This section includes a summary of the final design as well as pictures of each component and diagrams that will illustrate how the system works.

Subassembly Components

The figures below show CAD images of the individual components of the subassembly as well as an exploded view of the subassembly including the fuel cell and gaskets. Each subassembly component will be machined out of alumina silicate purchased from Cotronics, Inc. 

Each component of the subassembly includes a set of grooves along the outer perimeter to accommodate the gas inlet and outlet tubes. Each compartment is sealed from its neighbor by the combination of the fuel cell and the vermiculite gasket on either side as seen below. 

The figures below show an enlarged view of the connection between the gas inlet tubing and the subassembly as well as an exploded view of how the gaskets interact with the fuel cell and subassembly.        

Connection between gas tubing and subassembly

Interaction between gaskets, fuel cell, and subassembly component

Gas Flow

The gas flow in our system has been simplified from the original idea of perpendicular flow. This new design has the gas flows entering and exiting along the main axis of the subassembly. A diagram of the gas flow in an individual component is shown below.

Heating Component

The subassembly rests in one end of a cylindrical ceramic heater and the additional space in the heater is used to heat the incoming gas flows. The incoming hydrogen and oxygen flows come in near the bottom surface of the heater while the exhaust flows exit the heater near the sidewalls. The heating setup is shown below.

Insulation and Housing

The heater and subassembly will be insulated using alumina bricks from Cotronics, Inc. When the heater is at operating temperature, the insulation will allow the system to be safely handled as the surface of the bricks will only become warm to the touch. The whole system will rest inside of an outer housing unit.  The housing unit aides in the mobility and containment of our test facility.