(687b) Testing of the NASA Bi-Supported Cell Concept

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been researching the application of solid-oxide fuel cell technology for large-scale hydrogen production. As a result, the INL has been testing various cell designs to characterize electrolytic performance. NASA, in conjunction with the University of Toledo, has developed a new cell concept with the goals of reduced weight and high power density for airborne power generation applications. The NASA cell architecture is planar and structurally symmetrical in that both electrodes support the thin electrolyte (called a bi-electrode supported cell, or BSC). The BSC design is of particular interest to the INL since delamination of the oxygen-side electrode has proven to be a problem in electrolyte-supported and hydrogen-electrode-supported cell designs operated as electrolyzers. This paper presents results of the INL's testing of this new solid oxide cell design as an electrolyzer. Time-series AC impedance spectroscopy was utilized to assess the long?term durability of this cell design and what factors primarily affect overall cell performance. Also to be discussed is the progress of NASA and INL to develop an all-ceramic stack from this concept.