Inter-digitating Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid oxide fuel cell designs face challenges in scalability and material efficiency, particularly in achieving a compact fuel cell pitch without waste and utilizing high resistivity current collector materials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel solid oxide fuel cell design featuring a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte, and a porous cathode electrode with inter-digitating parallel plate members, utilizing zirconia-based electrolyte and non-ionically conducting members for efficient fuel and oxidant flow, and a method of manufacturing involving stacked sheets with aligned apertures for conduit formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional solid oxide fuel cell designs are used, then structural integrity and electrical conductivity are maintained, but the fuel cell pitch is large and material efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell is divided into multiple functional layers (anode, electrolyte, cathode, interconnector) stacked in sequence, with each layer performing a specific function. This segmentation allows for optimized material usage in each layer while achieving compact overall dimensions, directly reducing fuel cell pitch without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the electrolyte is positioned between the anode and cathode plates, and the interconnector is integrated with the cathode. This nesting arrangement eliminates wasted space between components, achieving compact fuel cell pitch while maintaining full functionality of each component
2Adaptability or versatility
If high resistivity current collector materials are used, then material versatility is improved, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector is designed with spatially varying properties: the region contacting the cathode has high electrical conductivity for current collection, while other regions can use high-resistivity materials for structural support or thermal management. This local differentiation allows use of versatile materials without compromising overall electrical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector is constructed as a composite structure combining materials with different properties - conductive materials in current-carrying regions and high-resistivity materials in structural regions. This composite approach enables use of previously unsuitable high-resistivity materials while maintaining reliable electrical conductivity where needed
3Volume of moving object
If compact fuel cell design is implemented, then fuel cell pitch is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuel cell components (anode, electrolyte, cathode, interconnector) are manufactured as separate sheets with pre-defined geometries and then stacked in a predetermined sequence. This preliminary preparation of individual components simplifies the final assembly process despite the compact design, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving reduced fuel cell pitch
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 allows for a reduced fuel cell scale, higher resistivity current collection, and efficient gas diffusion, enabling the use of materials not previously suitable for lateral current collectors, while maintaining gas tight seals and efficient thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode... efficient gas diffusion
Implementation Method 2
a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode... maintaining gas tight seals
Implementation Method 3
the at least one non-ionically conducting member having at least one interconnector to electrically interconnect at least one parallel plate member of the anode electrode and at least one parallel plate member of the cathode electrode
Implementation Method 4
a method of manufacturing involving stacked sheets with aligned apertures for conduit formation... efficient fuel and oxidant flow
Data Source
AI summary
A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately.