DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE SOLD OXIDE FUEL CELLS WITH A HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE; OPERATION, RESEARCH, AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to propose the design process and considerations to be employed in the fabrication of a high-volumetric-power-density intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC), as well as the necessary characterization and analysis techniques for such a device. A novel hexagonal honeycomb design will be proposed with functionally graded electrodes and an alternative electrolyte – a previously unexplored configuration based on attained research. The potential use of CFD software to investigate mass and heat transport properties of an SOFC having such a design shall be discussed, as well as the utility of experimental methods such as the generation of a polarization curve and the use of SEM to characterize electrochemical performance and microstructure, respectively. Fabrication methods shall also be evaluated, and it will be shown that the proposed design is not only feasible but meets the goal of designing an SOFC with a power density of 2 W/cm3 operating at or below 650 C