Cycling durability studies of IP-SOFC

The function of a cycling test is the investigation of fuel cell stability and degradation behaviour under non-steady operating conditions. Cell quality becomes increasingly likely to degenerate at greater numbers of cycles. This work seeks to comprehensively test the durability of three tubes (tubes 1–3) of the integrated-planar solid oxide fuel cell (IP-SOFC) (Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems Ltd). The three IP-SOFC tubes were tested at a constant current of 1 A at 900°C for more than 1200h for tubes 1 and 3, and more than 4940h for tube 2. The fuel utilization was 13.94%, and the average voltage degradation rate measured was 1.3 and 1.5% per 1000h for tubes 2 and 3, respectively. After 1200h work, tube 1 failed because the air supply was cut off from the test station due to compressor overheating. Subsequently, the station closed all gas supply for safety, but the furnace continued to work at a temperature of 900°C for 16h. The tube showed clear signs of damage leading to complete failure.