Power Generation Properties of a Micro Tubular SOFC Bundle Under Pressurized Conditions

A micro tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) bundle was developed based on new concept. The anode-supported micro tubular SOFCs with the cell configuration, La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8 O_3−δ (LSCF) – Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_2−δ (CGO) cathode / CGO electrolyte / Ni – CGO anode were fabricated and were bundled by a porous LSCF current collecting cube 1 cm on a side. The power generation test of the fabricated SOFC bundle was carried out under pressurized conditions. Using wet 30%H₂ / N₂ mixture gas and air, the cubic power density of the bundle at 500°C was 0.47 Wcm⁻³ at 0.4Acm⁻², atmospheric pressure (0.1MPa). With increasing operating pressure, the performance has been improved, and the cubic power density finally reached to 0.66 Wcm⁻³ at 0.6MPa. Pressurization effect for the power improvement was brought about by the open circuit voltage enhancement and reduction of the polarization resistance.