Fabrication and operation of a 6 kWe class interconnector-type anode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cell stack

Abstract

A 6 kW class interconnector-type anode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cell (ICT SOFC) stack is fabricated and operated in this study. An optimized current-collection method, which the method for current collection at the cathode using the winding method and is the method for the connection between cells using interconnect, is suggested to enhance the performance of the fabricated cell. That method can increase the current collection area because of usage of winding method for cell and make the connection between cells easy. The performance of a single cell with an effective electrode area of 205 cm(2) exhibits 51 W at 750 degrees C and 0.7 V. To assemble a 1 kW class stack, the prepared ICT SOFC cells are connected in series to 20 cells connected in parallel (20 cells in series x two in parallel, 20S2P). Four modules are assembled for a 6 kWe class stack. For one module, the prepared ICT SOFC cells are connected in series to 48 cells, in which one unit bundle consists of two cells connected in parallel. The performance of the stack in 3% humidified H-2 and air at 750 degrees C exhibits the maximum electrical power of 7425 W.