In-Situ Measurement of Surface Deformation and Temperature of SOFC Button Cell as a Function of Current Density

Abstract

An experimental technique is developed that can measure in-situ surface deformation and monitor surface temperature of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode, along with its electrochemical performance. In this research, a NexTech Probostat™ button cell test apparatus is modified and integrated with Sagnac interferometric optical setup and infrared sensor for anode surface deformation and temperature measurement respectively. The cell surface transient temperature is monitored as a function of applied current densities in hydrogen and simulated syngas environment. The surface deformation is also measured over time to estimate the anode material degradation to predict its structural life. The experimental results are useful to validate the SOFC structural and electrochemical models.

Effects of PH3 Contaminant on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Performance and Related Anode Surface Temperature Measurements

“…We have reported 18 the integration of a modified Sagnac interferometry with a NexTech Probostat ™ for in situ out‐of‐plane surface deformation measurement of SOFC anode. The setup is capable of measuring the anode surface deformation on a small spot (∼2 mm) and is immune to the system vibration and temperature fluctuation.…”

“…A NexTech Probostat ™ (Lewis Center, OH) button cell test apparatus was modified and integrated with a Sagnac interferometric optical setup and IR thermometer (OMEGA OS3707, OMEGA Engineering, Stamford, CT) 16–18 . The optical setup consisted of a 20 mW diode laser (wave length λ=658 nm, laser spot size diameter=2 mm), beam splitters, a polarizer, and beam‐directing mirrors.…”

“…The impedance spectra were collected with an AC amplitude of 10 mV at frequencies ranging from 1 MHz to 0.1 Hz. Detailed description of the experimental setup and approach can be found in Guo et al 18 …”