Assessment of graphite-based materials for use in SOFC systems

从历史上看，加拿大的能源输送侧重于大型集中式发电(例如，煤炭、天然气、核能)，并结合长距离、高压输电线路。然而，这种基础设施过度扩张，对可靠、更清洁和更高效的能源输送的需求正在增长，人们不断在偏远社区寻找运输柴油的替代方案。小规模、1-10千瓦的固体氧化物燃料电池(SOFC)电力系统为现有基础设施提供了补充，因为这种可扩展的技术可以使用碳氢化合物，燃料灵活，同时能够提供按需电力。为了取得商业上的成功，SOFC进一步发展中必须解决的关键问题包括降低材料和生产成本。恢复能源公司(REI)正在开发一种高效、占地面积小、成本具有竞争力的SOFC能量转换系统，该系统可提供3至10千瓦的交流功率。为了加速这一进程，REI正在研究使用低成本替代材料来取代其SOFC系统热区和厂区平衡区域内昂贵的重质材料。REI正在与卡尔加里大学一起支持这一Engage项目，目的是确定和测试替代材料。具体的重点将是商业上可用的、适用于高温应用的表面改性石墨，但也可能包括碳复合材料和碳-陶瓷复合材料。将在可变气体气氛下评估的关键高温性能包括抗氧化性(材料随时间的损失和气孔的形成)、导热性和导电性、热膨胀以及与其他SOFC电堆组件的兼容性。这些信息将被用来为更换REI目前开发的SOFC电源系统中的组件提出实用、成本效益高的战略。

Historically, energy delivery in Canada has focused on large, centralized electricity generation (e.g., coal, natural gas, nuclear), combined with long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines. However, this infrastructure is overextended, the demand for reliable, cleaner and more efficient energy delivery is growing, and alternatives to transport diesel in remote communities is continually being sought. Small scale, 1-10 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power systems offer a complementary alternative to existing infrastructure, as this scalable technology can run on hydrocarbons and is fuel flexible, while being able to deliver on-demand electricity. To achieve commercial success, key issues in the further development of SOFCs that must be addressed include decreasing material and production costs. Restoration Energy Inc. (REI) is developing a highly efficient, small footprint, cost competitive SOFC energy conversion system that provides 3 to 10 kW of ac power. To accelerate this, REI is examining the use of low cost alternate materials to replace expensive heavy materials inside their SOFC system's hot zone and balance of plant region. REI is supporting this ENGAGE project with the University of Calgary for the purpose of identifying and testing alternative materials. The specific focus will be on commercially available, surface modified graphites adapted for high temperature applications, but also could include carbon composites and carbon-ceramic composites. Critical high temperature properties that will be assessed under variable gas atmosphere include the oxidation resistance (both loss of material and formation of pores over time), thermal and electrical conductivity, thermal expansion, and compatibility with other SOFC stack components. This information will be used to propose practical, cost effective strategies for replacing components in REI's currently developed SOFC power system.