Effect of the geometrical size on time dependent failure probability of the solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

The time dependent failure probabilities (TDFP) of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) under different geometrical sizes are analyzed by a creep and damage related probability prediction constitutive model. The results demonstrate that sealant is the most possible failure component of the SOFC under different geometrical sizes. Increasing the sealant thickness or width can decrease the TDFP of the sealant. While the cathode thickness and electrolyte thickness have little effect on the TDFP of SOFC components. Decreasing the anode thickness, frame thickness can reduce the TDFP of the sealant. The sealant thickness and frame thickness can greatly affect the life of the SOFC stack. Based on the TDFP analysis of SOFC, it recommends that the sealant thickness should not be smaller than 0.1 mm, the frame thickness should not be less than 0.4 mm considering the stiffness requirement.