High-Temperature Blower Development for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Applications

This proposal outlines the design of a very low weight blower system that will provide cathode air for a small ( ~ 2 kW) Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power system. This design (the HTCAB) will derive from a proven blower system that PADT has already developed (LCAB). The improved HTCAB blower system will offer the following advances: 50% more flow, a 10% improvement in efficiency, an 85% increase in power density, a 15% reduction in volume, integration of a sensorless controller, and an increase in allowable inlet temperature to 100C. The aerodynamic improvments be will be built and tested in phase I, but the rest of the changes will be designed and reviewed but not built until phase II. The proposed benefits will be achieved by increasing the width of the aerodynamic flowpath, eliminating the aft bearing carrier, eliminating a number of heat sinks, changing to low density plastic (Ultem)for some parts, changeing to magnesium for the motor housing, and providing space for a sensorless controller.