High Efficiency, Lightweight, Anode-Supported, Intermediate Temperature SOFC for Undersea Applications

This Phase 1 SBIR OSD project proposes the development and testing of an anode-supported intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (ACN AS-IT-SOFC) that exhibits high electrochemical efficiency, high degree of fuel utilization (reformed JP-8, diesel, or dodecane), and low operating temperature characteristics intended for undersea applications or other commercial users. The proposed cell design is fuelled by in-situ reformed fuel like JP-8 or diesel and operates at a lower temperature of 600-800°C (as compared to 800-1000°C for conventional SOFC cells), at 0.55 V, 4.60 amp/cm2, and produces a power density of 2.5 W/cm2. The unit cell design is light resulting in cell stack configuration that produces 2 kW/kg requiring approximately 1 kW/L, including fuel and oxidant supplies as well as balance of plant components. Reliable cell performance is intended to endure at least 10,000 hours of operation before a major overhaul is required. The ACN AS-IT-SOFC technology to be developed is intended for quick scale up to plant-scale production after Phase II project execution. The innovative design for the ACN AS-IT-SOFC fuel cell makes use of a highly conductive porous anode manufactured using MER's PCM technology, a highly ionic conductor electrolyte, and a very efficient cathode.