SOFC Module Pressure Equalization Seal Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and electrolyzers face challenges in maintaining hermeticity and efficient gas distribution under pressure, as existing glass or glass-ceramic seals can only withstand small pressure differences, leading to potential loss of hermeticity and mechanical stress, and require complex pressurized enclosures for operation.
Innovation Solution
A module design incorporating electrical and fluidic interconnectors made of electron-conducting materials with glass or glass-ceramic seals, utilizing an equalization gas to equalize pressures across seals, eliminating the need for a pressurized enclosure by distributing an additional gas to manage pressure differences and ensure hermeticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass or glass-ceramic seals are used to seal the electrolyzer, then hermeticity is maintained, but the seals can only withstand small pressure differences and require pressurized enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two sealing zones: the first seal (glass/glass-ceramic) maintains hermeticity between compartments, while the second seal (metal) withstands the pressure difference between interior and exterior. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for a pressurized enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization gas is introduced to partially compensate for the pressure difference, reducing the load on the first seal. The second seal then handles only the residual pressure difference, allowing the use of fragile glass/glass-ceramic seals without requiring a full pressurized enclosure.
2Strength
If pressure equalization gas is introduced, then the load on seals is reduced, but additional gas distribution lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnectors serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection between cells, fluidic distribution for reactants and products, and pressure equalization through the second seal. By integrating the pressure equalization function into existing interconnector structures, additional dedicated gas distribution lines are minimized.
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 allows for reliable operation under pressure without mechanical stress on seals, maintaining hermeticity and efficient gas distribution, reducing the complexity and cost of the system by eliminating the need for a pressurized enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one supply line and at least one recovery line for a gas, called equalization gas, passing through it, opening onto the space delimited between the first seal and the insulating and sealing device so as to provide uniform distribution of the equalization gas from its supply line to its recovery line in order to equalize the pressures on either side of the first seal
Implementation Method 2
a first seal arranged at the periphery of the elementary unit and resting both against the first interconnector and against the second interconnector; a second seal arranged at the periphery of the anode of the elementary unit and resting both against the second interconnector and against the electrolyte; the first and second seals being based on glass and/or glass-ceramic
Implementation Method 3
a first device and a second device each forming an electrical and fluidic interconnector, each consisting of a component made of electron-conducting material
Implementation Method 4
the electrolyte 3 is impervious to gas, and is an electronic insulator and an ionic conductor
Implementation Method 5
the electrolysis of water is an electrolytic reaction that decomposes water into gaseous dioxygen and dihydrogen by means of an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A module for an HTE reactor or an SOFC fuel cell, the module including a circuit for the circulation of a gas, in addition to the reactive gases required for the electrolysis reaction or the reverse reaction in an SOFC cell, the circuit enabling, during the operation under pressure, the additional gas to equalise, on one side of the glass- and/or vitroceramic-based seals, the pressure of the reactive gases generated on the other side.