and the first interconnector are electrically connected through the electrically conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell stack, including alternately disposing a plurality of single fuel cells, and a plurality of interconnectors disposed alternately and holding the alternately disposed plurality of single fuel cells and plurality of interconnectors between a pair of end members, forming a space between a first end member and a first interconnector, disposing a junction member composed of an elastic member and an electrically conductive member in the space, and urging a portion of an electrically conductive member and another portion of the electrically member against the first end member and the first interconnector so that a total thickness of the portion of the electrically conductive member, the another portion of the electrically conductive member, and the elastic member prior to being disposed in the space between the first end member and the first interconnector is greater than a height of the space.