Tubular SOFC Interconnection Layout for Higher Gravimetric Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have a low gravimetric power density due to their heavier design, which is a limitation compared to other types of fuel cells, especially in mobile applications where weight is a critical factor.
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 an additional electric terminal, maximizing the active area and enabling a denser packing of fuel cells, thereby increasing gravimetric power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SOFCs are designed with traditional structures for stationary applications, then reliability and efficiency are improved, but weight increases leading to low gravimetric power density
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell is divided into multiple tubular elements arranged in a stack, where each tube functions as an independent fuel cell unit. This segmentation allows for modular assembly that maintains structural integrity while reducing overall weight compared to traditional monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where inner and outer electrolyte layers are concentrically arranged around a central channel, with electrically conductive layers positioned between them. This nested configuration maximizes active area within a compact volume while minimizing material usage and weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fuel cell designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but active area is limited reducing power density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar fuel cell designs to a three-dimensional tubular configuration with concentric inner and outer electrolyte layers. This dimensional change creates additional active surfaces (both inner and outer surfaces of tubes) that increase total active area while maintaining structural stability through the rigid tubular framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell employs curved tubular structures instead of flat plates, with concentric cylindrical electrolyte layers. This curvature provides structural strength and stability while maximizing surface area within a given volume, thereby increasing power density without compromising structural integrity.
3Strength
If outer electrolyte and conductive layers are continuous, then structural integrity is maintained, but active area is reduced and packing density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer electrolyte layer and outer electrically conductive layer are segmented into discrete sections along the tubular structure, creating interruptions that expose additional active areas. These segmented layers maintain structural integrity through strategic positioning while enabling higher power density by increasing the effective active surface area for electrochemical reactions.
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 the gravimetric power density of the fuel cell and allows for a more efficient packing of fuel cells in a stack, improving overall power output while reducing weight.
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
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell (100) comprising a tubular body (110), an inner and outer electrolyte layer (121, 122) disposed on the tubular body (110), an inner and outer electrically conductive layer (131, 132) disposed on the respective electrolyte layer (121, 122), and a first electric terminal (141) arranged at an interruption of the outer electrolyte layer (122) and the outer electrically conductive layer (132). Further disclosed are fuel cell systems having a plurality of such fuel cells (100), which are electrically connected in axial direction to form subgroups and in radial direction, in order to increase power output of the fuel cell system.