Abstract: A system comprising: a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode and a cathode; an anode recycle loop; and an adiabatic steam reformer positioned in the anode recycle loop.

Abstract: A system comprising: a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode and a cathode; an anode recycle loop; and an adiabatic steam reformer positioned in the anode recycle loop.

Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.

Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.

Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.

Abstract: An interconnect system including: a separator plate to provide an anode gas flow space; a first metal interconnect disposed between the separator plate and an anode surface; a nickel oxide paste applied in a pattern over the surface of the anode and adjacent surface of the separator plate which when sintered results in a first conductive layer bonded to the anode and the first interconnect, and a second conductive layer bonded to the first interconnect and the separator plate; a second metal interconnect disposed between a cathode surface of the cell and the separator plate of an adjacent cell cassette; and a silver-containing paste applied over the surface of the cathode and the separator plate which when sintered results in a third conductive layer bonded to the cathode and the second interconnect, and a fourth conductive layer bonded to the second interconnect and the separator plate.

Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.

Abstract: A seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling, which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells. A first metal part is attached to a reinforcing material. A glass forming material in the positioned in between the first metal part and the second part, and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials. The glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material, thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal. A ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials, to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulating the viscosity of the glass during the heating step.

Abstract: An interconnect system for connecting adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack. The system comprises five elements: a separator plate to provide an anode gas flow space when joined to a mating cell frame; a first metal interconnect disposed between the separator plate and the anode surface; a nickel oxide paste applied in a pattern over the surface of the anode and adjacent surface of the separator plate which when sintered results in a conductive layer bonded to the anode and to the separator plate; a second metal interconnect disposed between the cathode surface of the cell and the separator plate of the adjacent cell cassette; and a silver-containing paste applied over the surface of the cathode and the separator plate which when sintered results in a conductive layer bonded to the cathode and to the separator plate.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell cassette for use in assembling a fuel cell stack comprising a metal separator plate and a metal cell-mounting plate joined at their edges to form a hollow cassette. A fuel cell subassembly is attached to the mounting plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate. The plates include openings to form chimney manifolds for supply and exhaust of fuel gas to the anode and air to the cathode. A conductive interconnect element extends from the fuel cell subassembly to make contact with the next cassette in a stack. The anode openings in the mounting plate and separator plate are separated by spacer rings such that the cassette is incompressible. A fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of cassettes, the mounting plate of one cassette being attached to, and insulated from, the separator plate of the next-adjacent cassette by a dielectric seal surrounding the interconnect.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell cassette for use in assembling a fuel cell stack comprising a metal separator plate and a metal cell-mounting plate joined at their edges to form a hollow cassette. A fuel cell subassembly is attached to the mounting plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate. The plates include openings to form chimney manifolds for supply and exhaust of fuel gas to the anode and air to the cathode. A conductive interconnect element extends from the fuel cell subassembly to make contact with the next cassette in a stack. The anode openings in the mounting plate and separator plate are separated by spacer rings such that the cassette is incompressible. A fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of cassettes, the mounting plate of one cassette being attached to, and insulated from, the separator plate of the next-adjacent cassette by a dielectric seal surrounding the interconnect.

Abstract: A seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling, which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells. A first metal part is attached to a reinforcing material. A glass forming material in the positioned in between the first metal part and the second part, and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials. The glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material, thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal. A ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials, to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulating the viscosity of the glass during the heating step.

Abstract: A seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling, which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells. A first metal part is attached to an reinforcing material. A glass forming material in the positioned in between the first metal part and the second part, and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials. The glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material, thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal. A ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials, to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulating the viscosity of the glass during the heating step.

Abstract: The present invention is a reactor for combustion synthesis of inorganic powders. The reactor includes a reaction vessel having a length and a first end and a second end. The reaction vessel further has a solution inlet and a carrier gas inlet. The reactor further has a heater for heating both the solution and the carrier gas. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction vessel is heated and the solution is in contact with the heated reaction vessel. It is further preferred that the reaction vessel be cylindrical and that the carrier gas is introduced tangentially into the reaction vessel so that the solution flows helically along the interior wall of the reaction vessel. As the solution evaporates and combustion produces inorganic material powder, the carrier gas entrains the powder and carries it out of the reactor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the formation of homogeneous, aqueous precursor mixtures of at least one substantially soluble metal salt and a substantially soluble, combustible co-reactant compound, typically an amino acid. This produces, upon evaporation, a substantially homogeneous intermediate material having a total solids level which would support combustion. The homogeneous intermediate material essentially comprises highly dispersed or solvated metal constituents and the co-reactant compound. The intermediate material is quite flammable. A metal oxide powder results on ignition of the intermediate product which combusts same to produce the product powder.

Abstract: A new chemical method of forming thin ceramic films has been developed. An aqueous solution of metal nitrates or other soluble metal salts and a low molecular weight amino acid is coated onto a substrate and pyrolyzed. The amino acid serves to prevent precipitation of individual solution components, forming a very viscous, glass-like material as excess water is evaporated. Using metal nitrates and glycine, the method has been demonstrated for zirconia with various levels of yttria stabilization, for lanthanum-strontium chromites, and for yttrium-barium-copper oxide superconductors on various substrates.