Abstract (300 words maximum)
As the global demand for electricity grows, the need to lower carbon emissions become increasingly important. To face this challenge many research and development projects have explored alternative sources of clean energy to integrate into existing energy infrastructure. One such alternative is solid oxide fuels cells (SOFCs) which have emerged as a potential energy conversions system using fuels such as hydrogen for its power generation processes. Electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air generates electricity, producing water (H2O) as the by-product. Typically operating within a temperature range of 500-900°C, SOFCs can regularly produce power without the need for revitalization if the fuel supply is maintained. A metallic interconnect (IC) is used on both cathode and anode electrodes, serving as a current collector and as a gas manifold to deliver gases to both electrodes. The oxidation behavior of these alloys has a significant impact on the electrical properties of oxide scales under the complex operating atmosphere of SOFCs. This work will investigate the role of different alloys and their oxidation behavior as a function of time and temperature on performance of SOFC cells. The effects on area specific resistance (ASR) measured under high temperature will be studied. The implications of alloy oxidation and corrosion under systems operating conditions will also be investigated. Additionally, their effects on the conductive pathway in an electrochemical cell will be discussed. The findings relating to this research have potential applications in energy storage and conversion for transportation, residential, and commercial systems.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Mechanical Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ashish Aphale
Role of Alloy Oxidation on Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Clean Energy Generation
As the global demand for electricity grows, the need to lower carbon emissions become increasingly important. To face this challenge many research and development projects have explored alternative sources of clean energy to integrate into existing energy infrastructure. One such alternative is solid oxide fuels cells (SOFCs) which have emerged as a potential energy conversions system using fuels such as hydrogen for its power generation processes. Electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air generates electricity, producing water (H2O) as the by-product. Typically operating within a temperature range of 500-900°C, SOFCs can regularly produce power without the need for revitalization if the fuel supply is maintained. A metallic interconnect (IC) is used on both cathode and anode electrodes, serving as a current collector and as a gas manifold to deliver gases to both electrodes. The oxidation behavior of these alloys has a significant impact on the electrical properties of oxide scales under the complex operating atmosphere of SOFCs. This work will investigate the role of different alloys and their oxidation behavior as a function of time and temperature on performance of SOFC cells. The effects on area specific resistance (ASR) measured under high temperature will be studied. The implications of alloy oxidation and corrosion under systems operating conditions will also be investigated. Additionally, their effects on the conductive pathway in an electrochemical cell will be discussed. The findings relating to this research have potential applications in energy storage and conversion for transportation, residential, and commercial systems.