Fuel cell tubes and method of making same
AssigneeSiemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
InventorBrian P. Borglum
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Abstract
A method of manufacturing porous ceramic tubes for fuel cells with improved properties and higher manufacturing yield is disclosed. The method involves extruding a closed end fuel cell tube, such as an air electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell, in which the closed end also functions as the sintering support. The resultant fuel cell tube has a superior porosity distribution which allows improved diffusion of oxygen at the closed end of the tube during operation of the fuel cell. Because this region has the highest current density, performance enhancement and improved reliability of the fuel cell tube result. Furthermore, the higher manufacturing yield associated with the present method decreases the overall fuel cell cost.
Claims20
A porous ceramic fuel cell tube comprising a tubular sidewall extending from a closed end of the tube to an open end of the tube, wherein the tubular sidewall has a porosity at the closed end of the tube that is higher than a porosity at the open end of the tube.
A fuel cell tube comprising a tubular sidewall extending from a closed end of the tube to an open end of the tube, wherein the closed end of the tube includes an extended support portion from which the fuel cell tube can be suspended.
A method of making a fuel cell tube comprising:
- extruding a mixture to form a closed end of the fuel cell tube comprising an extended support portion;
- and
- extruding an additional amount of the mixture to form a sidewall and an open end of the fuel cell tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.