Rolls-royce Corporation

Michael J Day

Nigel Peter Brandon

Frederick J Gardner

Nigel T Hart

John B Brownell

Mark Cassidy

A solid oxide fuel cell component () comprises a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells () arranged in spaced apart relationship, and in electrical series, on a surface of the porous gas permeable support structure (). Each solid oxide fuel cell () comprises a dense gas tight electrolyte member (), a porous gas permeable first electrode () and a porous gas permeable second electrode (). Each electrolyte () is arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the first electrodes (), each second electrode () is arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the electrolytes (). Each of the first electrodes () is arranged in contact with the surface of the support structure (). The interconnectors (), the peripheral seal layer () and the electrolytes () are arranged to encapsulate all of the first electrodes () except for the surfaces of the first electrodes () in contact with the surface of the support structure () to prevent leakage of reactant from the first electrodes ().

Solid oxide fuel cell component and a method of manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell component

A solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. The passages in the first distribution member contain a catalyst for steam reforming the fuel. The catalyst is in intimate thermal contact with the fuel cells. Additionally a low temperature adiabatic preformer supplied with hydrocarbon fuel prereforms the fuel and supplies it to the passages.

Solid oxide fuel cell stack

A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a core region which comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member formed from two corrugated ceramic plates which define internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member formed from two corrugated ceramic plates which define internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. A plurality of passages are defined between the fuel cells and the second distribution member which distribute and remove the second reactant from the cathodes.

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Waterhouses, United Kingdom

Michael J Day