Abstract
Micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (µT-SOFCs) are suited to a broad range of applications with power demands ranging from a few watts to several hundred watts. µT-SOFCs possess inherently favourable characteristics over alternate configurations such as high thermo-mechanical stability, high volumetric power density and rapid start-up times, lending them particular value for use in portable applications. Efficient current collection and interconnection constitute a bottleneck in the progression of the technology. The development of current collector designs and configuration reported in the literature since the inception of the technology are the focus of this study.
Highlights
Introduction to Fuel Cell TechnologyFuel cells are highly efficient electrochemical conversion devices that directly extract electrical energy from hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels [1,2,3,4]
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) are typically employed for stationary applications such as power generation, grid backup and combined heat and power (CHP)
The method used for the current collection from the cathode of anode-supported cells has remained largely unchanged from the aforementioned research conducted in the early 1990s—wrapping or hatching wire around the cathode surface, bound either using mechanical force or by using adhesive pastes/sealing materials, which are typically silver, gold- or platinum-based
Summary
Fuel cells are highly efficient electrochemical conversion devices that directly extract electrical energy from hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels [1,2,3,4]. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) and SOFCs are typically employed for stationary applications such as power generation, grid backup and combined heat and power (CHP) This is due to the increasing time and system complexity/size required to reach the higher operating temperatures and the benefit of having higher efficiency and higher fuel flexibility. Tubular SOFC technology is less mature than planar geometry as the higher demand for stationary power seen in Figure 1a has driven the development. The aforementioned enables near-instant on-demand power, permitting μT-SOFCs to be used for both stationary and portable power applications [42] This widens the market for SOFC technology not typically accessible by planar devices. NNuummbbeerrooffjjoouurrnnaallaannddccoonnffeerreenncceeaarrttiicclleessbbeettwweeeenn22001155aanndd22002200mmeennttiioonniinnggttuubbuullaarraannddssoolliiddooxxiiddeeffuueellcceellllss ((SSOOFFCCss)) ffrroomm aann EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg VViillllaaggee sseeaarrcchh ((aa)) bbyy yyeeaarr aanndd ((bb)) bbyy llooccaattiioonn
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