Project Overview

Aims

 

  1. Further developing and qualifying the JÜLICH lightweight SOFC stack with flexible integration of the SOFC cells in the stack and separate contacting and sealing force with respect to design, sealing materials and protective coatings; evaluation of the environmental impact of the SOFC stack product and environmental optimisation.
  2. Establishing industrial mass manufacturing processes and equipment for repeating unit manufacturing, including low-cost produced cells.
  3. Establishing automated industrial mass manufacturing processes and equipment for stack assembly and joining.
  4. Performing tests under relevant application operating conditions for steady state and transient operation.
  5. Verifying the industrialisability and market relevance of the project results with the perspective of adequate valorisation after project termination.

Problems addressed

 

  • New architecture with reduced thermal stresses.
  • Improvements of performance and reliability: robustness to cycling and transient operating conditions.
  • Simplification of manufacturing
  • Improved quality assurance by automated assembly.
  • Cost efficient design.

Project goals

 

  • Reduce thermal stress in modified Juelich CS IV design.
  • Implement improved glass sealants and sealant processing.
  • Optimise application of protective coating prior to and after forming step.
  • Design and optimise automated manufacturing process.

Outcome

 

  • Lightweight stack for transport or stationary applications.
  • Reduced cost, improved robustness and quality (reproducibility).
  • Mass-manufacturing compatible processes and assembly machines.

Future perspectives

  • Commercialisation of stack technology through consortium partner SOFCpower.
  • Coating solutions through consortium partner Turbocoating.
  • Glass sealants via FZJ and CSIC activities.
  • Manufacturing solutions through consortium partners BORIT and Rohwedder (both with respect to process control/machines/ process development, and component manufacturing). 

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