Performance evaluation of machined and powder metallurgically fabricated Crofer (R) 22 APU interconnects for SOFC applications


Topcu A., ÖZTÜRK B., CORA Ö. N.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.47, no.5, pp.3437-3448, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 47 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.06.036
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Page Numbers: pp.3437-3448
  • Keywords: Solid oxide fuel cell, Metallic interconnect, Crofer (R) 22 APU, Powder metallurgy, Performance tests, OXIDE FUEL-CELLS, METALLIC INTERCONNECTS, TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION, MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES, OXIDATION BEHAVIOR, FERRITIC STEELS, ELECTROLYTES, STRENGTH, GLASS, CR
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the performances of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnects made of commercially available bulk Crofer (R) 22 APU alloy through machining, and powder metallurgy approach (P/M) from Crofer (R) 22 APU powders. To this goal, interconnects with 40 x 40 mm(2) active area were fabricated via both methods. Porosity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements, thermal shock, and single-cell performance tests were carried out. While no porosity was available for the machined interconnect, P/M inter-connect was found to have 9% porosity so the increased surface area. CTE values of interconnects, one of the critical parameters in fuel cell stack design, were found to be in close agreement. The maximum power values of 3.12 and 2.97 W were obtained for machined, and P/M interconnects, respectively, at operating temperature condition of 800 degrees C. Even though P/M interconnect exhibited slightly lower performance in terms of power density, it was concluded that P/M interconnect can be considered a reliable alter-native to the conventionally produced machined one due to ease of production, lower scrap rate, and potential to have a better cell performance as it has an increased surface scrap rate, and potential to have a better cell performance as it has an increased surface area. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.