Compression device

Abstract

The compression device comprises: a stacking body formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical units formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode; a pair of insulating plates arranged at both ends of the stacking body in a stacking direction; a pair of end plates arranged on the outer sides of each of the pair of insulating plates; and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode. By applying the voltage using the voltage applicator, protons taken out from an anode fluid supplied to the anode are moved toward the cathode to generate compressed hydrogen. A cathode gas flow path for circulating cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen is provided on at least one of the pair of end plates. A first region of the outer peripheral surface of the end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path, including the cathode gas flow path, is made of a first steel material. A second region of the end plate, which is different from the first region, is made of a second steel material. The first steel material has a higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second steel material, and the second steel material has a higher rigidity than the first steel material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to compression devices. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to environmental issues such as global warming and energy issues such as the depletion of oil resources, hydrogen has attracted much attention as a clean alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels. Even if hydrogen is burned, it basically releases only water, and does not emit carbon dioxide, which is the cause of global warming, and it also emits almost no nitrogen oxides, so it is expected to be used as a clean energy source. In addition, as a device that efficiently uses hydrogen as a fuel, there is a fuel cell, and its development and popularization for automobile power sources and household self-generation are being promoted.

[0003] For example, hydrogen used as fuel for fuel cell vehicles is generally stored in a hydrogen tank in the vehicle in a state of being compressed to a high pressure of several tens of MPa. Such high-pressure hydrogen is generally obtained by compressing low-pressure (normal pressure) hydrogen using a mechanical compressor.

[0004] In the upcoming hydrogen society, in addition to hydrogen production, it is also required to develop technologies that can store hydrogen at high density and transport or utilize it in a small volume and at low cost. In particular, the promotion of the popularization of fuel cells requires the establishment of a hydrogen supply infrastructure, and in order to stably supply hydrogen, various solutions have been proposed to produce, purify, and store high-purity hydrogen at high density.

[0005] Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, an electrochemical hydrogen pump is proposed for purifying and boosting the hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas by applying a desired voltage between an anode and a cathode arranged with an electrolyte membrane sandwiched therebetween. In addition, the stack of cathodes, electrolyte membranes, and anodes is referred to as a membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly). At this time, the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode may also be mixed with impurities. For example, the hydrogen-containing gas may also be incidentally generated hydrogen from an iron and steel factory, etc., or may be a reformed gas after reforming city gas.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a differential pressure water electrolysis device that uses an MEA to increase the pressure of low-pressure hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 3 proposes an electrochemical hydrogen pump in which the hydrogen compression efficiency can be improved by forming at least a part of the anode catalyst layer into a mixed layer with the anode gas diffusion layer.

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-117139

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6382886

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-163521 Summary of the invention

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide, as one example, a compression device capable of improving the properties of an end plate for holding a stack of stacked electrochemical cells from both sides compared to the related art.

[0015] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a stacking body formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical units formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between an anode and a cathode; a pair of insulating plates arranged at both ends of the stacking body in a stacking direction; a pair of end plates arranged on the outer sides of each of the pair of insulating plates; and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, wherein the voltage is applied by the voltage applicator so that protons extracted from an anode fluid supplied to the anode move toward the cathode to generate compressed hydrogen, and a cathode gas flow path for circulating a cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen is provided on at least one of the pair of end plates, a first region of the end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path including an outer peripheral surface of the cathode gas flow path is formed of a first steel material, and a second region of the end plate different from the first region is formed of a second steel material, the first steel material has a higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second steel material, and the second steel material has a higher rigidity than the first steel material.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] The compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can function as an end plate for holding a stack formed by stacking electrochemical cells from both sides, and can improve this effect compared to the past. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1A This is a diagram showing an example of the electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An enlarged view of part B.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Research has been conducted on improving the properties of end plates for holding a stack formed by stacking electrochemical cells from both sides, and the following findings have been obtained.

[0024] The electrochemical compression device has a stack formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical cells. Here, in each electrochemical cell, a pair of separators each clamps the anode and cathode of the electrochemical cell from the outside. In addition, the electrochemical cells and separators are alternately overlapped, and the electrochemical cells are stacked, for example, tens to hundreds of them, and the stack (stack) is clamped by a pair of end plates from both sides through a pair of insulating plates, and the two end plates are fastened by a plurality of fastening connectors (for example, bolts and nuts). This is a general stacking fastening connection structure.

[0025] Here, the pair of end plates (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as end plates) for holding the stack formed by stacking electrochemical cells from both sides need to be made of a highly rigid material. This is based on the following reasons.

[0026] During the operation of the compression device, there is high-pressure hydrogen of several tens of MPa (for example, about 40 MPa or about 80 MPa) at the cathode of the stack. At this time, if the rigidity of the end plate is insufficient, the end plate may be deformed in a bulging manner due to the pressure of the hydrogen present at the cathode. Therefore, when the elastic deformation of the components of the stack cannot follow such deformation, there is a situation where the contact resistance between these components increases due to the gaps generated between the components of the stack. As a result, there is a possibility that the hydrogen compression efficiency of the compression device decreases. Therefore, the end plate needs to be composed of a high-rigidity material that can make the components of the stack close together during the operation of the compression device.

[0027] In addition, the end plates for holding the stack of stacked electrochemical cells from both sides need to be made of a material with high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. This is for the following reasons.

[0028] During the operation of the compression device, hydrogen with a high pressure of several tens of MPa existing in the cathode of the stack is often discharged to the outside of the compression device through the cathode gas flow path provided in the end plate. Therefore, such an end plate needs to be made of a material that is not easily embrittled by hydrogen.

[0029] The inventors of the present disclosure have conducted intensive studies in view of the above-mentioned situation and have come up with the idea of ​​forming the end plate using two materials having different characteristics.

[0030] That is, the compression device of the first scheme of the present disclosure comprises: a stacking body formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical units formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode; a pair of insulating plates arranged at both ends of the stacking body in the stacking direction; a pair of end plates arranged on the outer sides of each of the pair of insulating plates; and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, and by applying the voltage using the voltage applicator, protons taken out from the anode fluid supplied to the anode are moved toward the cathode to generate compressed hydrogen, and a cathode gas flow path for circulating cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen is provided on at least one of the pair of end plates, and a first region of the outer peripheral surface of the end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path, including the cathode gas flow path, is composed of a first steel material, and a second region of the end plate, which is different from the first region, is composed of a second steel material, the first steel material has a higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second steel material, and the second steel material has a higher rigidity than the first steel material.

[0031] According to this structure, in the compression device of this aspect, the characteristics of the end plates for holding the stack formed by stacking the electrochemical cells from both sides can be improved compared with the related art.

[0032] Specifically, a cathode gas flow path for cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode is provided in the first region. Thus, the compression device of the present embodiment can be configured to prevent hydrogen embrittlement in the first region from occurring easily by using the first steel material having higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second region to constitute the first region. In addition, the compression device of the present embodiment can be configured to prevent deformation of the end plate including the first region and the second region from bulging outward as a whole due to the pressure of hydrogen present in the cathode CA by using the second steel material having higher rigidity than the first region to constitute the second region.

[0033] That is, the compression device of this embodiment can improve the characteristics of the end plate compared to the case where the end plate is formed of a single type of material.

[0034] The compression device of the second scheme of the present disclosure may be a compression device of the first scheme, wherein the end plate provided with a cathode gas flow path includes a first end plate provided with a cathode gas flow path and a second end plate provided on the outer side of the first end plate, wherein the first end plate is made of a first steel material and the second end plate is made of a second steel material.

[0035] According to this structure, a cathode gas flow path for the cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode is provided in the first end plate. Thus, the compression device of this scheme can be configured to be less likely to cause hydrogen embrittlement of the first end plate by using the first steel material having higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second end plate to constitute the first end plate. In addition, the compression device of this scheme can be configured to be less likely to cause deformation of the end plate including the first end plate and the second end plate to bulge outward as a whole due to the pressure of hydrogen present in the cathode CA by using the second steel material having higher rigidity than the first end plate to constitute the second end plate.

[0036] The compression device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the nickel equivalent of the first steel material satisfies 26.3 mass % or more.

[0037] Generally speaking, the higher the nickel equivalent value of the steel, the less likely it is to suffer from hydrogen embrittlement. Therefore, the compression device of this scheme can improve the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the first steel by selecting a material with a nickel equivalent of 26.3 mass% or more as the first steel, compared with the case of selecting a material with a nickel equivalent of less than 26.3 mass%.

[0038] In Japan, the High Pressure Gas Safety Law stipulates the materials that can be used for structures in the presence of high pressure hydrogen from the perspective of resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. That is, in the High Pressure Gas Safety Law "Explanation of Technical Standards for Compressed Hydrogen Stations, 2nd Edition", for example, the steel material used as a structure is limited to stainless steel materials such as SUS316L and SUH660.

[0039] Here, when SUS316L, which is more versatile and cheaper than SUH660, is used as the material of the end plate, the weight and size of the end plate will increase in order to increase the rigidity of the end plate. Therefore, in this case, there is a limit to increasing the rigidity of the end plate.

[0040] On the other hand, when SUH660, which is a special purpose steel, is used as the material of the end plate, there is a problem that the material cost of the end plate increases. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time to manufacture and process the end plate. In other words, since SUH660 is not generally circulated, it is difficult to manufacture and process the end plate in a short time.

[0041] Therefore, in the compression device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first steel material may include SUS316 or SUS316L.

[0042] According to this configuration, the compression device of this embodiment can improve the hydrogen embrittlement resistance while suppressing the cost increase of the end plate, by selecting SUS316 or SUS316L as the first steel material, compared with the case where SUH660 is selected.

[0043] The compression device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first steel material includes 4401-316-00-I or 4436-316-00-I, or 4404-316-03-I, 4432-316-03-I or 4436-316-91-I.

[0044] Here, SUS316 of Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) corresponds to 4401-316-00-I or 4436-316-00-I in International Standard (ISO) 15510. SUS316L of Japanese Industrial Standard corresponds to 4404-316-03-I, 4432-316-03-I or 4436-316-91-I in ISO 15510.

[0045] The compression device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first steel material includes 1.4401 or 1.4436, or 1.4404, 1.4432, or 1.4435.

[0046] Here, SUS316 of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) corresponds to 1.4401 or 1.4436 in the European Standard (EN), and SUS316L of the Japanese Industrial Standard corresponds to 1.4404, 1.4432, or 1.4435 in the European Standard.

[0047] The compression device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first steel material includes S31600 or S31603.

[0048] Here, SUS316 of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) corresponds to S31600 in the American Standard (UNS), and SUS316L of the Japanese Industrial Standard corresponds to S31603 in the American Standard.

[0049] The compression device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first steel material includes S31608 or S31603.

[0050] Here, SUS316 of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) corresponds to S31608 in the Chinese Standard (GB), and SUS316L of the Japanese Industrial Standard corresponds to S31603 in the Chinese Standard.

[0051] The compression device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second steel material includes chrome-molybdenum steel.

[0052] According to this structure, the compression device of this scheme can improve the rigidity while suppressing the cost increase of the end plate compared with the case of selecting SUS316L by selecting chromium-molybdenum steel as the second steel material, which has lower hydrogen embrittlement resistance than SUS316L but is cheaper and more rigid than SUS316L.

[0053] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all show an example of each of the above-mentioned schemes. Therefore, the shapes, materials, components, and the configuration positions and connection methods of the components shown below are only examples, and the above-mentioned schemes are not limited unless they are recorded in the claims. In addition, the components of the following components that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concepts of the above-mentioned schemes are described as arbitrary components. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, components marked with the same symbols are sometimes omitted. The accompanying drawings schematically show the components for easy understanding, and the shapes and size ratios are sometimes not accurately represented.

[0054] (First embodiment)

[0055] The anode fluid of the compression device may be any fluid that generates protons by an oxidation reaction in the anode, and various types of gases and liquids are conceivable.

[0056] For example, when the compression device is an electrochemical hydrogen pump, the anode fluid may be a hydrogen-containing gas. In this case, an oxidation reaction of hydrogen (H 2 ) in the hydrogen-containing gas proceeds in the anode catalyst layer.

[0057] For example, when the compression device is a water electrolysis device, liquid water can be cited as the anode fluid. In this case, an electrolysis reaction of water proceeds in the anode catalyst layer.

[0058] Therefore, in the following embodiment, the structure and operation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump as an example of a compression device when the anode fluid is a hydrogen-containing gas will be described.

[0059] [Device structure]

[0060] Figure 1A This is a diagram showing an example of the electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An enlarged view of part B.

[0061] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the illustrated example, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes a stacked body formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical cells 10 each formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane 21 between an anode AN and a cathode CA.

[0062] In addition, Figure 1A In the embodiment, three electrochemical cells 10 are stacked, but the number of electrochemical cells 10 is not limited thereto. That is, the number of electrochemical cells 10 can be set to an appropriate number based on operating conditions such as the amount of hydrogen compressed by the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 .

[0063] The electrochemical cell 10 includes an electrolyte membrane 21 , an anode AN, a cathode CA, a cathode separator 27 , an anode separator 26 , and an insulator 28 .

[0064] In the electrochemical cell 10 , an electrolyte membrane 21 , an anode catalyst layer 24 , a cathode catalyst layer 23 , an anode power supply 25 , a cathode power supply 22 , an anode separator 26 , and a cathode separator 27 are stacked.

[0065] The anode AN is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode AN is an electrode including an anode catalyst layer 24 and an anode power supply 25. In addition, an O-ring 45 is provided on the anode separator 26 so as to surround the anode catalyst layer 24 of the anode AN in a plan view. Thus, the anode AN is appropriately sealed by the O-ring 45.

[0066] The cathode CA is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode CA is an electrode including a cathode catalyst layer 23 and a cathode power supply 22. In addition, an O-ring 45 is provided on the cathode separator 27 so as to surround the cathode catalyst layer 23 of the cathode CA in a plan view. Thus, the cathode CA is appropriately sealed by the O-ring 45.

[0067] As described above, the electrolyte membrane 21 is sandwiched between the anode AN and the cathode CA so as to be in contact with the anode catalyst layer 24 and the cathode catalyst layer 23 .

[0068] The electrolyte membrane 21 is a polymer membrane having proton conductivity. The electrolyte membrane 21 may have any structure as long as it has proton conductivity.

[0069] For example, fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membranes and hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membranes can be cited as the electrolyte membrane 21, but are not limited thereto. Specifically, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), etc. can be used as the electrolyte membrane 21.

[0070] The anode catalyst layer 24 is provided so as to be in contact with one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode catalyst layer 24 contains platinum as a catalyst metal, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The cathode catalyst layer 23 is provided so as to be in contact with the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode catalyst layer 23 contains platinum as a catalyst metal, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Examples of catalyst supports for the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24 include carbon particles such as carbon black and graphite, and conductive oxide particles, but are not limited thereto.

[0073] In addition, fine particles of the catalyst metal are highly dispersed and supported on the catalyst carrier in the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24. In addition, in these cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24, a proton conductive ionomer component is generally added to increase the electrode reaction field.

[0074] The cathode power supply 22 is arranged on the cathode catalyst layer 23. In addition, the cathode power supply 22 is composed of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusion. Moreover, the cathode power supply 22 preferably has elasticity that suitably follows the displacement and deformation of the constituent components caused by the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is working. In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as the cathode power supply 22, a component composed of carbon fiber is used. For example, it can be a porous carbon fiber sheet such as carbon paper, carbon cloth, and carbon felt. In addition, as the substrate of the cathode power supply 22, a carbon fiber sheet may not be used. For example, as the substrate of the cathode power supply 22, a sintered body of metal fibers made of titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc., a sintered body of metal particles made of them, etc. may also be used.

[0075] The anode power supply 25 is disposed on the anode catalyst layer 24. In addition, the anode power supply 25 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusivity. Moreover, the anode power supply 25 is preferably a high rigidity capable of suppressing displacement and deformation of the constituent components caused by the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is operating.

[0076] Specifically, as the base material of the anode current supply body 25, for example, a fiber sintered body, a powder sintered body, an expanded metal, a metal mesh, a punched metal plate, etc. made of titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, carbon, etc. can be used.

[0077] The anode separator 26 is a member provided on the anode AN. The cathode separator 27 is a member provided on the cathode CA. Specifically, a recess is provided in the center of the anode separator 26, and the anode power supply body 25 is accommodated in the recess. In addition, a recess is provided in the center of the cathode separator 27, and the cathode power supply body 22 is accommodated in the recess.

[0078] The anode separator 26 and cathode separator 27 described above can be formed of metal sheets such as titanium or stainless steel. When the metal sheets are formed of stainless steel, SUS316L is excellent in properties such as acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance among various types of stainless steel.

[0079] like Figure 1AAs shown, the main surface of the cathode separator 27 in contact with the cathode power supply 22 is not provided with a cathode gas flow path but is formed by a flat surface. As a result, the contact area between the cathode power supply 22 and the cathode separator 27 can be increased compared to the case where the cathode gas flow path is provided on the main surface of the cathode separator 27. Thus, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 can reduce the contact resistance between the cathode power supply 22 and the cathode separator 27.

[0080] In contrast, a zigzag anode gas flow path 35 is provided on the main surface of the anode separator 26 in contact with the anode power supply body 25. The zigzag anode gas flow path 35 includes, for example, a plurality of U-shaped folded portions and a plurality of straight portions in a plan view. Figure 1A However, such anode gas flow path 35 is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the anode gas flow path may also be composed of a plurality of linear flow paths.

[0081] In addition, in each of the electrochemical cells 10 of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, an annular and flat insulator 28 is sandwiched between the cathode separator 27 and the anode separator 26 so as to surround the periphery of the electrolyte membrane 21. As a base material of the insulator 28, for example, fluororubber can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. Thus, a short circuit between the cathode separator 27 and the anode separator 26 in the electrochemical cell 10 can be appropriately prevented.

[0082] In addition, a heat medium flow path 60 is provided in a top view of the region where the adjacent cathode separator 27 and anode separator 26 are in contact. Here, the heat medium flow path 60 is composed of a flow path groove provided on the main surface of the cathode separator 27 on the anode separator 26 side, but is not limited to this. The heat medium flow path 60 may also be provided on the main surface of the anode separator 26. Thus, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is operating, the temperature of the electrochemical unit 10 can be appropriately adjusted by controlling the temperature and flow rate of the heat medium flowing in the heat medium flow path 60. As the heat medium, for example, liquid water, antifreeze, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited to them.

[0083] In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the adjacent cathode separator 27 and anode separator 26 described above may also be bipolar plates (bipolar plates) in which they are integrated. In this case, the bipolar plate (bipolar plate) functions as the anode separator 26 of one side of the adjacent electrochemical unit 10, and functions as the cathode separator 27 of the other side of the electrochemical unit 10. Thus, the number of components of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 can be reduced. For example, the number of separators can be reduced, and the sealing member provided between the separators can be eliminated. In addition, by integrating the anode separator 26 and the cathode separator 27, the gap between the joints disappears, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the two.

[0084] In this way, the electrochemical cell 10 is formed by sandwiching the above-mentioned MEA between the cathode separator 27 and the anode separator 26 .

[0085] like Figure 1A As shown, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes: a pair of power supply plates 11 and 12 arranged at both ends of the stacking direction of the stack formed by stacking electrochemical units 10, a pair of insulating plates 13 and 14 arranged on the outer sides of the power supply plates 11 and 12, respectively, a pair of first end plates 15A and 16A arranged on the outer sides of the insulating plates 13 and 14, respectively, and a pair of second end plates 15B and 16B arranged on the outer sides of the first end plates 15A and 16A, respectively.

[0086] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes the stack, power supply plates 11 and 12 , insulating plates 13 and 14 , first end plates 15A and 16A, and a fastener 17 for fastening and connecting the second end plates 15B and 16B in the stacking direction.

[0087] exist Figure 1A In the example shown, the first end plate 15A and the second end plate 15B are cathode end plates provided on the cathode separator 27 located at one end in the stacking direction of the components of the electrochemical cell 10, with the power supply plate 11 and the insulating plate 13 interposed therebetween. The first end plate 16A and the second end plate 16B are anode end plates provided on the anode separator 26 located at the other end in the stacking direction of the components of the electrochemical cell 10, with the power supply plate 12 and the insulating plate 14 interposed therebetween.

[0088] like Figure 1A As shown, the first end plate 15A is provided with a cathode gas flow path 40 through which cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA flows and an anode gas supply flow path 41 through which hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the outside to the anode AN flows. In addition, the first end plate 16A is provided with an anode gas discharge flow path 42 through which hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN flows and a cathode gas flow path through which cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA flows, although not shown in the figure.

[0089] However, the above-mentioned gas flow path structure in the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the cathode gas flow path for the cathode gas to flow may be provided only on one of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A. In addition, for example, the first end plate 15A may be provided with an anode gas discharge flow path for the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN to flow, and the first end plate 16A may be provided with an anode gas supply flow path for the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the outside to the anode AN to flow.

[0090] Here, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, considering the structure of the gas flow path of the above end plate, in the end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path, the first region including the outer peripheral surface of the cathode gas flow path is composed of a first steel material, and the second region different from the first region is composed of a second steel material, the first steel material has higher resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than the second steel material, and the second steel material has higher rigidity than the first steel material.

[0091] exist Figure 1A In the example shown, the first end plates 15A and 16A have higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second end plates 15B and 16B, respectively. The second end plates 15B and 16B have higher rigidity than the first end plates 15A and 16A, respectively.

[0092] Here, if Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cathode gas flow path 40 is not provided on the second end plate 15B but provided on the first end plate 15A, the first end plate 15A corresponds to “a first region including the outer peripheral surface 40S of the cathode gas flow path 40”. Figure 1A In the case of a through hole as shown, it refers to the hole surface constituting the through hole. In addition, the second end plate 15B corresponds to "a second region different from the first region".

[0093] In addition, examples of materials of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A will be described in the first embodiment. Examples of materials of the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B will be described in the second embodiment. In addition, other structural examples of the "first region" and the "second region" will be described in the third embodiment.

[0094] The fastener 17 may be of any structure as long as it can fasten and connect the stack formed by stacking the electrochemical cells 10, the power supply plates 11 and 12, the insulating plates 13 and 14, the first end plates 15A and 16A, and the second end plates 15B and 16B in the stacking direction. For example, bolts and nuts with coil springs can be used as the fastener 17.

[0095] Thus, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the plurality of electrochemical cells 10 are appropriately held in a stacked state in the stacking direction by the fastening pressure of the fastening connector 17. Thus, the sealing performance of the sealing member between the components of the electrochemical cell 10 is appropriately exerted, and the contact resistance between the components is reduced.

[0096] In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the bolts of the fastening connector 17 penetrate both the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A and the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B, and the plurality of electrochemical cells 10 are appropriately held in a stacked state in the above-mentioned stacking direction by the fastening connection pressure of the fastening connector 17, but this holding structure is an example and is not limited thereto. Other holding structures of the fastening connector 17 for the electrochemical cells 10 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0097] exist Figure 1A The first end plate 15A is provided with an anode gas introduction path 32. The anode gas introduction path 32 may be constituted by, for example, a pipe through which the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN flows.

[0098] The anode gas introduction path 32 communicates with the cylindrical anode gas introduction manifold 30 via the anode gas supply passage 41. The anode gas introduction manifold 30 is formed by connecting through holes provided in the respective members of the electrochemical unit 10.

[0099] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, in each electrochemical unit 10, a first communication path 32A for connecting the anode gas introduction manifold 30 with the anode gas flow path 35 is provided on the main surface of the anode separator 26 on the opposite side of the anode AN of the electrochemical unit 10. For example, the first communication path 32A may be composed of a flow path groove and a communication hole provided in the anode separator 26. The first communication path 32A extends between the end of one side of the meandering anode gas flow path 35 and the anode gas introduction manifold 30.

[0100] In this way, the anode gas introduction manifold 30 is connected to one end of the anode gas flow path 35 of each electrochemical unit 10 via each first connecting path 32A. Thus, the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the anode gas introduction path 32 to the anode gas introduction manifold 30 is distributed to each electrochemical unit 10 through the first connecting path 32A of each electrochemical unit 10. And, while the distributed hydrogen-containing gas passes through the anode gas flow path 35, the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from the anode power supply 25 to the anode catalyst layer 24.

[0101] exist Figure 1A The first end plate 16A is provided with an anode gas outlet passage 33. The anode gas outlet passage 33 may be constituted by, for example, a pipe through which the hydrogen-containing gas exhausted from the anode AN flows.

[0102] The anode gas outlet path 33 communicates with the cylindrical anode gas outlet manifold 31 via the anode gas discharge flow path 42. The anode gas outlet manifold 31 is formed by connecting through holes provided in the respective members of the electrochemical unit 10.

[0103] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, in each electrochemical unit 10, a second communication path 32B for connecting the anode gas outlet manifold 31 and the anode gas flow path 35 is provided on the main surface of the anode separator 26 on the opposite side of the anode AN of the electrochemical unit 10. For example, the second communication path 32B may be composed of a flow path groove and a communication hole provided in the anode separator 26. The second communication path 32B extends between the other end of the meandering anode gas flow path 35 and the anode gas outlet manifold 31.

[0104] In this way, the anode gas outlet manifold 31 and the other end of the anode gas flow path 35 of each electrochemical unit 10 are connected via each second connecting path 32B. Thus, the hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through the anode gas flow path 35 of each electrochemical unit 10 is supplied to the anode gas outlet manifold 31 through each second connecting path 32B, and merges there. And the merged hydrogen-containing gas is guided to the anode gas outlet path 33.

[0105] exist Figure 1A The first end plate 15A is provided with a cathode gas outlet path 34. The cathode gas outlet path 34 can be composed of, for example, a pipe for circulating cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA. In addition, as described above, although not shown in the figure, a cathode gas outlet path similar to the cathode gas outlet path 34 is also provided on the first end plate 16A.

[0106] The cathode gas outlet path 34 is connected to a cylindrical cathode gas outlet manifold (not shown) via the cathode gas flow path 40. The cathode gas outlet manifold is formed by connecting through holes provided in the respective members of the electrochemical unit 10.

[0107] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, in each electrochemical cell 10 , the cathode separator 27 is provided with a communication path (not shown) that connects the inside of the recess of the cathode separator 27 with the inside of the cathode gas outlet manifold.

[0108] Thus, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is operated, the cathode gas passes through the communication path, the cathode gas outlet manifold, and the cathode gas flow path 40 in sequence, and is discharged to the cathode gas outlet path 34 .

[0109] like Figure 1A As shown, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes a voltage applicator 50 .

[0110] The voltage applicator 50 is a device that applies a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA. Specifically, the high potential of the voltage applicator 50 is applied to the anode AN, and the low potential of the voltage applicator 50 is applied to the cathode CA. The voltage applicator 50 may have any structure as long as it can apply a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA. For example, the voltage applicator 50 may be a device that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA. At this time, the voltage applicator 50 has a DC / DC converter when connected to a DC power source such as a battery, a solar cell, or a fuel cell, and has an AC / DC converter when connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power supply.

[0111] The voltage applicator 50 may be, for example, a voltage-type power source that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA so that the voltage supplied to the electrochemical cell 10 becomes a predetermined set value.

[0112] In addition, Figure 1A In the example shown, the terminal on the low potential side of the voltage applicator 50 is connected to the power supply plate 11, and the terminal on the high potential side of the voltage applicator 50 is connected to the power supply plate 12. The power supply plate 11 is in electrical contact with the cathode separator 27 located at one end in the above-mentioned stacking direction, and the power supply plate 12 is in electrical contact with the anode separator 26 located at the other end in the above-mentioned stacking direction.

[0113] In this way, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 applies the voltage using the voltage applicator 50 to move protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN to the cathode CA via the electrolyte membrane 21 , thereby generating hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA.

[0114] Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to construct a hydrogen supply system including the above-mentioned electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. In this case, the equipment required for the hydrogen supply operation of the hydrogen supply system is appropriately provided.

[0115] For example, the hydrogen supply system may be provided with a dew point adjuster (e.g., a humidifier) ​​for adjusting the dew point of a mixed gas obtained by mixing a highly humidified hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN and a low humidified hydrogen-containing gas supplied from an external hydrogen supply source. In addition, the external hydrogen supply source may be, for example, a water electrolysis device, a reformer, a hydrogen tank, etc.

[0116] In addition, the hydrogen supply system may be provided with, for example, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 , a hydrogen tank for temporarily storing hydrogen discharged from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 , a pressure detector for detecting the hydrogen gas pressure in the hydrogen tank, and the like.

[0117] In addition, the structure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and the various devices not shown in the figure in the hydrogen supply system are illustrative and are not limited to this example. For example, a dead end structure may be adopted in which the hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN through the anode gas inlet manifold 30 is compressed at the cathode CA without providing the anode gas outlet manifold 31.

[0118] [Work]

[0119] Hereinafter, an example of the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0120] The following operations can be performed, for example, by reading a control program from a storage circuit of the controller by an arithmetic circuit of the controller (not shown). However, it is not necessarily necessary for the controller to perform the following operations. The operator may also perform part of the operations.

[0121] First, the low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas flowing in the anode gas inlet path 32 is supplied to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 through the anode gas supply flow path 41, the anode gas inlet manifold 30, and the first connecting path 32A, and the voltage of the voltage applicator 50 is supplied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. In addition, the hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through the anode AN is discharged to the anode gas outlet path 33 through the second connecting path 32B, the anode gas outlet manifold 31, and the anode gas outlet flow path 42.

[0122] Then, in the anode catalyst layer 24 of the anode AN, hydrogen molecules are separated into protons and electrons by oxidation reaction (Formula (1)). The protons are conducted in the electrolyte membrane 21 and move to the cathode catalyst layer 23. The electrons move to the cathode catalyst layer 23 through the voltage applicator 50.

[0123] Then, in the cathode catalyst layer 23, hydrogen molecules are generated again by a reduction reaction (Formula (2)). It is known that when protons are conducted in the electrolyte membrane 21, a predetermined amount of water moves from the anode AN to the cathode CA as electroosmotic water together with the protons.

[0124] At this time, by using a flow regulator (not shown) to increase the pressure loss of the cathode gas outlet path 34 provided on the first end plate 15A, the hydrogen (H2) generated by the cathode CA can be compressed. In addition, as a flow regulator, for example, a back pressure valve or a regulating valve provided on the cathode gas outlet path 34 can be cited.

[0125] Anode: H2 (low pressure) → 2H + +2e - …(1)

[0126] Cathode: 2H + +2e -→H2 (high pressure)…(2)

[0127] In this way, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, by applying voltage using the voltage applicator 50, protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN are moved to the cathode CA to generate hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA. Thus, the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is performed, including the cathode gas of the hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA passing through the communication path, the cathode gas outlet manifold and the cathode gas flow path 40, and then being temporarily stored in the hydrogen storage device through the cathode gas outlet path 34. In addition, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device is supplied to the hydrogen demander in a timely manner. In addition, as a hydrogen demander, for example, a fuel cell that uses hydrogen to generate electricity can be cited.

[0128] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the cathode end plate and the anode end plate for holding the stack formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical cells 10 from both sides can be improved compared to the related art.

[0129] Specifically, the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A are provided with a cathode gas flow path for the cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA to flow. Thus, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can be configured to prevent hydrogen embrittlement of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A from occurring easily by using a material having higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B. In addition, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can be configured to prevent the entire end plate including the first end plate and the second end plate from bulging outwards due to the pressure of hydrogen present in the cathode CA by using a material having higher rigidity than the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A to be configured. Furthermore, since the cathode gas flow path through which the cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA flows is not provided in the second end plates 15B and 16B, a material having lower hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the first end plates 15A and 16A can be used.

[0130] That is, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can improve the characteristics of the cathode end plate and the anode end plate, compared with a case where the cathode end plate and the anode end plate are formed of a single type of material.

[0131] (First embodiment)

[0132] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first example is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except for the materials of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A described below.

[0133] Among various types of stainless steel, SUS316 and SUS316L have high characteristics in terms of acid resistance, hydrogen embrittlement resistance, etc. Therefore, the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A preferably include SUS316 or SUS316L.

[0134] In addition, generally speaking, the higher the nickel equivalent value of the steel material, the less likely the steel material will be hydrogen embrittled. In other words, the usable range of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A in the hydrogen environment is expanded as the nickel equivalent increases. Therefore, the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A preferably have a nickel equivalent of 26.3 mass % or more.

[0135] Here, the nickel equivalent of the material can be calculated by the following formula (3).

[0136] Nickel equivalent (mass %) = 12.6 × C + 0.35 × Si + 1.05 × Mn + Ni + 0.65 × Cr + 0.98 × Mo (3)

[0137] In formula (3), C represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of carbon, Si represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of silicon, Mn represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of manganese, Ni represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of nickel, Cr represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of chromium, and Mo represents the value (%) of the mass fraction of molybdenum.

[0138] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment selects a material with a nickel equivalent of 26.3 mass % or more as the material of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A, thereby improving the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A compared to the case of selecting a material with a nickel equivalent of less than 26.3 mass %.

[0139] Furthermore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment can improve hydrogen embrittlement resistance while suppressing cost increases of the first end plates 15A and 16A, by selecting SUS316 or SUS316L as the material of the first end plates 15A and 16A, compared with the case of selecting SUH660.

[0140] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

[0141] (Second embodiment)

[0142] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the second embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except for the materials of the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B described below.

[0143] Since the cathode gas flow path through which the cathode gas including hydrogen compressed by the cathode CA flows is not provided in the second end plates 15B and 16B, the material of the second end plates 15B and 16B is preferably chromium-molybdenum steel.

[0144] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment selects chromium-molybdenum steel, which has lower hydrogen embrittlement resistance than SUS316L but is cheaper and more rigid than SUS316L, as the material of the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B. Compared with the case where SUS316L is selected, it is possible to improve the rigidity while suppressing the increase in cost of the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B.

[0145] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment or the first example of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

[0146] (Second embodiment)

[0147] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the second embodiment.

[0148] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment is configured such that the bolts for fastening the connector 17 penetrate both the first end plate 15A and the first end plate 16A and the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B. However, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is configured such that Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bolt is configured to penetrate only the second end plate 15B and the second end plate 16B.

[0149] That is, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the outer shapes of the first end plates 115A and 116A are smaller than the outer shapes of the second end plates 15B and 16B so as not to collide with the bolts of the fastening connector 17 .

[0150] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the first end plate 115A and the first end plate 116A by miniaturizing the first end plate 115A and the first end plate 116A. In addition, by miniaturizing the first end plate 115A and the first end plate 116A, the heat capacity of the stacked structure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 becomes smaller, so the energy required for heating and maintaining the temperature of the stacked structure can be reduced. This means that when the temperature of the stacked structure needs to be raised when starting, the start-up time of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 can be shortened.

[0151] Furthermore, if the rigidity of the first end plates 115A and 116A decreases due to the miniaturization of the first end plates 115A and 116A, for example, the problem can be solved by increasing the thickness of the second end plates 15B and 16B, which have higher rigidity than the first end plates 115A and 116A. In this case, for example, by using inexpensive chrome-molybdenum steel as the material of the second end plates 15B and 16B, the increase in the material cost of the second end plates 15B and 16B can be suppressed.

[0152] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment and any of the first and second examples of the first embodiment, except for the above-described features.

[0153] (Third embodiment)

[0154] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to a third embodiment.

[0155] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except for the structure of the end plate described below.

[0156] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the first portion 215A of the end plate 215 is composed of an annular body that surrounds the cathode CA of the electrochemical unit 10 in a plan view and abuts against the insulating plate 13. The second portion 215B of the end plate 215 includes: a flat plate portion that abuts against the first portion 215A in a manner that covers the first portion 215A from the outside in a plan view, and a protrusion that is assembled in the opening in a manner that blocks the opening of the first portion 215A and abuts against the insulating plate 13. In other words, the end plate 215 is formed into a flat plate shape by combining the first portion 215A and the second portion 215B. And, as Figure 3 As shown, the bolts for fastening the connector 17 penetrate through the portion where the first portion 215A and the second portion 215B are stacked.

[0157] The first portion 216A of the end plate 216 is composed of an annular body that surrounds the anode AN of the electrochemical unit 10 in a plan view and abuts against the insulating plate 14. The second portion 216B of the end plate 216 includes a flat plate portion that abuts against the first portion 216A in a manner that covers the first portion 216A from the outside in a plan view, and a protrusion that is assembled in the opening in a manner that blocks the opening of the first portion 216A and abuts against the insulating plate 14. That is, the end plate 216 is formed into a flat plate shape by combining the first portion 216A and the second portion 216B. And, as Figure 3 As shown, the bolts for fastening the connector 17 penetrate through the portion where the first portion 216A and the second portion 216B are stacked.

[0158] Furthermore, the first portion 215A of the end plate 215 and the first portion 216A of the end plate 216 are respectively more resistant to hydrogen embrittlement than the second portion 215B of the end plate 215 and the second portion 216B of the end plate 216. The second portion 215B of the end plate 215 and the second portion 216B of the end plate 216 are respectively more rigid than the first portion 215A of the end plate 215 and the first portion 216A of the end plate 216.

[0159] Here, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cathode gas flow path 40 is not provided in the second portion 215B of the end plate 215 but is provided in the first portion 215A of the end plate 215, the first portion 215A of the end plate 215 corresponds to “a first region including the outer peripheral surface 40S of the cathode gas flow path 40”. Figure 3 In the case of a through hole as shown, it refers to the hole surface constituting the through hole. In addition, the second portion 215B of the end plate 215 corresponds to a "second region different from the first region".

[0160] In the end plate 215, the first portion 215A and the second portion 215B are not joined, but may be joined and integrally formed by welding, diffusion bonding, etc. Similarly, in the end plate 216, the first portion 216A and the second portion 216B are not joined, but may be joined and integrally formed by welding, diffusion bonding, etc.

[0161] The effects of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 according to the present embodiment can be easily understood by referring to the effects of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, except for the above-described features.

[0163] Furthermore, the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment may be combined with each other as long as they do not exclude each other.

[0164] In addition, based on the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure are obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted only as an example, and is provided for the purpose of teaching the best solution for implementing the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the end plate of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 can also be applied to other compression devices such as water electrolysis devices.

[0165] Industrial Applicability

[0166] One aspect of the present disclosure can be used in a compression device that can improve the properties of an end plate for holding a stack formed by stacking electrochemical cells from both sides compared to conventional devices.

[0167] Description of symbols

[0168] 10: Electrochemical unit

[0169] 11: Power supply board

[0170] 12: Power supply board

[0171] 13: Insulation board

[0172] 14: Insulation board

[0173] 15A: 1st end plate

[0174] 15B: 2nd end plate

[0175] 16A: 1st end plate

[0176] 16B: 2nd end plate

[0177] 17: Fasten the connector

[0178] 21: Electrolyte membrane

[0179] 22: Cathode power supply

[0180] 23: Cathode catalyst layer

[0181] 24: Anode catalyst layer

[0182] 25: Anode power supply

[0183] 26: Anode separator

[0184] 27: Cathode separator

[0185] 28: Insulator

[0186] 30: Anode gas inlet manifold

[0187] 31: Anode gas outlet manifold

[0188] 32: Anode gas introduction path

[0189] 32A: 1st Link Road

[0190] 32B: Second Link Road

[0191] 33: Anode gas export path

[0192] 34: Cathode gas export path

[0193] 35: Anode gas flow path

[0194] 40: Cathode gas flow path

[0195] 40S: Outer surface

[0196] 41: Anode gas supply flow path

[0197] 42: Anode gas discharge flow path

[0198] 45: O-ring

[0199] 50: Voltage applicator

[0200] 60: Heat medium flow path

[0201] 100: Electrochemical hydrogen pump

[0202] 115A: 1st end plate

[0203] 116A: 1st end plate

[0204] 215: End plate

[0205] 215A: Part 1

[0206] 215B: Part 2

[0207] 216: End plate

[0208] 216A: Part 1

[0209] 216B: Part 2

[0210] AN: Anode

[0211] CA: cathode

Claims

1. A compression device comprising: A stack is formed by stacking a plurality of electrochemical units formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode; A pair of insulating plates, arranged at both ends of the stack in the stacking direction; a pair of end plates disposed on respective outer sides of the pair of insulating plates; and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, By applying a voltage using the voltage applicator, protons extracted from the anode fluid supplied to the anode are moved to the cathode to generate compressed hydrogen, characterized in that: A cathode gas flow path through which cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows is provided on at least one of the pair of end plates. A first region of the end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path including the outer peripheral surface of the cathode gas flow path is made of a first steel material, and a second region of the end plate different from the first region is made of a second steel material. The first steel material has higher hydrogen embrittlement resistance than the second steel material, and the second steel material has higher rigidity than the first steel material.

2. The compression device according to claim 1, characterized in that The end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path includes a first end plate provided with the cathode gas flow path and a second end plate provided outside the first end plate, wherein the first end plate is made of the first steel material and the second end plate is made of the second steel material.

3. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The nickel equivalent of the first steel material satisfies 26.3 mass % or more.

4. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first steel material includes SUS316 or SUS316L in Japanese Industrial Standard.

5. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first steel material includes 4401-316-00-I or 4436-316-00-I, or 4404-316-03-I, 4432-316-03-I or 4436-316-91-I in International Standard 15510.

6. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first steel material includes 1.4401 or 1.4436, or 1.4404, 1.4432 or 1.4435 in the European standard.

7. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first steel material includes S31600 or S31603 in the US standard.

8. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first steel material includes S31608 or S31603 in the Chinese standard.

9. The compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second steel material includes chromium-molybdenum steel.

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