Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to an electrochemical cell having a closed Fermat spiral shape. The electrochemical cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, a fuel channel, an oxidant channel, and optionally a reforming layer. The electrochemical cell can be made through extrusion, gel-casting, or 3-D printing. The electrochemical cell can be a solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: Novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) article and method of manufacture with improved properties at lower costs. The structural features and methods involve fabricating an anode (i.e., fuel electrode); applying a cermet electrolyte, which includes a mixture of ceramic and electrochemically active substances, and applying a cathodic layer. The cermet electrolyte containing a small amount of transition metal reduces the thermal expansion mismatch with the anode, and allows for a graded structure of the electrochemically active substances across the anode/electrolyte structure. Under operating conditions, a dense electrolyte and metal oxide sub-layer exist on the oxidized side (cathode side); while the other side of the electrolyte (reducing side) is made of a porous sub-layer containing transition metal.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cell systems featuring a novel design that provides improved thermal management of the system. The solid oxide fuel cell systems disclosed include gas channeling features that regulate the temperature of local areas of the system and protect thermal-sensitive current collection elements.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cells with internal reforming capability. The solid oxide fuel cell generally includes a cathode, an electrolyte, an anode, and a catalyst layer in contact with the anode. The catalyst layer can include a support membrane and a reforming catalyst layer associated with the support membrane. In some embodiments, the reforming catalyst can include one or more partial oxidation reforming catalysts. The present teachings also provide methods of making and operating the solid oxide fuel cells described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell which contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, where at least one of the electrode contains a wash-coat composition that improves the performance of the solid oxide fuel cell. Also provided is a method for making the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to an electrochemical system including an electrochemical device and multiple independent circuits which permit independent control of the reaction rates at different sections of the electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be a fuel cell or an electrolyzer, and can include a common electrode in electrical communication with two or more independent circuits. The present teachings also relate to operating methods of the electrochemical system described.

Abstract: A fuel cell element comprising a tube of a solid electrolyte. An outer electrode is provided on an outside of the tube and an inner electrode is provided in the inside of the tube. A ring formed of an electrically conducting material is mounted to the tube and is electrically connected to the tube. The ring has a first surface intended to be mountable to and slidingly engageable with a substantially complementary shaped second surface of a wall of a conduit means to supply a gaseous consumable to an interior of the tube or to carry gas from the interior. The mounting of the ring to and the engaging of the ring with the second surface is to provide an electrical connection between the fuel cell element and the conduit means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel article of manufacture, which includes a structure having at least two surfaces and a plurality of void passages. The present invention also provides a method of making an article of manufacture that includes a structure having at least one void passage, and the article of manufacture produced therewith, including (a) coating a pre-form with a coating composition; and (b) destructively removing the pre-form thereby producing the structure with the at least one void passage. Further provided is a method of making a fuel cell electrode, and a fuel cell containing the electrode produced therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means.

Abstract: Fuel electrode-anode supported type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) comprise novel fuel electrode design with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties. The novel supporting anodes comprise a plurality of internal longitudinal elevations or bosses projecting inwardly into the central bore of the tubular body for structural reinforcement of the entire cell, increasing electrode surface area, optimizing the anode electronic conductivity, and facilitating the mounting of the cell into a SOFC assembly system (e.g., cell stack). The SOFCs of the invention contemplate a range of tubular configurations, including cylindrical and polygonal shapes having at least three surfaces. Low-cost manufacturing routes are also disclosed, whereby the protruding bosses in the anode support do not require additional processing steps compared to conventional forming techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell which contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, where at least one of the electrode contains a wash-coat composition that improves the performance of the solid oxide fuel cell. Also provided is a method for making the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: Novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) article and method of manufacture with improved properties at lower costs. The structural features and methods involve fabricating an anode (i.e., fuel electrode); applying a cermet electrolyte, which includes a mixture of ceramic and electrochemically active substances, and applying a cathodic layer. The cermet electrolyte containing a small amount of transition metal reduces the thermal expansion mismatch with the anode, and allows for a graded structure of the electrochemically active substances across the anode/electrolyte structure. Under operating conditions, a dense electrolyte and metal oxide sub-layer exist on the oxidized side (cathode side); while the other side of the electrolyte (reducing side) is made of a porous sub-layer containing transition metal.

Abstract: Fuel electrode-anode supported type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) comprise novel fuel electrode design with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties. The novel supporting anodes comprise a plurality of internal longitudinal elevations or bosses projecting inwardly into the central bore of the tubular body for structural reinforcement of the entire cell, increasing electrode surface area, optimizing the anode electronic conductivity, and facilitating the mounting of the cell into a SOFC assembly system (e.g., cell stack). The SOFCs of the invention contemplate a range of tubular configurations, including cylindrical and polygonal shapes having at least three surfaces. Low-cost manufacturing routes are also disclosed, whereby the protruding bosses in the anode support do not require additional processing steps compared to conventional forming techniques.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment according to the invention, a fuel cell system for generating electrical power comprises: an open-ended tubular solid oxide fuel cell; a first fuel injector tube extending from a first fuel plenum chamber through one open end of the fuel cell; and a second fuel injector tube extending from a second fuel plenum chamber through another open end of the fuel cell; wherein the first and second fuel injector tubes form a gap within the fuel cell from which a hydrogen-containing fuel gas may flow towards the open ends of the fuel cell. Further related systems and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell element comprising a tube of a solid electrolyte. An outer electrode is provided on an outside of the tube and an inner electrode is provided in the inside of the tube. A ring formed of an electrically conducting material is mounted to the tube and is electrically connected to the tube. The ring has a first surface intended to be mountable to and slidingly engageable with a substantially complementary shaped second surface of a wall of a conduit means to supply a gaseous consumable to an interior of the tube or to carry gas from the interior. The mounting of the ring to and the engaging of the ring with the second surface is to provide an electrical connection between the fuel cell element and the conduit means.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment according to the invention, a fuel cell system for generating electrical power comprises: an open-ended tubular solid oxide fuel cell; a first fuel injector tube extending from a first fuel plenum chamber through one open end of the fuel cell; and a second fuel injector tube extending from a second fuel plenum chamber through another open end of the fuel cell; wherein the first and second fuel injector tubes form a gap within the fuel cell from which a hydrogen-containing fuel gas may flow towards the open ends of the fuel cell.