High temperature fuel cell stack and production of same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent relates to a sealing arrangement for high-temperature fuel cells, particularly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The arrangement uses a ferritic chromium steel base material coated with a thin layer (5-20 micrometers) of precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, or palladium. This combination offers gas-tight sealing, high thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness. The sealing can be manufactured using electroplating or electroless methods, and is intended to address challenges related to compatibility, gas tightness, and durability in SOFC stacks operating at temperatures between 700 and 900°C.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sealing components in high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks to prevent gas leaks.
• Sealing applications in other types of high-temperature electrochemical cells or reactors.
• Sealing connections between fuel cell stacks and peripheral systems such as heat exchangers or reformers.
• Industrial or laboratory equipment requiring durable, chemically compatible, and thermally stable seals for high-temperature environments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved gas tightness and durability at high operating temperatures (up to 900°C), enhancing safety and efficiency in SOFC systems.
• Reduced mismatch in thermal expansion between seal and fuel cell components, minimizing the risk of cracking or leakage during thermal cycling.
• Cost-effective design due to the use of a thin precious metal coating rather than bulk precious metal components.
• Corrosion and oxidation resistance provided by the precious metal coating, extending the service life of the seals.
• Flexibility in production (flat or round seals), which allows adaptation to different fuel cell stack designs and integration requirements.
• Lower requirements for permanent sealing force compared to other compressible gasket solutions.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The sealing arrangement has a sealing base material made of high-temperature stable ferritic chromium steel and a coating made of silver, gold, platinum or palladium, where the arrangement is in the form of a flat seal or a round seal. The coating has a coat thickness between 5 and 20 micrometers. The sealing base material has a coat thickness between 500 and 1000 micrometers. The arrangement is formed by electroplating or electroless coating. The chromium steel is selected from a material e.g. Crofer 22 auxiliary power unit(RTM: high-temperature special stainless steel), Crofer 22 H(RTM: high-temperature ferritic stainless steel), rolled alloy 446(RTM: high chromium ferritic heat resisting alloy), ZMG 232(RTM: not defined) material or ITM material. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a sealing arrangement.