Characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Components Using Electromagnetic Model-Based Sensors

72916S03-I Model-based sensors, such as Meandering Winding Magnetometer (inductive) sensors and Interdigitated Dielectrometer (capacitive) sensors, have the potential to provide the required characterization of the novel materials used in solid oxide fuel cell components. Inductive sensors with measurement grid methods can measure physical properties, like electrical conductivity (that correlates with porosity) or magnetic permeability (that correlates with stresses), and geometric parameters, such as layer thickness. Capacitive sensors have the potential to detect surface-connected cracks. This project will demonstrate the applicability of these model-based sensors for the characterization of fabricated fuel cell components. Phase I will determine: (1) the feasibility of using inductive sensors for porosity characterization in fuel cell electrodes, and for stress measurements near the anode/electrolyte interface, and (2) the feasibility of using the capacitive sensor for crack detection in the cathode. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A new capability to characterize and better understand properties of fabricated fuel cell components should have commercial application in energy, manufacturing, and automotive markets.