Fuel cell system with interconnect

摘要

The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

主权项

1. A fuel cell system, comprising:
a plurality of electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell formed of an anode, a cathode spaced apart from said anode, and an electrolyte disposed between said anode and said cathode; an interconnect electrically coupling a pair of electrically adjacent electrochemical cells, said interconnect electrically coupling said anode of one electrochemical cell to said cathode of the other electrochemical cell; and a cathode conductive layer electrically coupled to said interconnect and in contact with said cathode, wherein said interconnect is in contact with said cathode conductive layer and in contact with said electrolyte; and wherein said interconnect is formed of a cermet compound in which a reactant phase forms at least one non-ionic conducting ceramic phase in situ during firing of the fuel cell system.