Method and apparatus for thermal, mechanical, and electrical optimization of a solid-oxide fuel cell stack
A solid-oxide fuel cell stack assembly comprising a plurality of sub-stacks, preferably two sub-stacks each containing one-half the total number of fuel cells. Cathode air and fuel gas are passed through the first sub-stack, wherein they are partially reacted and also heated. The exhaust cathode air and the exhaust fuel gas from the first sub-stack are directed to the respective inlets of the second sub-stack, becoming the supply cathode air and fuel gas therefor. A first heat exchanger in the flow paths between the sub-stacks and a second heat exchanger ahead of the sub-stacks can help to balance the performance of the two stacks. The result of dividing the number of cells into a plurality of sub-stacks, wherein the exhaust of one sub-stack becomes the supply for the next sub-stack, is that fuel efficiency and utilization are improved, thermal stresses are reduced, and electrical power generation is increased.
- Research Organization:
- Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-02NT41246
- Assignee:
- Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Troy, MI)
- Patent Number(s):
- 7,615,299
- Application Number:
- 11/046,251
- OSTI ID:
- 1531608
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 2005-01-28
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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