Protection for Anode-Supported High-Temperature Fuel Cells Against Reoxidation of the Anode

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This invention describes a protection method for anode-supported high-temperature fuel cells (SOFCs), which are susceptible to damage from the reoxidation of the nickel in their anodes when exposed to air. The core solution is an oxygen scavenger consisting of a low-cost, porous, temperature-stable ceramic material coated or impregnated with a small amount of active material (such as nickel or other metals). This efficiently binds oxygen that enters the fuel side before it can damage the anode, and can be integrated into the fuel cell stack with minimal added complexity.

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• Protecting solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in power systems for vehicles, stationary power plants, or portable devices.
• Extending operational reliability and lifespan of fuel cell stacks used in electricity generation from hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuels.
• Preventing damage from accidental air ingress during shutdown/startup or maintenance of fuel cell installations.
• Reducing maintenance and replacement frequency of expensive fuel cell components in industrial, commercial, or research environments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improves protection against reoxidation of the anode, reducing risk of mechanical failure and cell destruction.
• Offers a cost-effective solution through the use of inexpensive and robust ceramic substrates with minimal use of expensive active materials.
• Can be easily integrated into existing fuel cell stack designs and manufacturing processes without major modifications.
• The oxygen scavenger can be replaced or regenerated, contributing to longer fuel cell life and lower total cost of ownership.
• Reduces the need for external protective devices (e.g., check valves), saving space and weight while simplifying system design.
• Enables higher reliability and longer downtime tolerance for fuel cell-powered vehicles, backup power systems, and other applications.

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Patent Abstract

Anode-supported high-temperature fuel cells with a substrate and an anode of stabilised zirconium dioxide and metallic nickel can be destroyed by air penetrating on the fuel gas side. Reoxidation causes the volume of the nickel in the anode to change. The resultant mechanical stresses may destroy the gas-impermeable electrolyte. The invention provides oxygen scavengers that can be produced at low cost for the anode, which more effectively bind the oxygen that penetrates on the fuel gas side than oxygen scavengers according to the prior art.