Cells, cell stacking devices, modules, and module housing devices

Abstract

To provide a cell, a cell stack device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve battery performance.SOLUTION: A cell includes an element part. The element part has a first electrode and a second electrode. The element part has a concave outer surface on a surface of the second electrode located on the opposite side of the first electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to cells, cell stacking devices, modules, and module housing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various cell stack devices containing multiple fuel cell cells have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell is a type of cell that can generate electricity using a fuel gas such as hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-168227 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, the aforementioned cell stacking device had room for improvement in terms of enhancing battery performance.

[0005] One embodiment has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a cell, a cell stacking device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve battery performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cell according to one embodiment comprises an element portion. The element portion has a first electrode and a second electrode. The element portion has a concave outer surface on the side of the second electrode opposite to the first electrode.

[0007] Furthermore, the cell stacking device of this disclosure has a cell stack in which a plurality of cells are arranged, and at least one of the plurality of cells is the cell described above.

[0008] Furthermore, the module of this disclosure comprises the cell stacking device described above and a storage container for housing the cell stacking device.

[0009] Furthermore, the module housing device of this disclosure comprises the module described above, auxiliary equipment for operating the module, and an outer case for housing the module and the auxiliary equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, a cell, a cell stacking device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve battery performance can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a plan view of an example of a cell according to the first embodiment, as seen from the air electrode side. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of a cell stacking apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the XX line shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a top view showing an example of a cell stack device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7A]FIG. 7A is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell stack including the cell shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell stack including the cell shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing an example of a flat-type cell according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z shown in FIG. 12B. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cell, cell stack device, module, and module housing device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0013] In addition, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the dimensional relationships between elements, the ratios of the elements, etc. may be different from reality. Furthermore, there may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings are different from each other.

[0014] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of Cell] First, referring to Figures 1A to 1C, we will explain the first embodiment of a cell using an example of a solid oxide fuel cell.

[0015] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of cell 1 according to the first embodiment, Figure 1B is a plan view of an example of cell 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from the air electrode 8 side, and Figure 1C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of cell according to the first embodiment. Figures 1A to 1C show enlarged views of parts of each component of cell 1.

[0016] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1C, cell 1 is a hollow, flat plate type, elongated in shape. As shown in Figure 1B, the overall shape of cell 1 when viewed from the side is, for example, a rectangle with a length of 5 cm to 50 cm along the length direction L, and a width direction W perpendicular to this length direction L with a length of 1 cm to 10 cm. The overall thickness T of cell 1 is 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1A, cell 1 comprises a conductive support substrate 2, an element section 3, and an interconnector 4. The support substrate 2 is columnar in shape, having a pair of opposing surfaces n1, n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting these surfaces n1, n2.

[0018] The element portion 3 is provided on surface n1 of the support substrate 2. The element portion 3 includes a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8. The air electrode 8 has an outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 that is exposed to the outside. The fuel electrode 5 is an example of a first electrode, and the air electrode 8 is an example of a second electrode. In the example shown in Figure 1A, an interconnector 4 is provided on the other surface n2 of the cell 1. The cell 1 may also have an intermediate layer 7 between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, the air electrode 8 does not extend to the upper and lower ends of cell 1. At the lower end of cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface. The detailed shape of the element portion 3, including the air electrode 8, will be described later.

[0020] On the other hand, the interconnector 4 may extend to the lower end of cell 1. At the lower end of cell 1, the interconnector 4 and the solid electrolyte layer 6 are exposed on the surface. As shown in Figure 1A, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of the pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m of cell 1. The interconnector 4 does not have to extend to the lower end of cell 1.

[0021] The following describes each component that makes up Cell 1.

[0022] The support substrate 2 has gas channels 2a inside through which gas flows. An example of the support substrate 2 shown in Figure 1A has six gas channels 2a. The support substrate 2 is gas permeable and allows the fuel gas flowing through the gas channels 2a to pass through to the fuel electrode 5. The support substrate 2 may also be conductive. A conductive support substrate 2 collects the electricity generated by the power generation element into the interconnector 4.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1C, the element portion 3 has a concave outer surface 3a located on the outermost air electrode 8. The outer surface 3a has portions 31 to 33. Portion 31 is located in the central portion in the length direction L. Portion 32 is located on the upper end side in the length direction L of the outer circumference of the air electrode 8 in a plan view of the air electrode 8, and portion 33 is located on the lower end side in the length direction L of the outer circumference of the air electrode 8 in a plan view of the air electrode 8. Portions 31 to 33 each have a predetermined thickness t1 to t3 in the thickness direction T. Portions 31 to 33 are examples of the first to third portions.

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 1C, the reaction gas, fuel gas, flows through a gas channel 2a (see Figure 1A) located along the length L, from the lower end to the upper end of cell 1. The reaction gas, oxygen-containing gas, flows outside cell 1 along the length L, from the lower end to the upper end of cell 1. That is, section 32 is located downstream of the oxygen-containing gas flow, and section 33 is located upstream of the oxygen-containing gas.

[0025] The thickness t2 of the element portion 3 in portion 32, which is located downstream of portion 31 of the oxygen-containing gas, is greater than the thickness t1 of the element portion 3 in portion 31. This makes it easier for the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 from the lower end to the upper end of the cell 1 to be drawn into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity at the upper end of the element portion 3 is improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0026] Furthermore, the thickness t3 of the element portion 3 in portion 33, which is located upstream of the oxygen-containing gas from portion 31, is greater than the thickness t1 of the element portion 3 in portion 31. As a result, the contact area between the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 and the oxygen-containing gas is increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. This improves the reactivity at the lower end of the element portion 3, thereby improving the battery performance of cell 1.

[0027] In Figure 1C, the element section 3 has a concave outer surface 3a made by varying the thickness of the air electrode 8. However, one or more of the elements other than the air electrode 8, namely the fuel electrode 5, the solid electrolyte layer 6, and the intermediate layer 7, may also have different thicknesses.

[0028] The material of the support substrate 2 includes, for example, an iron group metal component and an inorganic oxide. For example, the iron group metal component may be Ni (nickel) and / or NiO. The inorganic oxide may be, for example, a specific rare earth element oxide.

[0029] The fuel electrode 5 can be made from materials that are generally known. The fuel electrode 5 may be made from porous conductive ceramics, such as ceramics containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 in which rare earth element oxides are in solid solution, and Ni and / or NiO. Examples of rare earth element oxides include Y2O3. ZrO2 in which calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or rare earth element oxides are in solid solution is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. Stabilized zirconia also includes partially stabilized zirconia.

[0030] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte that bridges ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties, making it difficult for fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to leak.

[0031] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO2 in which 3 mol% to 15 mol% of rare earth element oxides are solid-dissolved. As such rare earth element oxides, for example, Y2O3 etc. are used. As long as the above characteristics are satisfied, other materials etc. may be used for the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0032] The material of the air electrode 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for air electrodes. The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3-type perovskite oxide.

[0033] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr and La coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La

[0035] , , Sr 1-x Co y Fe 1-y O3, La x Sr 1-x MnO3, La x Sr 1-x FeO3, La x Sr 1-x CoO3 etc. may be mentioned. Here, x is 0 < x < 1 and y is 0 < y < 1.

[0034] Also, the air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, 20% or more, particularly in the range of 30% to 50%.

[0035] Also, when the element part 3 has the intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 may be a diffusion suppression layer. The intermediate layer 7 prevents Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 from diffusing into the solid electrolyte layer 6 and makes it difficult for a resistance layer of SrZrO3 to be formed in such a solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0036] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material generally used for the diffusion suppression layer of Sr. The material of the intermediate layer 7 may include, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which rare earth elements other than Ce (cerium) are dissolved. Examples of such rare earth elements include Gd (gadolinium) and Sm (samarium).

[0037] Furthermore, the interconnector 4 is dense, making it less likely for fuel gas flowing through the gas passage 2a located inside the support substrate 2, and oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2, to leak. The interconnector 4 may have a relative density of 93% or more, and especially 95% or more.

[0038] The material for the interconnector 4 may be a lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxide (LaCrO3-based oxide), a lanthanum strontium titanium-based perovskite oxide (LaSrTiO3-based oxide), or the like. These materials are electrically conductive and are not reduced or oxidized when in contact with fuel gases such as hydrogen-containing gases or oxygen-containing gases such as air.

[0039] <Configuration of Cell Stack Device> Next, the cell stacking apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, using the cell 1 described above, will be explained with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the cell stacking apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of line AA shown in Figure 2A, and Figure 2C is a top view showing an example of the cell stacking apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2A, the cell stacking device 10 comprises a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction T (see Figure 1A) of the cell 1, and a fixing member 12.

[0041] The fixing member 12 includes a joining member 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The joining member 13 joins the cell 1 and the support member 14. The support member 14 also includes a support body 15 and a gas tank 16. The support body 15 and the gas tank 16, which make up the support member 14, are made of metal and are electrically conductive.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2B, the support 15 has an insertion hole 15a into which the lower ends of the multiple cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the multiple cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a are joined together with a bonding material 13.

[0043] The gas tank 16 has an opening that supplies reaction gas to multiple cells 1 through an insertion hole 15a, and a groove 16a located around the opening. The outer end of the support 15 is fixed to the gas tank 16 by a fixing material 21 that is filled into the groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 2A, fuel gas is stored in the internal space 22 formed by the support member 14, which is the support body 15, and the gas tank 16. A gas flow pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. Fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas flow pipe 20 and then supplied from the gas tank 16 to the gas flow path 2a (see Figure 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated in the reformer 102 (see Figure 8), which will be described later.

[0045] Hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming of the raw fuel. When fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0046] The example shown in Figure 2A comprises a cell stack 11 having multiple cells 1, two rows of cell stacks 11, two support members 15, and a gas tank 16. The two rows of cell stacks 11 are fixed to each support member 15. The gas tank 16 has two through holes on its top surface. Each support member 15 is positioned in each through hole. The internal space 22 is formed by the one gas tank 16 and the two support members 15.

[0047] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, an oval shape when viewed from above. The length of the insertion hole 15a in the direction of cell arrangement 1, i.e., the thickness direction T, is greater than the distance between the two end current collectors 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. The width of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, greater than the length of cell 1 in the width direction W (see Figure 1A). The shape of the insertion hole 15a may also be a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the direction of cell arrangement 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2B, the joint between the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end of the cell 1 is filled with and solidified adhesive material 13. This joins and fixes the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a to the lower ends of multiple cells 1, and also joins and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The gas passage 2a of each cell 1 communicates with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at its lower end.

[0049] The bonding material 13 and the fixing material 21 can be made of materials with low conductivity, such as glass. Specific materials for the bonding material 13 and the fixing material 21 may include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass may be used.

[0050] As the crystallized glass, any of the following materials may be used, for example: SiO2-CaO system, MgO-B2O3 system, La2O3-B2O3-MgO system, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO system, SiO2-CaO-ZnO system, and in particular, SiO2-MgO system materials may be used.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the multiple cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 and the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1 in series. More specifically, it connects the interconnector 4, which is electrically connected to the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1, to the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, the end current collector 17 is electrically connected to the outermost cell 1 in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collector 17 is connected to a conductive part 19 that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive part 19 collects the electricity generated by the cell 1 and draws it out to the outside. Note that the end current collector 17 is not shown in Figure 2A.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2C, the cell stack device 10 consists of two cell stacks 11A and 11B connected in series, functioning as a single battery. Therefore, the conductive part 19 of the cell stack device 10 is distinguished into a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0054] The positive terminal 19A is the positive terminal when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the positive terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11A. The negative terminal 19B is the negative terminal when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the negative terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0055] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the negative terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11A to the positive terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0056] <First variation> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The element portion 3 shown in Figure 3 differs from the element portion 3 shown in Figure 1A in that the portion 3 located at both ends of the width direction W, 35 and 36, has a concave outer surface 3a where the length in the thickness direction T is greater than the portion 34 located in the central part of the width direction W.

[0057] In this way, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave when viewed from the length direction L perpendicular to the width direction W (see, for example, Figure 1C), the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a is further increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity of the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of cell 1 is further improved.

[0058] <Second variation> Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a second modification of the first embodiment. Cell 1 shown in Figure 4 differs from cell 1 shown in Figure 1C in that both ends of the support substrate 2 located at both ends in the length direction L are curved in the thickness direction T toward the element portion 3. Note that in Figure 4, the interconnector 4 located on surface n2 of the support substrate 2 is not shown.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. Therefore, the outer surface 3a can be concave without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 along its entire length L. Furthermore, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a is increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, thereby improving the battery performance of the cell 1.

[0060] <Third variation> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The cell 1 shown in Figure 5 differs from the cell 1 shown in Figures 1A and 3 in that the side surfaces m of the support substrate 2 located at both ends in the width direction W are bent in the thickness direction T toward the element portion 3.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. Therefore, the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3, as viewed from the length direction L perpendicular to the width direction W (see, for example, Figure 1C), can be made concave without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 over the entire length direction L. Furthermore, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a is further increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, thereby improving the battery performance of cell 1.

[0062] <Fourth variation> Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. The cell 1 shown in Figure 6 differs from the cells 1 described above in that the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. Therefore, the outer surface 3a can be concave without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 along its entire length L. Furthermore, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a is increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, thereby improving the battery performance of the cell 1.

[0064] <Fifth variation> Figure 7A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. The outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 of the cell 1 shown in Figure 7A has a concave curved surface 37 that is inclined in a concave shape and a flat surface 38 that is located upstream of the oxygen-containing gas from the concave curved surface 37.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7A, the concave curved surface 37 is positioned such that the thickness of the element portion 3 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the oxygen-containing gas. On the other hand, the flat surface 38 is positioned such that the thickness of the element portion 3 is uniform from the upstream side to the downstream side of the oxygen-containing gas.

[0066] Thus, because the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface 37 and a flat surface 38, the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 from the flat surface 38 toward the concave curved surface 37 moves quickly near the flat surface 38 with less interference from the element portion 3, while at the concave curved surface 37, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around it and the outer surface 3a increases, making it easier for the oxygen-containing gas to be taken into the air electrode 8. As a result, the battery performance of cell 1 is improved.

[0067] Next, we will describe an example of a cell stack configuration having multiple cells 1 as shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell stack having the cells shown in Figure 7A.

[0068] On the left side of Figure 7B, a cell stack 11 is shown in which the length direction L (see Figure 7A) of the cells 1 is arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1, and one end of the support substrate 2 is fixed with a bonding material 13. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of Figure 7B, a cell stack 11a may be used in which the multiple cells 1 are fixed diagonally with respect to the arrangement direction.

[0069] In this way, by fixing multiple cells 1 at an angle to the arrangement direction, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a (see Figure 7A) is increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8 (see Figure 7A). As a result, the battery performance of cell 1 is improved.

[0070] Although Figure 7B shows cell stacks 11 and 11a having the cell 1 shown in Figure 7A, cell stacks 11 and 11a to which the cell 1 according to each of the embodiments and modifications described above may also be used. Furthermore, cell stacks 11 and 11a only need to have at least one cell 1 according to each of the embodiments and modifications described above among the multiple cells arranged.

[0071] <module> Next, a module 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure using the cell stack device 10 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the module according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are part of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell housed inside has been taken out to the rear.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, module 100 comprises a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed within the storage container 101. A reformer 102 is positioned above the cell stack device 10.

[0073] The reformer 102 reforms raw fuels such as natural gas and kerosene to produce fuel gas, which is then supplied to cell 1. The raw fuels are supplied to the reformer 102 through a raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may also include a vaporization section 102a for vaporizing water and a reforming section 102b. The reforming section 102b is equipped with a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuels into fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, which is a highly efficient reforming reaction.

[0074] The fuel gas generated in the reformer 102 is then supplied to the gas flow path 2a of cell 1 (see Figure 1A) through the gas flow pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0075] Furthermore, in the module 100 with the above configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation is approximately 500 to 1000°C due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of cell 1.

[0076] In such a module 100, as described above, a cell stack device 10 that improves battery performance is housed within it, thereby making it a module 100 that improves battery performance.

[0077] <Module housing device> Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a module housing device according to the embodiment. The module housing device 110 according to the embodiment comprises an outer case 111, a module 100 shown in Figure 8, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the outer case 111. Note that some components are omitted in Figure 9.

[0078] The outer casing 111 of the module housing device 110 shown in Figure 9 has support columns 112 and outer panels 113. Partition plates 114 divide the inside of the outer casing 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plates 114 inside the outer casing 111 is the module housing chamber 115 for housing the module 100, and the space below the partition plates 114 inside the outer casing 111 is the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 for housing the auxiliary equipment that operates the module 100. Note that in Figure 9, the auxiliary equipment housed in the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 is omitted from the illustration.

[0079] Furthermore, the partition plate 114 has an air circulation port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment storage room 116 to flow towards the module storage room 115. The outer panel 113 that constitutes the module storage room 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting the air inside the module storage room 115.

[0080] In such a module housing device 110, as described above, by providing a module 100 that improves battery performance in the module housing chamber 115, it is possible to create a module housing device 110 that improves battery performance.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] Next, a cell stack apparatus and cells according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10A and 10B. Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to the second embodiment. Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell stack comprising the cell shown in Figure 10A.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10A, the cell 1A according to the second embodiment comprises a support substrate 2, a pair of element portions 3, and a sealing portion 9. The support substrate 2 is columnar in shape, having a pair of opposing surfaces n1, n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting these surfaces n1, n2.

[0083] The pair of element portions 3 are positioned on surfaces n1 and n2 of the support substrate 2 so as to face each other. The sealing portion 9 is positioned so as to cover the side surface m of the support substrate 2.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10B, the cell stack device 10A has multiple support substrates 2 extending in the longitudinal direction L from a pipe 22a through which fuel gas flows, each supporting a plurality of element units 3, and each element unit 3 and its corresponding support substrate 2 constitute a cell 1A. A gas flow path 2a is provided inside the support substrate 2 through which the gas from the pipe 22a flows. Each cell 1A is connected in series via a conductive member (not shown).

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, each element 3 has a concave outer surface 3a located at the outermost air electrode 8. This makes it easier for oxygen-containing gas flowing around each element 3 from the lower end to the upper end of the support substrate 2 to be drawn into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity of the element 3 is improved, the battery performance of cell 1A is improved, and thus the battery performance of the cell stack device 10A is improved.

[0086] <Variation> Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a modification of the second embodiment. The element portion 3 shown in Figure 11 differs from the element portion 3 shown in Figure 10A in that it has a pair of concave outer surfaces 3a where the length in the thickness direction T is greater at both ends in the width direction W than at the central portion in the width direction W.

[0087] In this way, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave when viewed from the length direction L perpendicular to the width direction W (see, for example, Figure 10B), the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a is further increased, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity of the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of cell 1 is further improved.

[0088] In addition, the element portion 3 shown in Figures 10A and 11 has a concave outer surface 3a made by varying the thickness of the air electrode 8, but the thickness of one or more of the elements other than the air electrode 8, namely the fuel electrode 5, the solid electrolyte layer 6, and the intermediate layer 7, may also be varied. Furthermore, the surface n1 and n2 of the support substrate 2 may be made concave, thereby providing a concave outer surface 3a corresponding to the surface n1 and n2.

[0089] Furthermore, Figure 10B shows a cell stack device 10A in which multiple cells 1A, each having multiple element units 3 as shown in Figure 10A, are arranged. However, it is sufficient that at least one of the arranged cells 1A is a cell 1A according to the above-described embodiment and modified example. Also, it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple element units that each cell 1A has is an element unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment and modified example. Moreover, instead of the element unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment and modified example, for example, the element unit 3 of cell 1 shown in Figure 6 and / or Figure 7A may be applied.

[0090] [Third Embodiment] Figure 12A is a perspective view showing a flat cell according to the third embodiment. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view along the YY line shown in Figure 12A. Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view along the ZZ line shown in Figure 12B.

[0091] As shown in Figures 12A to 12C, cell 1C has an element section 3 in which a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8 are stacked. In a cell stack device in which multiple flat-plate cells are stacked, for example, multiple cells 1C are electrically connected by conductive members 91 and 92, which are metal layers adjacent to each other. The conductive members 91 and 92 electrically connect adjacent cells 1C and also have gas channels that supply gas to the fuel electrode 5 or the air electrode 8.

[0092] In this modified example, the conductive member 92 has a plurality of gas passages 93 that supply oxygen-containing gas to the air electrode 8. Each of the plurality of gas passages 93 extends along a first direction D1, and each gas passage 93 is located at a predetermined interval in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1.

[0093] The conductive member 92 is joined to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 (air electrode 8) via the bonding material 94. In this way, the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 faces the gas flow path 93, increasing the contact area between the outer surface 3a and the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the gas flow path 93, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity of the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of cell 1C is improved.

[0094] <Other variations> Next, a cell stacking apparatus relating to other modifications of the embodiment will be described.

[0095] In the above embodiment, a case using a hollow flat support substrate was illustrated, but it can also be applied to a cell stacking device using a cylindrical support substrate.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the fuel electrode is provided on a support substrate and the air electrode is placed on the surface of the cell, it can also be applied to a cell stack device with the opposite arrangement, namely, in which the air electrode is provided on a support substrate and the fuel electrode is placed on the surface of the cell.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a fuel cell cell, a fuel cell cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device were shown as examples of "cell," "cell stack device," "module," and "module housing device," but other examples may be an electrolytic cell, an electrolytic cell stack device, an electrolytic module, and an electrolytic device, respectively.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0099] As described above, the cell 1 according to the embodiment includes an element section 3. The element section 3 has a first electrode (fuel electrode 5) and a second electrode (air electrode 8). The element section 3 has a concave outer surface 3a on the side of the second electrode opposite to the first electrode. This improves battery performance.

[0100] Furthermore, the module 100 according to the embodiment includes the cell stacking device 10 described above and a storage container 101 for housing the cell stacking device 10. This makes it possible to create a module 100 that improves battery performance.

[0101] Furthermore, the module housing device 110 according to the embodiment comprises the module 100 described above, auxiliary equipment for operating the module 100, and an outer case 111 for housing the module 100 and the auxiliary equipment. This makes it possible to create a module housing device 110 that improves battery performance.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the embodiments described above can be embodied in a variety of forms. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 cell 10-cell stack device 11-cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Bonding material 14 Support Member 15 Support 16 gas tanks 17 End current collector 18 Conductive members 100 modules 110 Module housing device

Claims

1. An element section having a first electrode and a second electrode, A support substrate having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction, supporting the first electrode side of the element portion, and having a first gas flow path inside that extends from the first end to the second end. Equipped with, The element portion has a concave outer surface on the side of the second electrode that is opposite to the first electrode, The first surface of the support substrate facing the element portion has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface, The support substrate is flexible to correspond to the curved surface of the first surface, The first electrode is provided on the first surface. cell.

2. The support substrate has a different composition from the first electrode. The cell according to claim 1.

3. The support substrate comprises metallic Ni and rare earth element oxides. The cell according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It has a cell stack in which multiple cells are arranged, At least one of the plurality of cells is a cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Cell stacking device.

5. Multiple cells are fixed at an angle to the direction of the cell arrangement. The cell stacking apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A cell stacking device according to claim 4 or 5, A storage container for housing the aforementioned cell stack device and A module equipped with the following features.

7. The module according to claim 6, Auxiliary equipment for operating the aforementioned module, An outer case housing the module and the auxiliary equipment A module housing device equipped with the following features.

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