Development of High Power Density Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for Long-Term Operation

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) enable environmentally friendly energy to be produced with high efficiency. The market entry of SOFC systems depends on the functionality of the components and on the costs. The SOFC has not yet reached market maturity. This presentation focuses on the possibilities for manufacturing SOFCs with high power outputs and long-term durability by using manufacturing technologies feasible in industry. For the past 15 years, FZ Jülich has been developing large-size so-called anode-supported SOFCs (up to 200 x 200 mm²) with reproducibly high power output (> 2 A/cm² at 800°C). Novel technologies for high-capacity manufacturing such as tape casting and roller coating have been introduced. Additionally, newly developed thin-film techniques have led to power outputs of more than 3 A/cm² at 800°C and more than 1.5 A/cm² below 700°C. These high power densities open up new possibilities for the operation of SOFCs at low temperatures to ensure low degradation and therefore long lifetimes.