Integrated thermal management strategy and materials for solid oxide fuel cells

The application of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors to thermal management of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is considered. A strategy is proposed for eliminating hotspots and reducing temperature gradients in SOFCs via inclusion of a material that exhibits a dramatic change in resistance near the desired maximum cell temperature. Three PTC thermistor materials with transition temperatures near the maximum desirable SOFC operating temperature are identified and screened for compatibility with common SOFC materials. All are found to be unsuitable because of reaction with the SOFC materials or unacceptably small PTC effect.

► Thermal management strategy proposed for SOFCs.
► Positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) thermistors with transition temperature between 700 and 900 °C identified.
► Interactions between PTC materials and SOFC materials observed.