City Research Online

Abstract

The design of solid oxide fuel cells has inherent conflicts and compromises due to the mechanical and electrochemical requirements. The design objective is to reduce the fabrication cost of cell components while maintaining high efficiency and reliability. Solid oxide fuel cells have yet to go through a lot of research and development stage before they can be commercialised to replace conventional power generating devices. The cost associated with manufacturing of cells and stack has proved to be prohibitively high at this stage of the development.

To overcome this, a cost effective manufacturing process and associated design was needed. Taguchi method of experimentation was employed to this end. Design Function Deployment (DFD) methodology was used to compare and develop previous conceptual designs and a new combined design is proposed. Mathematical models were developed to include, fluid flow pattern across the manifold, electrochemical reactions within the cell, and stress profile across the cell and stack.

The results were used in conjunction with correlation chains to establish an optimal design. A new roof for the DFD main chart is proposed to incorporate mathematical models into the design process and arrive at a mathematically optimised solution.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Engineering School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads