Characterization of SOFC Single Cells

Abstract

The characterization of SOFC-materials and single cells with respect to their performance in an SOFC-system exhibits many sources of errors. The influence of the test setup like electrode arrangement, gas distribution, sealing and current collection, as well as the realization of the different operating conditions like operating temperature, gas supply and fuel utilization, on the electrical properties of a single cell have been studied by testing the same types of cells using different testing equipment and conditions. Furthermore the usability of in situ impedance spectroscopy and characterization with reference electrodes to obtain additional information about the different losses and degradation mechanisms under realistic working conditions has been investigated. Errors due to the application of reference electrodes in planar single cells in case of an electrode misalignment have been evaluated by FEM-modeling and testing appropriate cells. The testing environment and conditions have a significant impact on the apparent single cell performance and electrode properties.