Prediction of H2 leak rate in mica-based seals of planar solid oxide fuel cells

Mica-based materials, either laminated papers or layered single crystals, are popular in solid oxide fuel cell applications as sealing components. Their interface and bulk leak paths can be considered as slits with various heights, lengths and widths. A hydromechanics model was established based on the geometric assumptions to predict the influence of slit geometry and pressure difference of the seal on H2 leak rate. The dependence of leak rate on slit geometry and the pressure difference as well as the effectiveness of compressive loading and compliant interface layer were discussed accordingly. The model's applicability is supported by reported experiments.