Development of a Novel Co-fired SOFC at Murata

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has been developing planar-type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on new design concept.  The cell is fabricated by a single-step co-firing process and consists of an electrolyte, electrodes, current collectors, gas-separators with manifolds, and gas-flow channels. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is sandwiched between ceramic gas-separators with via-hole electrodes providing electrical paths between cells. Murata’s new concept stack achieved volume power density higher than 0.5kW/L. By arranging gas manifolds in the central part of the cell, the temperature distribution in plane of the cell was moderated while keeping high volume power density. As a result, the stack operated stably at high efficiency. A long-term operation has been carried out at 750°C over 8000h under galvanostatic condition. The cell power degradation rate was less than 0.20%/kh after 2000h operation. Cr poisoning in the LSCF cathode after durability test was not observed. That is one reason of high durability of the cell.