Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell stack modular structure, in that, being an integration of a plurality of fuel cell modules, it can determine the amount of fuel cell modules to be stacked in the modular structure according to an actual power output demand while ensuring airtightness in the modular structure, and moreover, with the modularization design, each fuel cell module in the modular structure that is malfunctioning can be detached and removed easily from the stack individually so as to be replaced by another operative fuel cell module.

Abstract: A simple method and apparatus for measuring the low area specific resistance of a metal plate, particularly in high temperature (<962° C.) environment, are provided. The metal plate, which may include a coating, is used in high temperature environment for electric conduction. Silver paste is applied on the metal surface. Paste sintering processes to minimize contact resistance are described. These sintering processes cause negligible change to the original metal condition, thus accurate and precise area specific resistivity of the metal plate can be obtained.

Abstract: To measure the area specific resistance of a metallic surface, silver paste is applied on a first surface of a metal plate. The silver paste is dried and molded into a desired shape; then it is sintered at a temperature close to the melting point of silver and turned into a silver foil, forming non-porous contact with the first surface. The second surface (reverse surface) is polished. First and second wires are connected to the silver foil by a silver drop. Third and fourth wires are spot welded to the second surface of the metal plate within the covered area right under the silver foil. The first and third wires are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a power supply, and the second and fourth wires to the positive and negative electrodes of a voltmeter. A current I is provided. The temperature of the metal plate is first raised to a suitable point not close to the melting point of silver for sintering the silver drop attaching the first and second wires.