High-Temperature Fuel Cell with Ferritic Component

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This patent describes a high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that uses a ferritic steel component for structural support or as an interconnector, and addresses the problem of unwanted chemical interaction between ferritic (iron/chromium-based) and nickel-based components. The invention introduces a thin barrier layer, for example made of doped or undoped CeO2 (cerium oxide) or similar materials, between the ferritic and nickel-containing parts. This barrier layer prevents the interdiffusion of iron, chromium, and nickel at high operating temperatures, which otherwise leads to chemical degradation, reduced cell efficiency, and shortened lifespan.

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

• Stationary power generation systems using SOFCs for clean and efficient electricity production.
• Backup power supplies for critical infrastructure such as hospitals or data centers.
• Distributed energy resources in residential or commercial buildings relying on fuel cell stacks.
• Fuel cell-based combined heat and power (CHP) plants for enhanced efficiency.
• SOFC-powered auxiliary power units (APUs) in vehicles, ships, or aircraft for reduced emissions.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly improved long-term stability and reliability of high-temperature fuel cells due to minimized chemical degradation.
• Allows the use of cost-effective and mechanically robust ferritic steels in SOFCs, lowering overall manufacturing costs.
• Enables prolonged operation at high efficiency by preventing the loss of catalytic activity in nickel-based anodes.
• Reduces risk of mechanical failure (e.g., cracks, delamination) caused by detrimental chemical reactions at material interfaces.
• Supports thinner, more energy-dense cell designs while maintaining durability, thus offering higher power output in the same volume.
• Uses materials and manufacturing processes compatible with existing SOFC technologies, making industrial adoption easier.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a high-temperature fuel cell in addition to a method for operation. The object of the invention is to provide a powerful high-temperature fuel cell with long-term stability using ferritic material. In order to minimize any interaction between ferritic components and nickel components of an SOFC, a barrier layer is provided between the problematic components, i.e. for example between the interconnector and the nickel net or between the metal substrate and the anode. A barrier layer in the sense of the invention is present if a layer is provided which reduces or suppresses the interdiffusion of critical elements, primarily iron, chromium and nickel. If there is no such layer, there is then increased interdiffusion.