Proof of Concept of an IDEAL-Cell. Electrochemical Tests and Direct Water Detection in the Central Membrane

This paper addresses one of the key issues in the study of the innovative high temperature fuel cell concept, known as “IDEAL-Cell”, which is in development for operation in the range of 600- 700°C. The successful operation of IDEAL-Cell requires that H+ ions produced at the PCFC anode/electrolyte section and O2- ions produced at the SOFC electrolyte/cathode section react in the so called central membrane to form water. Such a behavior is consistent with the results of electrochemical tests carried out on prototype cells and is supported by post-measurement morphological analysis. To further test IDEAL-Cell, a specific experiment detecting water production has been designed by means of a three-compartment rig allowing for the separation of the central membrane from the anodic and cathodic compartments. This experimental set-up is expected to provide direct proof of the ideal-cell concept. The current paper presents results obtained in two-compartment configuration and in three-compartment rig.