Functionally Gradient Seals for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Seal technology remains one of the most vexing issues in SOFC development- SOFC systems have been shown to provide major improvements in base-load energy generation efficiency from a range of hydrocarbon fuels in distributed and centralized power generation, achieving system efficiencies of more than seventy percent- However, to achieve this potential, these systems must be made robust to harsh operating conditions and periodic thermal cycling- Component technologies (fuel cell membranes, gas separator plates, and balance of plant components) have been developed to meet the performance requirements but sealing has remained a persistent issue- In this project, Nexceris will develop and demonstrate a new composite sealing concept for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC’s)- The approach, represents the synthesis of novel materials chosen to address long-term stability issues of current seals and specifically addresses chemical compatibility issues of current glass formulations with a newly-developed interfacial protective coating and enhances long term stability through mechanically resilient and thermal-expansion- matched composite seals-