Tubular SOFC Interconnection Layout for Higher Gravimetric Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have a low gravimetric power density due to their heavy design, which is a limitation in mobile applications where weight is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design featuring a tubular body with inner and outer electrolyte and electrically conductive layers, where the outer layers are interrupted to allow for a protrusion and an electric terminal connection, maximizing the active area and enabling a denser fuel cell stack with increased power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If SOFCs use a heavy design for stationary applications, then structural stability is improved, but gravimetric power density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar fuel cell designs to a three-dimensional tubular configuration. The tubular body with inner and outer surfaces allows reactant gases to flow through the interior channel while electrochemical reactions occur on both the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to increase active area without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design features nested functional layers within the tubular structure: the tubular body contains an inner channel for gas flow, surrounded by an inner electrolyte layer, which is surrounded by an inner electrically conductive layer, which is surrounded by an outer electrolyte layer, which is surrounded by an outer electrically conductive layer. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the tubular geometry.
2Reliability
If the outer electrolyte layer and outer electrically conductive layer are interrupted to allow terminal connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer electrolyte layer and outer electrically conductive layer are segmented or interrupted at specific locations to create access points for electrical terminals. This segmentation allows electrical connection to the tubular body while maintaining the integrity of the remaining protective and functional layers. The interruption is localized rather than complete, preserving structural strength in other areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tubular body is coated with multiple layers, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body is first formed as a complete structural component with the inner channel geometry, and then the electrolyte and electrically conductive layers are applied as coatings in subsequent processing steps. This preliminary formation of the substrate allows for easier application of thin functional layers using standard coating techniques, rather than attempting to build the entire structure layer-by-layer.
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 enhances gravimetric power density and allows for a more efficient packing of fuel cells, increasing the overall power output while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
an inner electrolyte layer disposed on the inner side of the tubular body, an outer electrolyte layer disposed on the outer side of the tubular body
Implementation Method 2
an inner electrically conductive layer disposed on the inner electrolyte layer, and an outer electrically conductive layer disposed on the outer electrolyte layer
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell comprises a tubular body configured to conduct a reactant gas of the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell comprising a tubular body, an inner and outer electrolyte layer disposed on the tubular body, an inner and outer electrically conductive layer disposed on the respective electrolyte layer, and a first electric terminal arranged at an interruption of the outer electrolyte layer and the outer electrically conductive layer. Also fuel cell systems having a plurality of such fuel cells, which are electrically connected in axial direction to form subgroups and in radial direction.