Development of Model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Compressive Seals

• Main Author: Green, Christopher K.
• Published: Georgia Institute of Technology 2008
• Subjects: SOFC; Surface roughness; Contact mechanics; Leakage; Compressive seals; Solid oxide fuel cells; Sealing (Technology); Seals (Closures); Mathematical models; Computer simulation
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1853/19696

Fuel cells represent a promising energy alternative to the traditional combustion of fossil fuels. In particular, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been of interest due to their high energy densities and potential for stationary power applications. One of the key obstacles precluding the maturation and commercialization of planar SOFCs has been the absence of a robust sealant. A leakage computational model has been developed and refined in conjunction with leakage experiments and material characterization tests at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to predict leakage in a single interface metal-metal compressive seal assembly as well as multi-interface mica compressive seal assemblies. The composite model is applied as a predictive tool for assessing how certain parameters (i.e., temperature, applied compressive stress, surface finish, and elastic thermo physical properties) affect seal leakage rates.