Manifold, bus support and coupling arrangement for solid oxide fuel cells

Patent · Tue Apr 25 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5848932

Parry, G W

Individual, tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are assembled into bundles called a module within a housing, with a plurality of modules arranged end-to-end in a linear, stacked configuration called a string. A common set of piping comprised of a suitable high temperature resistant material (1) provides fuel and air to each module housing, (2) serves as electrically conducting buses, and (3) provides structural support for a string of SOFC modules. The piping thus forms a manifold for directing fuel and air to each module in a string and makes electrical contact with the module's anode and cathode to conduct the DC power generated by the SOFC. The piping also provides structural support for each individual module and maintains each string of modules as a structurally integral unit for ensuring high strength in a large 3-dimensional array of SOFC modules. Ceramic collars are used to connect fuel and air inlet piping to each of the electrodes in an SOFC module and provide (1) electrical insulation for the current carrying bus bars and gas manifolds, (2) damping for the fuel and air inlet piping, and (3) proper spacing between the fuel and air inlet piping to prevent contact between these tubes and possible damage to the SOFC.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
• Patent Number(s): US 4824742
• OSTI ID: 5848932
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 21 Apr 1988
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
FUEL CELLS
DESIGN
DIRECT CURRENT
ELECTRODES
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
FUEL GAS
OXIDES
OXIDIZERS
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
SUPPORTS
CHALCOGENIDES
CURRENTS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
FLUIDS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
300503* - Fuel Cells- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries