SOEC/SOFC Stack Clamping With Replaceable Hot Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-temperature solid-oxide electrolysis and fuel cell systems face challenges in thermal management, particularly at temperatures between 600 and 1000°C, due to the high cost and limited maneuverability of integrated heating elements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a clamping system with removable and interchangeable heating plates integrated into the clamping plates' housings, allowing for improved thermal efficiency and ease of replacement in case of malfunction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If integrated heating elements are used in the clamping system, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the cost increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into modular heating plates that can be independently installed, removed, and replaced. Each heating plate is a separate component integrated into the clamping plates, allowing individual maintenance without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating plates are designed to be dynamically replaceable during operation. The system transitions from fixed integrated heating elements to movable, interchangeable heating plates that can be adjusted or replaced based on operational needs, maintaining thermal efficiency while improving maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If heating elements are made removable and interchangeable, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating plates are merged with the clamping plates into a single integrated component. This combination simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate heating element assemblies while maintaining the ability to remove and replace heating functionality, thus improving ease of repair without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If heating plates are integrated into clamping plates, then thermal management is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal managementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into separate steps for producing the clamping plate structure and the heating plate insert. This allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific requirements, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving integrated thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances thermal management by maintaining high thermal efficiency while minimizing heat losses, and allows for the easy replacement of heating elements, reducing operational risks and costs.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12334615B2Assembly comprising a SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide cell stack and a clamping system having a hot plate

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

An assembly including a stack of solid oxide cells of the SOEC/SOFC type and a clamping system for the stack. This assembly furthermore includes at least one heating plate, demountable and interchangeable, inserted in a housing of at least one of the top and bottom clamping plates, the housing being formed in the thickness of the at least one of the top and bottom clamping plates, and comprising first and second opposite ends, at least one of which emerges on the lateral face-of the at least one of the top and bottom clamping plates, being located inside, at a distance from its main top and bottom faces substantially parallel to each other.