SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS WITH NOVEL INTERNAL GEOMETRY

摘要

Fuel electrode-anode supported type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) comprise novel fuel electrode design with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties. The novel supporting anodes comprise a plurality of internal longitudinal elevations or bosses projecting inwardly into the central bore of the tubular body for structural reinforcement of the entire cell, increasing electrode surface area, optimizing the anode electronic conductivity, and facilitating the mounting of the cell into a SOFC assembly system (e.g., cell stack). The SOFCs of the invention contemplate a range of tubular configurations, including cylindrical and polygonal shapes having at least three surfaces. Low-cost manufacturing routes are also disclosed, whereby the protruding bosses in the anode support do not require additional processing steps compared to conventional forming techniques.