IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
• C25B 1/23 - Carbon monoxide or syngas
• C25B 9/70 - Assemblies comprising two or more cells
• C25B 15/023 - Measuring, analysing or testing during electrolytic production

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/042 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
• C25B 1/23 - Carbon monoxide or syngas
• C25B 15/08 - Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytesRegeneration of electrolytes

Abstract

An electrode for an electrochemical cell is disclosed which has a first layer containing a first electrode material of formula Pr(1-x)LnxO(2-0.5x-?), wherein Ln is selected from at least one rare earth metal, ? is the degree of oxygen deficiency, and 0.01?x?0.4. The rare earth metal may be a lanthanide, scandium or yttrium. Also disclosed is an electrochemical cell having such an electrode and methods of making such an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell may be an electrolytic cell, an oxygen separator, a sensor or a fuel cell. Also disclosed are materials of formula Pr(1-x)LnxO(2-0.5x-?) and Pr(1-x)SmxO(2-0.5x-?).

IPC Classes  ?

• C01F 17/241 - Compounds containing only rare earth metals as the metal element oxide or hydroxide being the only anion containing two or more rare earth metals, e.g. NdPrO3 or LaNdPrO3
• H01M 4/86 - Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
• H01M 4/88 - Processes of manufacture
• H01M 4/90 - Selection of catalytic material
• H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
• H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
• H01M 8/1226 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material characterised by the supporting layer
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid oxide electrolyser cell system (10) comprising an electrolysis stack (12) comprising an anode, a cathode and a solid-oxide electrolyte. The anode comprises an anode inlet (14). The system (10) further comprises a sweep gas supply (16) for supplying a sweep gas to the anode via the anode inlet (14), and a sweep gas supply flow path (18) defining a flow path between the sweep gas supply (16) and the anode inlet (14). The system (10) further comprises a first heat exchanger (30) in fluid communication with the sweep gas supply flow path (18). The first heat exchanger (30) is also in fluid communication with a fluid stream (26) having a source external to the solid oxide electrolyser cell system (10) and defining an external stream flow path (28). The first heat exchanger (30) is configured to exchange heat between the sweep gas supply flow path (18) and the external stream flow path (28). The present invention also relates to a method of operating such a solid oxide electrolyser cell system (10) by exchanging heat between the external stream flow path (28) and the sweep gas supply flow path (18) through the first heat exchanger (30).

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/042 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
• C25B 9/70 - Assemblies comprising two or more cells
• C25B 15/021 - Process control or regulation of heating or cooling

Abstract

A fuel cell system (200, 300) and a method for operating the fuel cell system (200, 300). The fuel cell system (200, 300) comprising an anode inlet (226) and an anode outlet (227); means for heating the stack (205); an anode off gas recirculation loop (240) configured to provide a gas flow path to recirculate anode off gas from the anode outlet (227) to the anode inlet (226); and a controller (290). The method comprising, at start-up of the fuel cell system (200, 300): heating the stack (205) to a first threshold temperature; providing an unreformed hydrocarbon fuel to the anode inlet (226) at a first fuel flow rate from a fuel supply (225) when but not before the stack (205) is above the first threshold temperature; recirculating anode off gas from the anode outlet (227) to the anode inlet (226) while providing unreformed fuel to the anode inlet (226); and drawing a current from the fuel cell system (200, 300) while recirculating the anode off gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
• H01M 8/04223 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-downDepolarisation or activation, e.g. purgingMeans for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
• H01M 8/04225 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-downDepolarisation or activation, e.g. purgingMeans for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
• H01M 8/04302 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during start-up
• H01M 8/04303 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during shut-down
• H01M 8/0432 - TemperatureAmbient temperature
• H01M 8/0438 - PressureAmbient pressureFlow
• H01M 8/04537 - Electric variables
• H01M 8/04746 - PressureFlow
• H01M 8/04858 - Electric variables
• H01M 8/0637 - Direct internal reforming at the anode of the fuel cell
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte

Abstract

An electrochemical cell assembly (1400) comprising a base plate (308) and a top plate (303) between which a stack of planar cell units (306) and at least one electrical end plate (1402, 1407) are disposed in compression. The electrical end plate (1402, 1407) comprises a two-layer construction in which a first layer (1416, 1419) and a second layer (1417, 1420) formed of different respective materials are permanently connected together to form a single conductive body. The first layer (1416, 1419) of the electrical end plate (1402, 1407) is electrically connected to an external electrical terminal (301, 505) of the cell assembly, and the second layer (1417, 1420) of the electrical end plate (1402, 1407) has an outwardly facing side having a first electrically conductive ceramic layer (1418, 1824) bonded thereto that is in face-to-face abutment with, and in electrical contact with, an adjacent cell unit (306).

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/042 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
• C25B 9/77 - Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/248 - Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks

Abstract

An electrochemical cell assembly (300, 500) comprising a base plate (308) and a top plate (303) between which a stack of planar cell units (306) and at least one positive (302, 507) and at least one negative electrical end plate (302, 507) are disposed in compression by means of compression means (307) acting between the base plate (308) and top plate (303). At least one of the electrical end plates (302, 507) is connected or integrally formed with, and in electrical contact with, an electrical stud (301, 505) that extends from a base portion of the at least one electrical end plate (302, 507) and passes through an opening in one of the base plate (308) and top plate (303) to form an electrical terminal. A fluidic seal is maintained by the compression means (307) between the base portion and the respective one of the base plate (308) and top plate (303), so as to prevent loss of fluid through the opening.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/042 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
• C25B 9/77 - Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/248 - Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a layer of crystalline ytterbium doped zirconia on a substrate wherein the method comprises the steps of: (i) depositing a solution comprising precursor metal salts of the ytterbium doped zirconia onto a surface of the substrate, wherein the surface is a metallic or a ceramic surface; (ii) drying the solution to form a film of the precursor metal salts on the surface; (iii) heating the film of the precursor metal salts to decompose it to form an ytterbium doped zirconia; optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii); and firing said film(s) in order to form the layer of crystalline ytterbium doped zirconia wherein the ytterbium doped zirconia has a formula : ([YbxM1-x]2O3)z(ZrO2)1-z (I) wherein M is a metallic dopant ion; z is in the range of 0.03 to 0.13; and x is in the range of 0.05 to 1. Together with a layer obtained by this method, a solid oxide fuel cell comprising the layer, a solution for use in the manufacture of a layer of a solid oxide cell, and the use of this solution in the manufacture of a solid oxide cell.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23C 18/12 - Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coatingContact plating by thermal decomposition characterised by the deposition of inorganic material other than metallic material
• H01M 8/0228 - Composites in the form of layered or coated products

Abstract

A method of forming an interlayer of a solid oxide cell unit on the surface of a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a base interlayer solution comprising a solution of a soluble salt precursor of a metal oxide (crystalline) ceramic and crystalline nanoparticles, depositing the base interlayer solution onto the surface of the substrate, drying the base interlayer solution to define a nanocomposite sub-layer of the soluble salt precursor and nanoparticles, heating the sub-layer to decompose it and form a film of metal oxide comprising nanoparticles on the surface, and firing the substrate with the film on the metal surface, to form a nanocomposite crystalline layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
• H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
• H01M 8/1246 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide
• H01M 8/24 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells

Abstract

A fuel cell system comprising (i) at least one fuel cell stack (30) comprising at least one intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell, and having an anode inlet (41) and a cathode inlet (61) and (ii) a reformer (70) for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to a reformate, and a reformer heat exchanger (160); and defining: an anode inlet gas fluid flow path from a fuel source (90) to said reformer (70) to said fuel cell stack anode inlet (41); a cathode inlet gas fluid flow path from an oxidant inlet (140, 140', 140") through at least one cathode inlet gas heat exchanger (110, 150) to said reformer heat exchanger (160) to said fuel cell stack cathode inlet (61); wherein said at least one cathode inlet gas heat exchanger (110, 150) is arranged to heat relatively low temperature cathode inlet gas by transfer of heat from at least one of (i) an anode off-gas fluid flow path and (ii) a cathode off-gas fluid flow path; wherein said reformer heat exchanger is arranged for heating said anode inlet gas from said relatively high temperature cathode inlet gas to a temperature T3 at the anode inlet that is below a temperature T1 at the cathode inlet; and wherein oxidant flow control means (200) for controlled mixing of low temperature oxidant from the or each oxidant inlet (140, 140', 140") with high temperature cathode inlet gas to control a temperature T1 at the cathode inlet (61) relative to a temperature T3 at the anode inlet (41) and at a level higher than T3.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
• H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
• H01M 8/0432 - TemperatureAmbient temperature
• H01M 8/04701 - Temperature
• H01M 8/04746 - PressureFlow
• H01M 8/0612 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material

Abstract

A stack of rectangular, planar electrochemical cell units (200), each cell unit (200) comprising at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) that is disposed midway along its length within or between one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) and is in fluid communication with a first fluid volume of the cell unit (200). The first fluid mid-ports (230, 235) of the respective cell units (200) align to form at least one first fluid mid- passageway extending in the stack direction. The stack is configured such that, in each first fluid volume, first fluid flow paths (405, 410) extend across the one or more active cell chemistry regions (210) between the at least one first fluid mid-port (230, 235) and each respective opposed cell end.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/2425 - High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
• H01M 8/2483 - Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds

Abstract

A metal-supported, planar cell arrangement (200) comprising at least one pair of cells (110a, Hob), each cell (110a, 110b) comprising a metal substrate (120a, 120b) having first and second sides and a porous region (124) providing fluid cornmunication between the sides, planar cell chemistry layers (111, 112, 113) comprising fuel electrode, electrolyte, and air electrode layers being coated or deposited over, and supported by, the porous region (124) on the first side, wherein the metal substrates (120) are in a stacked arrangement with their cell chernistry layers (111, 112, 113) overlying each other such that either both their first sides, or, both their second sides face inwardly in a spaced, opposed relationship, the inwardly facing sides thereby defining a common first fluid volume (140) between them for one of fuel or oxidant.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/042 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
• C25B 9/77 - Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms
• H01M 8/0232 - Metals or alloys
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/2432 - Grouping of unit cells of planar configuration

Abstract

A fuel cell system comprising a burner assembly (10) with a hollow longitudinally elongate body (12) extending along a central axis (12') and having a first end (20) and a second end (30), a burner wall (40) located between said first end (20) and said second end (30), and defining a first volume (52) from said first end (20) to said burner wall (40), and a second volume (62) from said burner wall (40) to said second end (30), an oxidant inlet (70) into said first volume (52), the oxidant inlet (70) for providing an oxidant flow therethrough, and at least one hollow elongate burner (100) abutting said burner wall (40) or extending through an opening in said burner wall (40) from said first volume (52) to said second volume (62). The elongate burner (100) comprises a burner plate (156) or mixer (150) having a first side opening into said first volume (52), and a second side opening into said second volume (62), a first fuel inlet (125) into said first volume (52) for feeding a first fuel from a first fuel passageway to said first volume (52) and a second fuel inlet (135) into said second volume (62) for feeding a second fuel from a second fuel passageway to said second volume (62). The system further comprises at least one connection (810, 812) for selectively connecting the first fuel passageway to the second fuel passageway for delivery of a mixture of the first fuel and second fuel to the second fuel inlet (135).

IPC Classes  ?

• F23C 7/00 - Combustion apparatus characterised by arrangements for air supply
• H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
• H01M 8/04746 - PressureFlow

Abstract

A steam generator for a fuel cell system having a heat exchanger 34 with at least one internal heat exchange surface, a water inflow pipe 46, a dripper head 52 with a flow passageway fluidly connected to the water inflow pipe 46. The dripper head 52 is above the heat exchange surface and feeds water onto the heat exchange surface for conversion into steam. The dripper head 52 has outlet holes 56 and between adjacent outlet holes 56 the dripper head has a stepped profile on at least its underside to prevent droplet coalescence. A fuel inflow pipe can have a section mounted coaxially to a part of the water inflow pipe 46 to surround the water inflow pipe's part. The steam generator can include the fuel inflow pipe and a combined steam and fuel outlet and a reformer directly or indirectly connected downstream of the steam generator.

IPC Classes  ?

• F22B 1/18 - Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers the heat carrier being a hot gas, e.g. waste gas such as exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines
• F22B 27/16 - Instantaneous or flash steam boilers involving spray nozzles for sprinkling or injecting water particles on to or into hot heat-exchange elements, e.g. into tubes
• F22B 37/22 - DrumsHeadersAccessories therefor
• H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
• H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
• H01M 8/0606 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants

Abstract

A metal-supported, SOEC or SOFC fuel cell unit (10) comprising a separator plate (12) and metal support plate (14) with chemistry layers (50) overlie one another to form a repeat unit, at least one plate having flanged perimeter features (18) formed by pressing the plate, the plates being directly adjoined at the flanged perimeter features to form a fluid volume (20) between them and each having at least one fluid port (22), wherein the ports are aligned and communicate with the fluid volume, and at least one of the plates has pressed shaped port features (24) formed around its port extending towards the other plate and including elements spaced from one another to define fluid pathways to enable passage of fluid from the port to the fluid volume. Raised members (120) may receive a gasket (34), act as a hard stop or act as a seal bearing surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/0254 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the form corrugated or undulated
• H01M 8/0273 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
• H01M 8/1286 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 8/2432 - Grouping of unit cells of planar configuration
• H01M 8/2483 - Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/00 - Fuel cellsManufacture thereof
• H01M 8/0202 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors
• H01M 8/0271 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
• H01M 8/1097 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/2404 - Processes or apparatus for grouping fuel cells
• H01M 8/2418 - Grouping by arranging unit cells in a plane
• H01M 8/2425 - High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
• H01M 8/2432 - Grouping of unit cells of planar configuration

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/0202 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors
• H01M 8/0271 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
• H01M 8/1097 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/2404 - Processes or apparatus for grouping fuel cells
• H01M 8/2418 - Grouping by arranging unit cells in a plane
• H01M 8/2425 - High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
• H01M 8/2432 - Grouping of unit cells of planar configuration

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with an improved fuel cell stack assembly (10) comprising a metal base plate (20) on which is mounted at least one fuel cell stack (30) and a metal end plate (40), each stack comprising at least one fuel cell stack layer (50) that comprises at least one fuel cell (101, 102) and at least one electrically insulating compression gasket (110), wherein a skirt (130) is attached to the base and end plates enclosing the stack and is under tension therebetween so as to maintain a compressive force through the stack, thereby obviating the need for tie-bars.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/247 - Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
• H01M 8/2475 - Enclosures, casings or containers of fuel cell stacks
• H01M 8/248 - Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks

Abstract

The invention relates to solid oxide fuel cell anodes, in particular anodes which containing porous particles coated with catalytic nickel. The use of porous particles as a carrier for the nickel catalyst helps to overcome some of the redox stability issues experienced by some systems and improves the internal reforming properties of the system and permits less nickel to be used in SOFC systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 21/06 - Silicon, titanium, zirconium or hafniumOxides or hydroxides thereof
• H01M 4/86 - Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
• H01M 4/88 - Processes of manufacture
• H01M 4/90 - Selection of catalytic material
• H01M 8/0637 - Direct internal reforming at the anode of the fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to metal supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), fuel cell stacks containing the same, methods of their manufacture and use thereof. The SOFC of the invention utilises an extended electrolyte and barrier layers to prevent specific types of corrosion of the metal substrate. This new coating approach reduces the rate of degradation of the fuel cells and improves system reliability when operated over long durations.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/0232 - Metals or alloys
• H01M 8/0273 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
• H01M 8/0282 - Inorganic material
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide
• H01M 8/1286 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports

Abstract

An interconnect for a low temperature solid oxide fuel cell, the interconnect comprising: a stainless steel substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface; a layer comprising chromium oxide on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the chromium oxide layer is of thickness in the range 350 - 600nm; and a metal oxide coating on the chromium oxide layer. A process for making an interconnect for a low temperature solid oxide fuel cell, the process comprising: coating a first surface of a stainless steel substrate with a metal oxide to form a coated substrate; and heating the coated substrate to a temperature in the range 800 - 900°C to form a layer comprising chromium oxide between the first surface and the metal oxide coating.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/021 - Alloys based on iron
• H01M 8/0228 - Composites in the form of layered or coated products

Abstract

A process for forming an electrolyte for a metal-supported solid-oxide fuel cell, the process comprising: a. applying a doped-ceria green electrolyte to an anode layer; b. removing any solvents and organic matter from the green electrolyte; c. pressing the green electrolyte to increase green electrolyte density; and d. heating the green electrolyte at a rate of temperature increase whilst in the temperature range 800°C - 1000°C of in the range 5 - 20°C/minute to form the electrolyte, together with an electrolyte obtained by the process, a fuel cell and fuel cell stack, comprising the electrolyte, and the use of the fuel in the generation of electrical energy.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1226 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material characterised by the supporting layer
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide

Abstract

A process for forming an electrolyte for a metal-supported solid-oxide fuel cell, the process comprising: a. combining a doped-ceria powder with a sintering aid and solvent to form a slurry; b. applying the slurry to an anode layer; c. drying to form a green electrolyte; and d. firing the green electrolyte to form a sintered electrolyte; wherein the slurry in step b. comprises doped-ceria powder with a physical property selected from bimodal particle size distribution, a BET surface area in the range 15 - 40 m2/g, a spherical morphology, or combinations thereof together with an electrolyte obtained by the process, a fuel cell and fuel cell stack, comprising the electrolyte, and the use of the fuel in the generation of electrical energy.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1226 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material characterised by the supporting layer
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved swirl burners, particularly, but not limited to, swirl burners used in fuel cell systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• F23C 7/00 - Combustion apparatus characterised by arrangements for air supply
• F23D 14/24 - Non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air on arrival at the combustion zone with separate air and gas feed ducts, e.g. with ducts running parallel or crossing each other at least one of the fluids being submitted to a swirling motion
• F23G 7/06 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases
• H01M 8/04014 - Heat exchange using gaseous fluidsHeat exchange by combustion of reactants
• H01M 8/04302 - Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during start-up
• H01M 8/04701 - Temperature

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved fuel cell stack assembly arrangements.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
• H01M 8/241 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
• H01M 8/248 - Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks

Abstract

A process for forming a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell, the process comprising the steps of: a) applying a green anode layer including nickel oxide, copper oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria to a metal substrate; b) firing the green anode layer to form a composite including oxides of nickel, copper, and a rare earth-doped ceria; c) providing an electrolyte; and d) providing a cathode. Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells comprising an anode a cathode and an electrolyte, wherein the anode includes nickel, copper and a rare earth-doped ceria, fuel cell stacks and uses of these fuel cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 4/86 - Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
• H01M 4/88 - Processes of manufacture
• H01M 4/90 - Selection of catalytic material
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
• H01M 8/24 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with improved fuel cell systems and methods, and disclosed is an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) system comprising:(i) at least one fuel cell stack comprising at least one intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell, and having an anode inlet, a cathode inlet, an anode off-gas outlet, a cathode off-gas outlet, and defining separate flow paths for flow of anode inlet gas, cathode inlet gas, anode off-gas and cathode off-gas; and(ii) a steam reformer for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to a reformate, and comprising areformer inlet for anode inlet gas, a reformer outlet for exhausting anode inlet gas,and a reformer heat exchanger within which the reforming reaction occurs; and defining:(a) an anode inlet gas fluid flow path from a fuel source to said steam reformer to said at least one fuel cell stack anode inlet;(b) an anode off-gas fluid flow path from said at least one fuel cell stack anode off-gas outlet to a fuel cell system exhaust;(c) a cathode inlet gas fluid flow path from an at least one oxidant inlet to said reformer heat exchanger to said at least one fuel cell stack cathode inlet; and(d) a cathode off-gas fluid flow path from said at least one fuel cell stack cathode off-gas outlet to said fuel cell system exhaust;wherein said reformer heat exchanger is a parallel-flow heat exchanger in fluid flow communication with (i) said at least one oxidant inlet and said at least one fuel cell stack cathode inlet, and (ii) said fuel source and said at least one fuel cell stack anode inlet, and is arranged for exchanging heat between said cathode inlet gas and said anode inlet gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
• H01M 8/06 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with methods for the deposition of ceramic films on ceramic or metallic surfaces,particularly the deposition of sub-micron thickness ceramic films such as films of stabilised zirconia and doped ceria such as CGO (cerium gadolinium oxide). The present invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of high and intermediate temperatureoperating fuel cells including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and also metal supported intermediate temperature SOFC operating in the 450- 650 .degree.C range.

IPC Classes  ?

• C04B 41/87 - Ceramics
• C04B 41/89 - Coating or impregnating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings having different compositions
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide