A tubular anode‐supported “micro‐solid oxide fuel cell” (μSOFC) has been developed for producing high volumetric power density (VPD) SOFC systems featuring rapid turn on/off capability. An electrophoretic deposition (EPD)‐based, facile manufacturing process is being refined to produce the anode support, anode functional and electrolyte layers of a single cell. μSOFCs (diameter <5 mm) have two main potential advantages, a substantial increase in the electrolyte surface area per unit volume of a stack and also rapid start‐up. As fuel cell power is directly proportional to the active electrolyte surface area, a μSOFC stack can substantially increase the VPD of an SOFC device. A decrease in tube diameter allows for a reduction in wall thickness without any degradation of a cell's mechanical properties. Owing to its thin wall, a μSOFC has an extremely high thermal shock resistance and low thermal mass. These two characteristics are fundamental in reducing start‐up and turn‐off time for the SOFC stack. Traditionally, SOFC has not been considered for portable applications due to its high thermal mass and low thermal shock resistance (start‐up time in hours), but with μSOFCs' potential for rapid start‐up, new possibilities for portable and transportable applications open up.
A new generation of tubular SOFCs with an approach to solve the thermal and redox cycling issues of these fuel cells is introduced and the method of fabrication is explained. The cell consists of a porous support coated with a thin electrolyte. Following porous support infiltration of Ni-SDC to create the anode, 100 thermal and 10 redox cycling tests were carried out. The cell shows extremely high failure resistance to the thermal and redox cycling as confirmed by unaltered OCV values. SEM analysis shows a crack free anode microstructure and electrolyte.
An anode-supported tubular 'Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cell' (μ SOFC) is being developed for fabrication of a high volumetric power density SOFC system for remote power applications. An Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) based manufacturing process is being developed for production of SOFC single cells, this process has the potential to simplify fabrication technology and reduce manufacturing costs. Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells have two main advantages, a substantial increase in the volumetric power density of a stack and quick start up. A decrease in single cell tube diameter allows for a reduction in wall thickness without any degradation of a cell's mechanical properties. Due to its thin wall, a μSOFC has an extremely high thermal shock resistance and low thermal mass. These two characteristics are fundamental in reducing start up and turn off time for the SOFC stack.
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