Advanced Materials for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer significant benefits to the Navy/DoD including high efficiencies, quiet operation, reduced emissions, and fuel flexibility. Despite their benefits, current SOFCs are restricted to predominately stationary applications based on their high operating temperatures and expensive components. SOFCs that operate at low temperatures (at or below 550 deg Celsius) can permit the use of lower cost materials, improve thermal cycling, and enable portable SOFC power systems. Lynntech and the University of Florida have developed advanced electrolytes, electrodes, and stack designs that can provide low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) and stacks. During Phase I, cells using advanced materials demonstrated high power densities at low operating temperatures, and planar cell designs were developed. The Phase II work involves the optimization of anode-supported cells for power density and long-term stability, the fabrication of large area planar cells, and the design, assembly and testing of a LT-SOFC stack. A prototype LT-SOFC 0.5-3 kW stack composed of high power density cells and operating on a military logistic fuel (JP-5, JP-8, or diesel) reformate will be demonstrated. The LT-SOFCs will provide a rugged, high efficiency power source for combat vehicle auxiliary power units (APUs) and numerous other military applications.