Effect of cell length on the performance of segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells fabricated using decalcomania method

Abstract

Segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells (SIS-SOFC) have been stacked on all sides of a porous ceramic support using decalcomania method. When cells are stacked using decalcomania method, the cell components do not penetrate into the porous support or neighboring layers, resulting in excellent interfacial bonding. The cell components formed uniform thickness as well. Since the current flows laterally in SIS-SOFC, the cells are prepared having dimensions of 8 and 5 mm in length to minimize their lateral resistance. Subsequent power output characteristics have been studied. As cell length decrease from 8 to 5 mm, the open circuit voltage and maximum power density increase. This is attributed to the lower lateral resistance due to shorter current path. Impedance analysis also shows that ohmic resistances decrease substantially with decreasing cell length.