Robust Advanced Materials for metal Supported SOFC

The RAMSES project aims at delveoping an innovative high performance, robust and cost effective Solid Oxide Fuel Cell based on the Metal Supported Cell concept i.e. the deposition of thin ceramic electrodes and electrolyte on a porous metallic substrate. By considering advanced materials tailored for this cell design, the cells will be able to operate at 600C on methane steam reforming, with an ASR of 0.8 mohm.cm2 and a degradation rate of 30 mohm.cm2/khr. In addition, it will be able of withstanding ther mal/redox combined cycles. The achievement of such performance needs several key-developments to be addressed: first the manufacturing of a durable metallic substrate; second the deposition of the ceramic layers without affecting the integration of the ce lls into a short stack, supported by inspection techniques to evaluate the good quality of components at each step of the process; and finally testing activitie to determine the performance and durability of the cells and stacks, and to investigate specif ic identified failure mechanisms. A cross multidisciplinary consortium has been defined to obtain each competence needed for the project gathering 9 organisations from 4 member states (France, Italy, Sweden, Spain) and one associated country (Norway). In addition an IPHE country (Canada) with a significant background in the development of metal supported cells will be associated to this project. The partnership covers all competences necessary to develop the new SOFC, embracing powder suppliers (HOGANAS, BAIKOWSKI), experts in materials and cell developments (CNRS, CEA, SINTEF, IKL, NRC), testing (CEA, NRC, IKL), component and stack development and production (SP, IKL,, COPRECI, NRC) and inspection techniques (AEA).