PROSOFC

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology provides efficient conversion of fuel to electricity and is therefore a promising candidate in a future electricity supply system.The SOFCs are in operation exposed to thermal loads, which depends on the operation conditions. The loads are relatively unknown, as measuring the loads in-situ are not directly feasible. Furthermore, the strength of the SOFCs is varying, as they are made by special ceramic, which give them their catalytic and conductive properties. Therefore it is currently impossible to exactly determine safe operation conditions. Trial and error is not possible, as some stacks will survive a set of operational conditions that others cannot because of the varying strength. In the PROSOFC project the statistical strength distribution of the SOFCs and other stack components is determined by special high temperature (~800°C) experiments. It is also attempted to increase the strength by optimizing the production. These strengths will be compared to thermal loads determined by computer models. These are coupled multi-physics models, which includes charge transport, heat transport, gas flows, electro-chemical reactions and mechanical stresses.The obtained results will be tested on Topsøe Fuel Cell A/S's production and stacks.