Abstract:
The solid oxide fuel cell module includes a manifold, a plate, a cathode electrode, a fuel cell and an anode electrode. The manifold includes an air or oxygen inlet in communication with divergent passages above the periphery of the cell which combine to flow the air or oxygen radially or inwardly for reception in the center of the cathode flow field. The latter has interconnects providing circuitous cooling passages in a generally radial outward direction cooling the fuel cell and which interconnects are formed of different thermal conductivity materials for a preferential cooling.
Abstract:
A fuel cell includes a plurality of power-producing electrode-electrolyte assemblies and heat-conducting elements. Cathode air supplied to the fuel cell is heated inside the fuel cell by fuel cell by-product heat via the heat-conducting elements.
Abstract:
A method and related bonding compositions for use in assembling a solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) stack having thermally and chemically stable and electrically conductive bonds between alternating fuel cells and interconnect components in the stack. The improved method and materials allow for the assembly of solid oxide fuel cells having a stronger and more reliable bond with good electrical contact in situ between the SOFC interconnect layers (plates) and the electrodes. The bonding materials and method according to the invention provide good electrical performance while maintaining the mechanical and electrical integrity of SOFC stacks without requiring excessive mechanical compression of the stack as exemplified by prior art systems. The preferred bonding agents comprise a primary phase that provides the electrical conduction path during fuel cell operation, as well as the mechanical strength necessary to insure a reliable connection between the interconnect and the relevant anode or cathode surfaces of the fuel cell. Secondary phases can be added in small amounts to the primary phase to improve adhesion. An exemplary method according to the invention also contemplates various different steps for pre-treating the surfaces of the interconnect plates and electrodes to improve their surface bonding properties.
Abstract:
A corrosion resistant coated fuel cell plate and method of making the same are embodied in a metal plate provided with a multilayered conductive coating and then with an overcoat which fills in fine scale porosities in the coating. In one preferred embodiment, the overcoating is amorphous graphite applied through a deposition process. In another preferred embodiment, overcoating is a thin layer of oxide created by chemical anodization process.
Abstract:
A method of making an electrode structure is provided. The method includes disposing an electrocatalytic material on an electrode, applying heat to the electrocatalytic material to form a volatile oxide of the electrocatalytic material, and applying a voltage to the electrode to reduce the volatile oxide to provide a number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles on or proximate to a triple phase boundary, where the number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles is greater on or proximate to the triple phase boundary than in an area that is not on or proximate to the triple phase boundary, and where the triple phase boundary is disposed on the electrode.
Abstract:
A hybrid fuel cell-gas turbine system and method efficiently generates power using a combination of separate power generating components. The system includes a turbine system having an air compressor and a turbine, and a fuel cell. By-product waste heat from the fuel cell is used within the fuel cell to heat the cathode air.
Abstract:
A corrosion resistant coated fuel cell plate and method of making the same are embodied in a metal plate provided with a graphite emulsion coating and then a layer of graphite foil which is pressed over the coating. The graphite emulsion bonds the graphite foil to the metal plate and seals fine scale porosities in the graphite foil. Flow fields are formed by stamping the coated fuel cell plate.
Abstract:
A corrosion resistant coated fuel cell plate and method of making the same are embodied in a metal plate provided with a multilayered conductive coating and then with an overcoating which fills in fine scale porosities in the coating. In one preferred embodiment, the overcoating is amorphous graphite applied through a deposition process. In another preferred embodiment, the overcoating is a thin layer of oxide created by a chemical anodization process.
Abstract:
A fuel cell bipolar plate including a plurality of reactant channels defining respective inlets and outlets and at least two flow restrictors respectively associated with at least two adjacent reactant channels.