Enhanced reliability of planar-type solid oxide fuel cell stack incorporating leakage gas induction channels

Abstract

Planar type solid oxide fuel cell stacks have been studied for use as commercial products because of their high energy density and environment-friendly operation. They employ a gasket as a sealant as it enables easy assembly and repair. However, its imperfect sealing property, detrimental to long-term operation, has limited its introduction. Here, a stack design with a gasket sealant including a leakage gas induction channel is developed. The leakage gas induction channel within the gasket sealant prevents gas leakage of fuel and air to the opposite electrode and ensures the stack's stable operation. The stack design's reliability is confirmed via a heating-cycle test and an open circuit voltage to a 0.7 V voltage control test. In-situ gas chromatography analysis shows that the diffusion of gases effectively reduces by releasing them outside the stack through the leakage gas induction channel.