METPROCELL

Innovative fabrication routes and materials for METal and anode supported PROton conducting fuel CELLs

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'PCFC is one of the most promising technologies to reach the requirements related to cogeneration application, especially for small power systems (1-5 kWel). The investigation in the concept of advanced thin-film ceramic fuel cell technology at operating intermediate temperature between 400 and 700 °C aims at improving the characteristics (thermal cycling, heat transfer, current collection,.) as well as lowering drastically the costs of the system. The aim of METPROCELL is to develop innovative Proton Conducting Fuel Cells (PCFCs) by using new electrolytes and electrode materials and implementing cost effective fabrication routes based on both conventional wet chemical routes and thermal spray technologies. Following a complementary approach, the cell architecture will be optimised on both metal and anode type supports, with the aim of improving the performance, durability and cost effectiveness of the cells. Specific objectives: - Development of novel electrolyte (e.g. BTi02, BCY10/BCY10) and electrode materials (e.g. NiO-BIT02 and NiO-BCY10/BCY10 anodes) with enhanced properties for improved proton conducting fuel cells dedicated to 500-600°C. - Development of alternative manufacturing routes using cost effective thermal spray technologies such detonation spraying (electrolytes and protective coatings on interconnects) and plasma spraying (anode). - Development of innovative proton conducting fuel cell configurations to be constructed on the basis of both metal supported and anode supported cell designs. - To up-scale the manufacturing procedures based on both conventional wet chemical methods and thermal spraying for the production of flat Stack Cells with a footprint of 12 x 12 cm. - Bring the proof of concept of these novel PCFCs by the set-up and validation of prototype like stacks in two relevant industrial systems, namely APU and gas/micro CHP.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Proton-conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) have the highest theoretical efficiency among the various FCs under development or on the market. EU-funded scientists plan to turn such theory into practice with novel materials and processing.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

FCs, electrochemical conversion devices that transform chemical energy into electricity, are a promising alternative to the combustion of fossil fuels for many energy applications. The EU-funded project 'Innovative fabrication routes and materials for metal and anode supported proton conducting fuel cells' (http://www.metprocell.eu/ (METPROCELL)) is working on improving the characteristics of PCFCs while significantly decreasing the cost.

PCFCs are one of the most promising technologies for cogeneration of heat and power (CHP), particularly in small power systems such as micro-CHP, and auxiliary power units (APUs). METPROCELL is investigating advanced thin-film ceramic FC technology for operation at intermediate temperatures in the range of 400 to 700 degrees Celsius.

The team is developing novel electrolyte and electrode materials with improved properties and low-cost, up-scaled manufacturing processes. One of the most important goals is the development of electrolytes more tolerant to carbon dioxide and targeted for the mid-temperature range. Scientists prepared and characterised many new materials largely based on a novel proton conductor that combines high proton conductivity with enhanced chemical stability.

Scientists are evaluating both metal-supported and anode-supported FC configurations. They developed half-cells of anode-supported PCFCs based on anode materials developed within the project. Metal supports of eight different ferritic alloys were produced and characterised. The team has employed cost-effective manufacturing routes, including co-pressing and electrolyte deposition by spray coating to increase oxidation resistance of anode-supported FCs. Screen printing, electrochemical vapour deposition (EVD) and thermal spraying have been employed with metal-supported FCs.

Researchers are currently up-scaling the thermal spraying and EVD deposition procedures that enable production of thin-layered cell components without post-processing. During the next phase, scientists will optimise materials and methods to produce flat-stack FCs to be demonstrated in two industrial power units, an APU and a gas/micro-CHP. METPROCELL PCFC materials and manufacturing methods are expected to substantially decrease costs while enhancing system performance for more widespread uptake of this promising FC technology.