A study of solid oxide fuel cell stack failure by inducing abnormal behavior in a single cell test

It is well known that cell imbalance can lead to failure of batteries. Prior theoretical modeling has shown that similar failure can occur in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks due to cell imbalance. Central to failure model for SOFC stacks is the abnormal operation of a cell with cell voltage becoming negative. For investigation of SOFC stack failure by simulating abnormal behavior in a single cell test, thin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, anode-supported cells were tested at 800 °C with hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant with and without an applied DC bias. When under a DC bias with cell operating under a negative voltage, rapid degradation occurred characterized by increased cell resistance. Visual and microscopic examination revealed that delamination occurred along the electrolyte/anode interface. The present results show that anode-supported SOFC stacks with YSZ electrolyte are prone to catastrophic failure due to internal pressure buildup, provided cell imbalance occurs. The present results also suggest that the greater the number of cells in an SOFC stack, the greater is the propensity to catastrophic failure.