Anode-Supported Tubular Micro-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

A tubular anode-supported "micro-solid oxide fuel cell" (μSOFC) has been developed for producing high volumetric power density (VPD) SOFC systems featuring rapid turn on/off capability. An electrophoretic deposition (EPD)-based, facile manufacturing process is being refined to produce the anode support, anode functional and electrolyte layers of a single cell. μSOFCs (diameter < 5 mm) have two main potential advantages, a substantial increase in the electrolyte surface area per unit volume of a stack and also rapid start-up. As fuel cell power is directly proportional to the active electrolyte surface area, a μSOFC stack can substantially increase the VPD of an SOFC device. A decrease in tube diameter allows for a reduction in wall thickness without any degradation of a cell's mechanical properties. Owing to its thin wall, a μSOFC has an extremely high thermal shock resistance and low thermal mass. These two characteristics are fundamental in reducing start-up and turn-off time for the SOFC stack. Traditionally, SOFC has not been considered for portable applications due to its high thermal mass and low thermal shock resistance (start-up time in hours), but with μSOFCs' potential for rapid start-up, new possibilities for portable and transportable applications open up.