Stack degradation in dependence of operation parameters; the Real-SOFC sensitivity analysis

L. G. J. de Haart, J. Mougin, O. Posdziech, Jari Kiviaho, N. H. Menzler

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientific

    Abstract

    The EU Integrated Project Real-SOFC aims at improving the understanding of degradation in SOFC stacks and extending the durability of planar SOFC stacks to degradation rates suitable for stationary application. As part of the Real-SOFC project three series of SOFC stacks each with 2 or 4 planar anode-supported cells were operated for durations of up to 3000 h (and longer) under varying fuel and electrical load conditions. The durability tests on these short stacks were conducted galvanostatically at 800 and 700 °C in dependence of current-density (0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 A/cm²), of fuel composition (hydrogen: H2 + 3.10% H2O or methane: CH4/H2O (S/C=2)) and of fuel utilization (8, 40, 60 or 75%). A pronounced difference in degradation behaviour was observed between the stacks operated at different current densities. The degradation behaviour was, however, not influenced by the choice of fuel (hydrogen or methane) and was hardly influenced by the fuel utilization. Lowest degradation rates of about 20 m?ocm²/kh were determined for the tests of a short stack with cells with LSM cathodes operated at 800 °C and a current-density of 0.3 A/cm² and of a short stack with cells with LSCF cathodes operated at 700 °C and a current-density of 0.5 A/cm². Post-test characterization of the cathode with respect to chromium poisoning was performed on cells from several stacks. No clear relationship between the degradation rate of the stacks and amount of Cr incorporated in the cathode could be established. The major difference was a change in microstructure of the cathode in the region near the electrolyte interface; in the stacks operated at lower current densities the structurally changed zone was clearly thinner than in those stacks operated at higher currents.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication8th European SOFC Forum
    Subtitle of host publicationEuropean Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Forum Proceedings
    PublisherEuropean Fuel Cell Forum AG
    Publication statusPublished - 2008
    MoE publication typeB3 Non-refereed article in conference proceedings
    Event8th European SOFC Forum, EFCF 2008: European Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Forum - Lucerne, Switzerland
    Duration: 30 Jun 20084 Jul 2008

    Conference

    Conference8th European SOFC Forum, EFCF 2008
    Abbreviated title EFCF 2008
    Country/TerritorySwitzerland
    CityLucerne
    Period30/06/084/07/08

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