INNOVATIVE PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLY OF SOLID MEMBRANE BASED HIGH TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS FOR TESTING AND REPEATED USE

摘要

According to the invention the application of a compressive load for sealing the interconnect and the metal frame independent of the fuel cell is made possible. Thus, it is possible to apply high compressive load to the seal rendering it to be most effective. This also eliminates the risk of breaking the comparatively fragile ceramic cells by delinking them. Further, provisions for pockets of volume around the seal or the gas distribution line is arranged so that inert gas such as Nitrogen can be easily purged in that pocket to create sufficient pressure, and eliminate the possibility of mix-up of the fuel and oxidant gases during the high operation of the cell. The present invention discloses an effective use of the ceramic inserts to facilitate loading of the seals with high compressive loads at high temperature. The use of high temperature ceramic mat is also first time disclosed in this patent application which facilitates an effective sealing at high temperature and further maintains mechanical stability at elevated temperatures due to the special expansive properties of the ceramic mats at high temperatures. Both the ceramic inserts and ceramic mats disclosed herein, are capable of are electrically insulating thereby providing easy electrical isolations of the interconnect, anode, cathodes during the production of electricity by the cell. The device of the invention allows application of compressive load at the bottom interconnect plate seal placed on the metal frame. The invention allows non-destructive testing of one or more fuel cells including repeated use of the fuel cells for other applications.