The program is directed towards the development of a planar, low temperature (650C), internally reforming solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power supply that will lead to the power plant having a power density equivalent to a modern gas turbine and an efficiency over 65 percent. The cell design is based on reactive magnetron sputtered metals, oxide conducting electrolytes, and cermet electrodes. Feasibility hinges on the development of an integrated cell and support structure.The thin, planar, bipolar design demands an advanced approach to the structural, electronic, electrochemical, and fluid flow properties of the metal bipolar plates and ceramic cell frame. The structure is designed to be silver brazed into a continuous solid structure that must cope with differential thermal expansion, sealing, and inhibition of metal oxidation. Researchers were able to fabricate ultra-thin solid electrolytes by reactive magnetron sputtering. These fuel cells were crack and pinhole free. This has resulted in a complete cell redesign.Commercial Applications:The SOFC has potential as an electric utility power generator. In 1984 the total electric sales in this sector were 2.5 quads. An SOFC could save 4.33 quads of wasted energy per year while generating the 2.5 quad demand.
