Patent ID: 6045935
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A solid electrolyte fuel cell having an oxidant reservoir, a fuel reservoir, and an electrolyte structure interposed between the oxidant and fuel reservoir, the electrolyte structure including a flexible anode/electrolyte/cathode sub-assembly wherein the electrolyte structure is a non-planar structure of a thin, flexible, pre-sintered, polycrystalline ceramic sheet that includes at least one elevated stress relief section having a sheet elevation above the sheet base plane such that the ratio of the sheet elevation to the largest sheet dimension is in the range of about 1:600 to 1:3 and the sheet is capable of withstanding up to 4,000 heating cycles of from room temperature to operating temperatures of up to 1000.degree. C., said cycle being in range one minute to one hour;the fuel cell further comprising at least one fuel manifolding tube, and at least one oxidizer manifolding tube, said manifolding tubes being composed of materials selected from the group consisting of zirconia, zirconia-titania alloys, glass-ceramics having alkali-rare earth-silicate, nickel and nickel-zirconia cermets, stainless steel materials, and nickel alloys, wherein said electrolyte sub-assembly and the manifolding tubes are closely matched in thermal expansion.