Cube-type micro SOFC stacks using sub-millimeter tubular SOFCs

Fabrication and characterization of tubular SOFCs under sub-millimeter (0.8 mm), bundles and stacks for low temperature operation were shown. The materials used in this study were Gd doped CeO2 (GDC) for electrolyte, NiO–GDC for anode and (La, Sr)(Co, Fe)O3 (LSCF)–GDC for cathode, respectively, and LSCF for supports of the tubular cells for bundle fabrication. After applying a sealing layer and current collector for each bundle of five micro tubular SOFCs, each bundle was stacked vertically, to build a four-storey cube-type stack with volume of about 0.8 cm3. The performance of the stack was shown to be 3.6 V OCV and 2 W maximum output power under 500 °C operating temperature. Preliminary quick start-up test was also conducted at the condition of 3 min start-up time from 150 to 400 °C for 5 times, and the results showed no degradation of the performance during the test.