New Manufacturing Method of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Performances

Abstract

To adapt SOFC system for marine power, the improvement of electric power generation performance and its quick response to large road change of the cell elementare required. The purpose of this study is to establish new manufacturing method of the cell element for the improvement of cell performances, and to verify its availability. In the experiment, test cells were prepared using electrolyte membrane with various size of roughness on the surface. The electric performances were measured and compared with each other by using hydrogen as fuel. Effect of interfacial structures between electrolyte membrane and electrode layers on the electric performances was investigated. The main results are as follows: the electric performances of the test cell were improved by the new manufacturing method. It was possible to reduce operating temperature of the cell, which contributes to get higher reliability of the SOFC system. The facts mainly caused by 3dimensional extension of real contact area and electrochemical reaction sites between electrolyte and electrodes. To investigate adaptability of natural gas as fuel for the SOFC system, reforming reaction and electric performance were also examined using methane as fuel. It was certified that the steady power generation with methane could be obtained.