摘要:
A semi-internally manifolded interconnect structured for placement between successive electrolyte elements in stack of elements having a first surface with a level margin extending substantially around the perimeter of the interconnect, first and second manifold channels disposed inward from the margin, and a plurality of gas-flow channels disposed in a central area of the first surface and extending between and in fluid communication with the first and second manifold channels.
摘要:
A fuel cell module (10) with multiple fuel cell stacks having generally planar cross-flow grooved interconnectors with fuel and air flow channels therein arranged in multi-stack columns (14, 16) wherein adjacent stacks are joined by manifold frames (24), and pairs of columns are spaced-apart across a central air plenum (28) in fluid communication with the air flow channels, and fuel flows serially through the stacks along the length of the column. In one embodiment, a series of such modules are configured into a multi-module system.
摘要:
An improved ceramic interconnect component for a solid oxide fuel cell having good electrical conductivity and thermodynamic stability in the presence of fuel and a coefficient of thermal expansion matching closely that of zirconia electrolytes is disclosed. The interconnect is a lanthanum chromite material including strontium and magnesium as dopants.
摘要:
A fuel cell module (10) with a fuel cell column (18), having at least one fuel cell stack, mated with the planar wall of a heat exchanger (60), wherein the fuel cell column and heat exchanger are mounted to a support structure (30), and which define an air plenum between the fuel cell column and planar wall of the heat exchanger, thereby eliminating the ductwork and insulation requirements associated with heat exchange systems while increasing the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
摘要:
A modular arrangement for stacks of ion conducting electrolyte elements includes a plurality of solid state ion conducting electrolyte elements spaced apart and arranged into stacks and the stacks further arranged at regular intervals around a central plenum. A plurality of gas flow passageways are disposed in the spaces between the electrolyte elements to enable reactant gases to circulate between the elements. A pair of manifold plates are disposed on either side of the electrolyte elements and sandwich the elements therebetween.
摘要:
An SOFC anode is provided, which is fabricated from ceria which has been mixed with a nickel oxide-magnesium oxide material to stabilize the nickel against coarsening during high temperature SOFC operation. With a starting material of NiO--MgO solid solution in a cement anode, the MgO will diffuse into zirconia and/or ceria at the appropriate firing temperature for the respective materials. Reduction of NiO in the anode with the fuel during cell operation will result in metallic Ni grains with a fine dispersion of MgO. The dispersion of MgO in Ni retards coarsening of nickel during the high temperature operation of the cell.
摘要:
A thermally integrated reformer (10) is located inside the stack furnace (12) housing stacks (14) of solid oxide fuel cells (16). The energy to support the endothermic reformation reaction converting hydrocarbon and water feedstock into hydrogen and carbon monoxide fuel is supplied by heat recovered from the oxidation process in the stack (14) of fuel cells (16). The source of hydrocarbons is desulfurized natural gas. Heat transfers to reformers (10) which may be incrementally shielded packed beds (30, 60) of the reactors (18, 19) of the reformer (10) by radiation from the stacks (14), furnace wall (38), or both and by forced convection from the exhausting airflow exiting the stack furnace (12). Temperature gradients in the reformer (10) may be controlled by selective (or incremented) radiation shielding (20) and by counterflow heat exchange to prevent excessive premature cracking in the reformer. Such an optimized design uses a minimum amount of catalyst, yet prevents carbonization from clogging interstices or otherwise rendering the catalyst or catalyst granules (32) ineffective. Alternatively sufficient catalyst may be provided to render the reformation process a heat-limited reaction. In this circumstance, the stacks (132) configured in a module (106) may transfer heat directly to a reformer (110) surrounding the module (106). The air may pass through a heat exchanger 108 or preheater (200) positioned proximate the module 106 in an insulated enclosure (102).
摘要:
An apparatus for collecting electrical current from individual fuel cell stacks in a solid oxide fuel cell is provided, in which the current collectors are protected from oxidation through advantageous placement in non-oxidizing surroundings. Fuel cell module configurations employing and taking advantage of the current collecting apparatus are also provided.
摘要:
A multi-stage arrangement for the electrolyte material in a SOFC electrochemical power system. Multiple stages may be arranged in series, and each stage contains electrolyte elements which are constructed of a different material from the elements in previous and subsequent stages. A fuel gas admitted to the power system flows serially through each stage and is then exhausted from the power system. Upstream stages contain electrolyte elements made from an electrolyte material having low ion conductivity and high resistance. Subsequent stages contain electrolytes having progressively higher conductivity and progressively lower resistance. The fuel exhaust from an upstream stage is fed to the next downstream stage until the gas is exhausted from the final stage in the power system. Each stage operates at a progressively lower temperature than the previous stage. In a three-stage embodiment, a first stage has ZrO.sub.2, electrolyte material, a second stage has CeO.sub.2, and a third stage has Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3. The multi-stage fuel cell arrangement leads to a higher total power output for the same initial mass flow rate of fuel gases though the fuel cells.
摘要:
A module for an ion-conducting device includes a plurality of spaced-apart, solid state ion-conducting electrolyte elements arranged substantially radially around a central plenum. A plurality of longitudinal gas flow channels is sealed off from the central plenum by a plurality of seals, and extend longitudinally through the module in the spaces between every other adjacent pair of electrolyte elements. A plurality of transverse gas flow channels is in fluid communication with the central plenum, and extend generally radially outward from it through the spaces between every-other adjacent pair of electrolyte elements not constituting a longitudinal gas flow channel. Manifold plates having a plenum aperture and a plurality of gas apertures therein are disposed on either side of the radially arranged electrolyte elements, and sandwich the elements therebetween. A plurality of the modules may be juxtaposed in a modular assembly wherein the central plenums of adjacent modules are aligned and in register, and combine to form an extended central plenum, the transverse gas flow channels in each module extend generally radially from the extended central plenum, and the longitudinal gas flow channels of adjacent modules are aligned and in register and in fluid communication and form extended longitudinal gas flow channels.