Compression device

Abstract

The compression device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator provided on the anode, a cathode separator provided on the cathode, and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode. By applying a voltage with the voltage applicator, protons taken out from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, generating compressed hydrogen. The anode separator has a first flow path on the main surface opposite to the anode for the cooling fluid to flow through.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, due to environmental problems such as global warming and energy problems such as depletion of oil resources, hydrogen has attracted attention as a clean alternative energy to fossil fuels. Hydrogen basically produces only water even when burned, does not emit carbon dioxide that causes global warming, and hardly emits nitrogen oxides or the like, and thus is highly expected as a clean energy. In addition, as a device for efficiently using hydrogen as a fuel, there is a fuel cell, and development and popularization are underway for automotive power sources and home power generation.

[0003] For example, hydrogen used as fuel for a fuel cell vehicle is generally stored in a hydrogen tank in the vehicle in a high-pressure state compressed to several tens of MPa. Moreover, such high-pressure hydrogen is generally obtained by compressing low-pressure (atmospheric pressure) hydrogen with a mechanical compression device.

[0004] However, in the upcoming hydrogen society, in addition to manufacturing hydrogen, technologies for storing hydrogen at high density, transporting or using hydrogen in a small volume and at low cost are also required. In particular, in order to promote the popularization of fuel cells, it is necessary to improve the hydrogen supply infrastructure, and various schemes for manufacturing, refining, and storing high-purity hydrogen at high density have been proposed in order to stably supply hydrogen.

[0005] Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, an electrochemical hydrogen pump is proposed, which refines and boosts hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas by applying a desired voltage between an anode and a cathode disposed with an electrolyte membrane therebetween. In addition, a laminate of a cathode, an electrolyte membrane, and an anode is referred to as a membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly). At this time, impurities may also be mixed in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode. For example, the hydrogen-containing gas may be by-produced hydrogen from an ironworks or the like, or may be a reformed gas obtained by reforming town gas.

[0006] In addition, for example, in Patent Document 2, a differential-pressure type water electrolysis device is proposed, which uses an MEA to boost the low-pressure hydrogen generated by water electrolysis.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-117139

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6129809 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] As an example, the subject of the present disclosure is to provide a compression device that can more appropriately arrange the flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining a compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows than in the past.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] To solve the above problem, a compression device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an electrolyte membrane; an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane; an anode separator provided on the anode; a cathode separator provided on the cathode; and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode. The compression device applies a voltage through the voltage applicator to cause protons extracted from a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, generating compressed hydrogen. The anode separator has a first flow path for a cooling fluid provided on the main surface on the side opposite to the anode.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] A compression device according to an aspect of the present disclosure can achieve the following effects: It can more appropriately arrange the flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining a compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows than in the past. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. shows Figure 1 an example of a bipolar plate and a hydrogen pump unit.

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. shows Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of a bipolar plate.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. is a view of a bipolar plate as viewed from above Figure 2 of.

[0020] Figure 5 FIG. is a view showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on an anode separator of an electrochemical hydrogen pump in a first embodiment of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 FIG. is a view showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on an anode separator of an electrochemical hydrogen pump in a second embodiment of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7This is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the third embodiment of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a communication path provided on the cathode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in a modified example of the embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0024] In an electrochemical compression device based on a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (hereinafter referred to as an electrolyte membrane), protons (H + ) taken out from the anode fluid supplied to the anode move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, and compressed hydrogen gas (H2) at a high pressure (for example, about several tens of MPa) is generated at the cathode. At this time, in the cell (compression unit) of the compression device, under predetermined temperature conditions and humidification conditions, the proton conductivity of the electrolyte membrane increases, and the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression unit increases. Therefore, a flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining the temperature of the compression unit at an appropriate temperature usually flows is provided in the compression unit.

[0025] However, in the above compression unit, since the compressed hydrogen gas in the cathode becomes a high pressure, when a flow path for the cooling fluid to flow is provided in the compression unit, it is necessary to study the pressure-resistant design of each component constituting the compression unit and the cost of the components, etc.

[0026] That is, the compression device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: an electrolyte membrane; an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane; an anode separator provided on the anode; a cathode separator provided on the cathode; and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode. The compression device applies a voltage through the voltage applicator to cause protons taken out from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, generating compressed hydrogen gas. The anode separator has a first flow path for the cooling fluid to flow on the main surface on the side opposite to the anode.

[0027] According to this structure, the compression device according to this aspect can more appropriately arrange the first flow path through which the cooling fluid for maintaining the compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows than in the past.

[0028] Specifically, the compression device according to this aspect arranges the first flow path for the cooling fluid to flow on the main surface of the anode separator on the side opposite to the anode, so that it is not necessary to arrange a dedicated plate provided with the first flow path. Therefore, the compression device according to this aspect can reduce the device cost compared with the case of arranging such a dedicated plate.

[0029] In addition, when the first flow path is provided on the main surface of the cathode separator on the side opposite to the cathode, it is necessary to provide a recess for the first flow path on the cathode separator. However, in the region where the recess is provided, the thickness of the cathode separator becomes thinner. On the other hand, since the main surface on the cathode side of the cathode separator is exposed to high-pressure compressed hydrogen, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the above-mentioned region of the cathode separator. For example, increasing the overall thickness of the cathode separator can increase the rigidity of the above-mentioned region, but this will lead to an increase in the size and cost of the device.

[0030] In contrast, the main surface on the anode side of the anode separator is only exposed to the low-pressure anode fluid. Thus, the compression device according to this aspect of the technology can alleviate the above-mentioned adverse conditions by providing the above-mentioned first flow path on the main surface of the anode separator on the side opposite to the anode.

[0031] The compression device according to the second aspect of the present invention can be configured, based on the compression device according to the first aspect of the present invention, such that the anode separator is provided with a first manifold through which the cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows and a first communication path that guides the cathode gas to the first manifold on the main surface on the side opposite to the anode.

[0032] According to this structure, the compression device according to this aspect of the technology can appropriately supply the high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode on the cathode separator to the first manifold of the anode separator through the first communication path of the anode separator.

[0033] The compression device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to the first aspect of the present invention, such that the cathode separator is provided with a second manifold through which the cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows and a second communication path that guides the cathode gas to the second manifold on the main surface on the side opposite to the cathode side.

[0034] According to this structure, the compression device according to this aspect of the technology can appropriately supply the high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode on the cathode separator to the second manifold of the cathode separator through the second communication path of the cathode separator.

[0035] The compression device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to the second aspect of the present invention, such that the first flow path is configured to surround a part of the first communication path, and the part includes the upstream end of the first communication path.

[0036] In order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the cooling fluid, it is preferable to uniformly arrange the first flow path in the electrode facing portion of the anode separator, but it is necessary that the first communication path and the first flow path do not interfere. In particular, since the high-pressure cathode gas flows in the first communication path, it is preferable to arrange the two such that the first communication path and the first flow path do not get too close.

[0037] Therefore, assuming that the first flow path is not provided in the anode separator in such a manner as to surround a part of the first communication path (hereinafter referred to as a part of the first communication path) including the upstream end of the first communication path, temperature unevenness may occur in a part of the MEA close to the part of the first communication path. As a result, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device may be reduced.

[0038] Therefore, as described above, in the compression device according to the present technical solution, in the anode separator, the first flow path is arranged so as to surround a part of the first communication path. Thus, compared with the case where the first flow path does not surround a part of the first communication path, the compression device according to the present technical solution can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA.

[0039] The compression device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured, based on the compression device according to the third aspect, such that the first flow path is configured to surround a part of the region of the main surface of the anode separator on the side opposite to the anode, which is opposite to the second communication path, and the part includes an end portion opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path.

[0040] In order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the cooling fluid, it is preferable to uniformly arrange the first flow path in the electrode facing portion of the anode separator, but it is necessary that the second communication path and the first flow path do not interfere with each other. In particular, since the high-pressure cathode gas flows in the second communication path, it is preferable to arrange the two such that the second communication path and the first flow path do not get too close to each other.

[0041] Therefore, assuming that the first flow path is not arranged in the anode separator in such a manner as to surround a part of the region of the main surface of the anode separator on the side opposite to the anode, which is opposite to the second communication path, and includes an end portion opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path (hereinafter referred to as a part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path), temperature unevenness may occur in a part of the MEA close to the part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path. As a result, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device may be reduced.

[0042] Therefore, as described above, in the compression device according to the present technical solution, in the anode separator, the first flow path is arranged so as to surround a part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path. Thus, compared with the case where the first flow path does not surround a part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path, the compression device according to the present technical solution can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA.

[0043] The compression device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured, based on the compression device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, such that the first flow path has a serpentine flow path, which is configured to surround the above-mentioned part by two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude included in the serpentine flow path.

[0044] According to this structure, in the compression device according to the present technical solution, a part of the first communication path or a part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path is surrounded by two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes contained in the serpentine flow path and a flow path with a small amplitude located between them. Compared with the case where the serpentine flow path does not surround the above-mentioned part, the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed.

[0045] The compression device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, that the first flow path has a first straight flow path, which is configured to surround the above-mentioned part through a bypass path provided in the first straight flow path to bypass the above-mentioned part.

[0046] According to this structure, in the compression device according to the present technical solution, a part of the first communication path or a part of the region opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path is surrounded by the bypass path. Compared with the case where the bypass path does not surround the above-mentioned part, the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed.

[0047] The compression device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to the seventh aspect, that the distance between the first straight flow path and the second straight flow path adjacent to it inside is greater than the distance between the second straight flow path and the third straight flow path adjacent to it inside.

[0048] According to this structure, compared with the case where the distances between the flow paths are made uniform, the compression device according to the present technical solution can further expand the cooling region, and thus can further suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA.

[0049] The compression device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to the seventh aspect, that the upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass path are convex outward.

[0050] According to this structure, compared with the case where the upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass path are not convex outward, the compression device according to the present technical solution can further suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA.

[0051] The compression device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure can be configured, based on the compression device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, that the anode separator has a second flow path for the hydrogen-containing gas to flow on the main surface on the anode side, the flow path width of the first flow path is equal to the flow path width of the second flow path, and the flow path depth of the first flow path is equal to the flow path depth of the second flow path.

[0052] According to this structure, for the compression device involved in this technical solution, by setting the flow path width and flow path depth of the first flow path and the second flow path to be equal, the manufacturing cost of the anode separator can be reduced.

[0053] For example, for each of the two main surfaces of the anode separator, the first flow path and the second flow path can be respectively processed using the same processing device under the same processing conditions. For example, in the case of forming the first flow path and the second flow path by an etching method, if the first flow path and the second flow path have the same shape, the two main surfaces of the anode separator can be processed in a single etching device under the same etching conditions.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all examples of the above technical solutions. Therefore, the shapes, materials, constituent elements, and the arrangement positions and connection manners of the constituent elements shown below are only examples, and do not limit the above technical solutions as long as they are not described in the claims. In addition, among the following constituent elements, the constituent elements not described in the independent claims representing the most general concepts of the above technical solutions are described as optional constituent elements. In addition, in the drawings, sometimes the description of parts with the same reference numerals is omitted. For ease of understanding, each constituent element is schematically shown in the drawings, and sometimes the shape and dimensional ratio are not accurately represented.

[0055] (Embodiment)

[0056] The anode fluid of the above compression device is assumed to be various gases and liquids. For example, in the case where the compression device is an electrochemical hydrogen pump, a hydrogen-containing gas can be cited as the anode fluid. In addition, for example, in the case where the compression device is a water electrolysis device, liquid water can be cited as the anode fluid.

[0057] Therefore, in the following embodiments, in the case where the anode fluid is a hydrogen-containing gas, as an example of the compression device having the above compression unit, the structure and operation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump having a hydrogen pump unit will be described.

[0058] [Device Structure]

[0059] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of the embodiment.

[0060] As Figure 1 shown, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes a stack 100A (stack; stack) in which a plurality of hydrogen pump units 10 (refer to Figure 2 ) are stacked and a voltage applicator 102.

[0061] Here, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the plate acting as the anode separator and the plate acting as the cathode separator are integrated. Specifically, the bipolar plate 29 (refer to Figure 2 ) includes a plate acting as the cathode separator for one of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10 and a plate acting as the anode separator for the other of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10.

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the respective hydrogen pump units 10 are stacked, and the stack 100A (stack) is clamped from both sides by a pair of power supply plates 11, 12 and a pair of insulating plates 13, 14 with a pair of end plates 15, 16, and the two end plates 15, 16 are fastened with a plurality of fasteners 17, which is a general stacking and fastening structure.

[0063] Here, in order to supply an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas to each hydrogen pump unit 10 from the outside, in each anode separator, a groove-shaped flow path needs to be branched from an appropriate pipe, and these flow paths are connected to one end of the gas flow path provided on the electrode facing portion of each anode separator. Such a pipe is called an anode gas introduction manifold, and the anode gas introduction manifold is formed, for example, by connecting through holes provided at appropriate positions of the respective components of the stack 100A. And, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100, the hydrogen-containing gas flowing into the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 is distributed to each hydrogen pump unit 10 through the anode gas introduction manifold, whereby the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from the anode gas introduction manifold to the anode of the hydrogen pump unit 10. In addition, in order to discharge the remaining hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through the hydrogen pump unit 10 from each hydrogen pump unit 10 to the outside, in each anode separator, a groove-shaped flow path needs to be branched from an appropriate pipe, and these flow paths are connected to the other end of the gas flow path provided on the electrode facing portion of each anode separator. Such a pipe is called an anode gas discharge manifold, and the anode gas discharge manifold is formed, for example, by connecting through holes provided at appropriate positions of the respective components of the stack 100A. And, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100, the hydrogen-containing gas passing through each hydrogen pump unit 10 merges in the anode gas discharge manifold, whereby the hydrogen-containing gas is discharged from the anode gas discharge manifold to the outside of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0064] In addition, in order to discharge the cathode gas containing high-pressure compressed hydrogen from the respective cathodes of the cathode separators to the outside, it is necessary to configure an appropriate pipe to be connected to an appropriate communication path in each cathode separator. Such a pipe is called a cathode discharge manifold, and the cathode discharge manifold is formed by connecting through holes provided at appropriate positions of the respective components of the stack 100A.

[0065] In addition, in order to supply an appropriate amount and appropriately - temperatured cooling fluid (e.g., cooling water) to each hydrogen pump unit 10 from the outside, in each anode separator, a groove - shaped flow path needs to be branched from an appropriate pipeline, and these flow paths are connected to one end of the cooling - fluid flow path provided on each electrode - facing part of the anode separator. Such a pipeline is called a cooling - fluid inlet manifold, and this cooling - fluid inlet manifold is constituted, for example, by the connection of through - holes provided at appropriate positions of respective constituent members of the laminate 100A. Moreover, in the electro - chemical hydrogen pump 100, the cooling fluid flowing into the electro - chemical hydrogen pump 100 is distributed to each hydrogen pump unit 10 through the cooling - fluid inlet manifold. Thus, the cooling fluid is supplied from the cooling - fluid inlet manifold to the hydrogen pump unit 10. In addition, in order to discharge the cooling fluid that has passed through the hydrogen pump unit 10 from each hydrogen pump unit 10 to the outside, in each anode separator, a groove - shaped flow path needs to be branched from an appropriate pipeline, and these flow paths are connected to the other end of the cooling - fluid flow path provided on each electrode - facing part of the anode separator. Such a pipeline is called a cooling - fluid outlet manifold, and this cooling - fluid outlet manifold is constituted, for example, by the connection of through - holes provided at appropriate positions of respective constituent members of the laminate 100A. Moreover, in the electro - chemical hydrogen pump 100, the cooling fluid passing through each hydrogen pump unit 10 merges in the cooling - fluid outlet manifold. Thus, the cooling fluid is discharged from the cooling - fluid outlet manifold to the outside of the electro - chemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0066] In addition, the detailed structures of the above - mentioned bipolar plate 29, hydrogen pump unit 10, and each manifold will be described later.

[0067] The voltage applicator 102 is a device that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode of the hydrogen pump unit 10. Specifically, the high potential of the voltage applicator 102 is applied to the anode, and the low potential of the voltage applicator 102 is applied to the cathode. The voltage application part 102 can have any structure as long as it can apply a voltage between the anode and the cathode. For example, the voltage applicator 102 can be a device that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode. At this time, the voltage applicator 102 is equipped with a DC / DC converter when connected to a DC power source such as a battery, a solar cell, or a fuel cell, and is equipped with an AC / DC converter when connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power supply.

[0068] In addition, the voltage applicator 102 can also be, for example, a power - type power supply that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode and the current flowing between the anode and the cathode so that the power supplied to the hydrogen pump unit 10 becomes a predetermined set value.

[0069] In addition, in Figure 1In the example shown, the terminal on the low-potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the power supply plate 11, and the terminal on the high-potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the power supply plate 12. The power supply plate 11 is in electrical contact with the cathode separator located at one end in the above-described stacking direction, and the power supply plate 12 is in electrical contact with the anode separator located at the other end in the above-described stacking direction.

[0070] In this way, the electrochemically hydrogen pump 100 applies the above voltage through the voltage applicator 102, causing protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, and compressed hydrogen is generated at the cathode.

[0071] <Structure of bipolar plate and hydrogen pump unit>

[0072] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 a diagram of an example of a bipolar plate and a hydrogen pump unit.

[0073] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 a perspective exploded view of the bipolar plate. Specifically, it shows a diagram of a pair of components constituting the bipolar plate 29 as viewed obliquely from the A-A section of Figure 2 and a diagram of integrating the two. In addition, in Figure 3 for ease of explanation, a diagram with the MEA and O-rings omitted is shown.

[0074] Figure 4 It is a diagram of the bipolar plate as viewed from above Figure 2 Specifically, it shows a diagram of the components constituting the bipolar plate 29 as viewed from above from the B-B section of Figure 2

[0075] As described above, the bipolar plate 29 includes a plate that functions as an anode separator for one of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10 and a plate that functions as a cathode separator for the other of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10. In Figure 2 the example shown, in each hydrogen pump unit 10, a part of the upper-stage bipolar plate 29 constitutes the cathode separator, and a part of the lower-stage bipolar plate 29 constitutes the anode separator.

[0076] In the following description, the plate that functions as the cathode separator is referred to as the cathode separator 29A, and the plate that functions as the anode separator is referred to as the anode separator 29B.

[0077] Here, as Figure 3 ​As shown, the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in each bipolar plate 29 are integrated by surface bonding. For example, the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B can be bonded by diffusion bonding of a pair of metal plates or the like. In addition, the so-called "diffusion bonding" is defined according to JIS standards as "a method of bonding base materials by closely fitting them, applying pressure to such an extent that plastic deformation hardly occurs under temperature conditions below the melting point of the base materials, and using the diffusion of atoms generated between the bonding surfaces for bonding."

[0078] In the electrochemically-driven hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, a cooling fluid flow path 60 for allowing a cooling fluid to flow is provided on the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the side opposite to the anode AN. Specifically, on the bonding surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded, a cooling fluid flow path 60 for a cooling fluid that adjusts the temperature of the hydrogen pump unit 10 to an appropriate temperature is provided. Both ends of the cooling fluid flow path 60 communicate with a cooling fluid introduction manifold 61 and a cooling fluid discharge manifold 62, respectively. As the cooling fluid, for example, cooling water or the like can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, in Figure 2 although the illustration of the cooling fluid flow path 60 in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B is omitted, a specific example of the cooling fluid flow path 60 in the electrode facing portion G will be described in the examples.

[0079] As Figure 2 shown, the hydrogen pump unit 10 includes an electrolyte membrane 21, an anode AN, a cathode CA, a cathode separator 29A, an anode separator 29B, a housing 28, and a face sealing material 40. Moreover, in the hydrogen pump unit 10, the electrolyte membrane 21, an anode catalyst layer 24, a cathode catalyst layer 23, an anode current collector 25, a cathode current collector 22, the cathode separator 29A, and the anode separator 29B are stacked.

[0080] 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 current collector 25.

[0081] 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 current collector 22.

[0082] Here, in the electrochemically-driven hydrogen pump 100, a catalyst-coated membrane CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) in which the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24 are integrally bonded to the electrolyte membrane 21 is usually used.

[0083] Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the above-described anode power supply body 25 and cathode power supply body 22 are respectively provided on each of the anode catalyst layer 24 and the cathode catalyst layer 23 of the membrane CCM with a catalyst layer.

[0084] Through the above, the electrolyte membrane 21 is clamped between the anode AN and the cathode CA.

[0085] The electrolyte membrane 21 is a polymer membrane having proton conductivity. The electrolyte membrane 21 can have any structure as long as it has proton conductivity. For example, as the electrolyte membrane 21, a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membrane, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. Specifically, for example, as the electrolyte membrane 21, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), etc. can be used.

[0086] The anode catalyst layer 24 is provided in contact with one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode catalyst layer 24 contains, for example, platinum as a catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] The cathode catalyst layer 23 is provided in contact with the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode catalyst layer 23 contains, for example, platinum as a catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] As the catalyst carriers of the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24, for example, carbon particles such as carbon black and graphite, conductive oxide particles, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited to these.

[0089] Furthermore, in the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24, fine particles of the catalyst metal are highly dispersed and supported on the catalyst carrier. In addition, in these cathode catalyst layer 23 and anode catalyst layer 24, in order to increase the electrode reaction field, an ionomer component having proton conductivity is usually added.

[0090] The cathode power supply body 22 is provided on the cathode catalyst layer 23. In addition, the cathode power supply body 22 is made of a porous material and has conductivity and gas diffusibility. In addition, the cathode power supply body 22 preferably has elasticity to appropriately follow the displacement and deformation of the components generated due to the pressure difference between the cathode CA and the anode AN during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as the cathode power supply body 22, a component made of carbon fiber is used. For example, it can also be a porous carbon fiber sheet such as carbon paper, carbon cloth, or carbon felt. In addition, as the base material of the cathode power supply body 22, a carbon fiber sheet may not be used. For example, as the base material of the cathode power supply body 22, a sintered body of metal fibers made of titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc. as raw materials, a sintered body of metal particles made of these as raw materials, etc. can also be used.

[0091] The anode power supply body 25 is disposed on the anode catalyst layer 24. In addition, the anode power supply body 25 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusibility. Further, the anode power supply body 25 preferably has high rigidity capable of suppressing displacement and deformation of components generated due to the pressure difference between the cathode CA and the anode AN during the operation of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0092] Specifically, as the base material of the anode power supply body 25, for example, a fiber sintered body, a powder sintered body, an expanded metal, a metal mesh, a perforated metal, etc. made of titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless steel, carbon, etc. can be used.

[0093] The anode separator 29B is a component laminated on the anode AN. The cathode separator 29A is a component laminated on the cathode CA.

[0094] The central portion of the surface of the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B that faces the anode AN contacts the anode power supply body 25. And, at this central portion, as Figure 4 shown, in a plan view, a meandering (serpentine) anode gas flow path 30 for the flow of hydrogen-containing gas is provided. Both ends of the anode gas flow path 30 communicate with the anode gas inlet manifold 31 and the anode gas outlet manifold 32, respectively.

[0095] A recess is provided in the central portion of the surface of the cathode CA side of the cathode separator 29A that faces the cathode CA, and the cathode power supply body 22 is housed in the recess. That is, the recess corresponds to a space S (refer to Figure 3 ) for accumulating the cathode gas containing the compressed hydrogen generated at the cathode CA of the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0096] Here, as Figure 3 shown, a first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A for the flow of cathode gas, a second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A for the flow of cathode gas, and communication paths 37 and 38 for guiding the cathode gas flowing in from the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A and the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A of the anode separator 29B are provided on the anode separator 29B.

[0097] Specifically, the communication path 37 is constituted by a flow path groove on the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded. The flow path groove extends linearly in a plan view so as to straddle the O-ring grooves 50 and 51 provided on the main surface on the anode AN side of the cathode separator 29A. Moreover, one end of the flow path groove communicates with the inside of the recess (space S) via a communication hole 70 extending vertically near the edge of the bottom surface of the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A. The other end of the flow path groove is connected to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A. By surface-bonding and integrating the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B, the communication path 37 is properly gas-sealed.

[0098] In the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the high-pressure cathode gas generated at the cathode CA accumulates in the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A, and then, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3 , the cathode gas sequentially flows through the communication hole 70 and the communication path 37 from the space S and is supplied to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A.

[0099] The communication path 38 is constituted by a flow path groove on the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded. The flow path groove extends linearly in a plan view so as to straddle the O-ring grooves 50 and 52 provided on the cathode separator 29A. Moreover, one end of the flow path groove communicates with the inside of the recess (space S) via a communication hole 71 extending vertically near the edge of the bottom surface of the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A. The other end of the flow path groove is connected to the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A. By surface-bonding and integrating the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B, the communication path 38 is properly gas-sealed.

[0100] In the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the high-pressure cathode gas generated at the cathode CA accumulates in the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A, and then, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3 , the cathode gas sequentially flows through the communication hole 71 and the communication path 38 from the space S and is supplied to the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A.

[0101] In addition, in this example, the communication path 37 and the communication path 38, and the communication hole 70 and the communication hole 71 are respectively provided on a straight line connecting the center of the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35 and the center of the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36 in a plan view, but it is not limited thereto. As long as the cathode gas flowing in from the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A can be introduced into the cathode gas outlet manifold, the arrangement positions and shapes of the communication path and the communication hole can be any part and shape. In addition, the number of the communication path and the communication hole can be one or three or more.

[0102] The above-described cathode separator 29A and anode separator 29B can be formed of, for example, metal sheets such as titanium, stainless steel, and gold, but are not limited thereto. For example, the base materials of the cathode separator 29A and anode separator 29B can be formed of carbon or resin having a metal film formed on the surface. Further, in the case where the cathode separator 29A and anode separator 29B are formed of stainless steel, SUS316L is preferably used as the raw material for the cathode separator 29A and anode separator 29B. This is because SUS316L has excellent properties such as acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance among various stainless steels.

[0103] In this way, the above-described MEA is sandwiched between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B, thereby forming the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0104] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, on the cathode separator 29A, an O-ring groove 50 that surrounds the region of the main surface on the cathode CA side and faces the cathode CA is provided on the main surface, and the O-ring 45 is held in the O-ring groove 50.

[0105] Further, the O-ring groove 50 faces the region of the main surface on the cathode CA side of the electrolyte membrane 21 where the cathode CA is not provided. In the example shown in Figure 2 , the electrolyte membrane 21 is provided in a wide width so as to straddle the side wall of the recess accommodating the cathode CA, and the O-ring 45 is provided so as to abut against the wide portion of the electrolyte membrane 21. As the O-ring 45 (the same applies to other O-rings), for example, from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, a fluororubber-based O-ring can be used, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The frame 28 is a member provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane 21. As the base material of the frame 28, for example, from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, fluororubber or the like can be mentioned, but is not limited thereto. Further, by the insulating frame 28, it is possible to appropriately prevent short-circuiting between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0107] The surface sealing material 40 is provided on the outer periphery of the region of the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B that faces the anode AN. Further, the surface sealing material 40 faces the region of the main surface on the anode AN side of the electrolyte membrane 21 where the anode AN is not provided, and the main surface on the anode AN side of the frame 28. In Figure 2In the example shown, the electrolyte membrane 21 is provided in a wide width so as to straddle the outer peripheral end of the anode AN, and the main surface of the surface sealing material 40 contacts the wide-width portion of the electrolyte membrane 21 and the main surface of the frame 28. As the base material of the surface sealing material 40, for example, from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, fluororubber, fluororesin, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, the insulating surface sealing material 40 can appropriately prevent short-circuiting between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0108] In the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 21 and the frame 28 are separately formed, but they may be integrated. In addition, such a frame 28 may not be provided. For example, even if the frame 28 is not provided between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10, it can be configured to be difficult to short-circuit by the surface sealing material 40.

[0109] As Figure 2 shown, an O-ring groove 51 surrounding the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35 is provided on the cathode separator 29A. And, the O-ring 41 is held in the O-ring groove 51. An O-ring groove 52 surrounding the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36 is provided on the cathode separator 29A. And, the O-ring 42 is held in the O-ring groove 52.

[0110] Here, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the O-ring 41 and the O-ring 42 are respectively in contact with the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B. That is, the O-ring 41 and the O-ring 42 are respectively in contact with both the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B corresponding to the adjacent bipolar plates 29 on both sides. Moreover, the surface sealing material 40 is not provided in the region on the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B where the O-ring 41 and the O-ring 42 are in contact. In addition, the frame 28 is not provided in the region where the O-ring 41 and the O-ring 42 are provided.

[0111] Specifically, through holes are formed in the frame 28 such that the outer shapes of the pair of through holes (circular openings) are the same as the outer shapes of the O-ring groove 51 and the O-ring groove 51, respectively. In addition, through holes are formed in the surface sealing material 40 such that the outer shapes of the pair of through holes (circular openings) are the same as the outer shapes of the O-ring groove 51 and the O-ring groove 51, respectively. Moreover, the cylindrical space formed by the through holes provided in the frame 28 and the surface sealing material 40 houses the O-ring 41, and the inside of the O-ring 41 provided in the cylindrical space constitutes a part of the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35. In addition, the cylindrical space formed by the through holes provided in the frame 28 and the sealing material 40 houses the O-ring 42, and the inside of the O-ring 42 provided in the cylindrical space constitutes a part of the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36.

[0112] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can more appropriately arrange the cooling fluid flow path 60 through which the cooling fluid for maintaining the hydrogen pump unit 10 at an appropriate temperature flows than in the past.

[0113] Specifically, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, by providing the cooling fluid flow path 60 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the side opposite to the anode AN, a dedicated plate provided with the cooling fluid flow path does not need to be arranged. Thus, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the device cost compared with the case of arranging such a dedicated plate.

[0114] In addition, assuming that the above cooling fluid flow path is provided on the main surface of the cathode separator 29A on the side opposite to the cathode CA, a recess for the cooling fluid flow path needs to be provided in the cathode separator 29A, and in the region where the recess is provided, the thickness of the cathode separator 29A becomes thinner. On the other hand, since the main surface of the cathode separator 29A on the cathode CA side is exposed to high-pressure compressed hydrogen, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the above region of the cathode separator 29A. For example, by increasing the overall thickness of the cathode separator 29A, the rigidity of the above region can be increased, but this will cause the device to become larger and the cost to rise.

[0115] In contrast, the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the anode AN side is exposed to low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas. Thus, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can alleviate the above-mentioned adverse conditions by providing the cooling fluid flow path 60 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the side opposite to the anode AN.

[0116] In addition, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can appropriately supply high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode CA (space S) on the cathode separator 29A to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A and the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A on the anode separator 29B respectively through the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 of the anode separator 29B.

[0117] (First Embodiment)

[0118] Figure 5 FIG. is an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the first embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a top view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded is shown. In addition, in Figure 5 , for ease of explanation, the illustration of manifolds other than the cooling fluid inlet manifold 61 and the cooling fluid outlet manifold 62 is omitted.

[0119] As Figure 5As shown, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured to surround a part of the communication path 37 including the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37 (hereinafter referred to as a part of the communication path 37), and a part of the communication path 38 including the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38 (hereinafter referred to as a part of the communication path 38). The reasons are as follows.

[0120] As Figure 3 shown, both the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37 and the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38 correspond to the part where the high-pressure cathode gas flows in from the cathode CA (space S) on the cathode separator 29A through the cathode separator 29A. Thus, as Figure 5 shown, the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 extend into the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B. That is, the upstream ends 37E and 38E of the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 are respectively present in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B.

[0121] Here, in order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA caused by the cooling fluid, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is preferably uniformly arranged in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B, but the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 need not interfere with the cooling fluid flow path 60. In particular, since high-pressure cathode gas flows in the communication path 37 and the communication path 38, it is preferable to arrange the two in such a way that the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 do not get too close to the cooling fluid flow path 60.

[0122] Therefore, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 is not arranged in the anode separator 29B to surround a part of the communication path 37, temperature unevenness may occur in the part of the MEA close to a part of the communication path 37. In addition, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 is not arranged to surround a part of the communication path 38, temperature unevenness may occur in the part of the MEA opposite to a part of the communication path 38. Then, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 may be reduced.

[0123] Therefore, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is arranged in the anode separator 29B to surround a part of the communication path 37 and a part of the communication path 38 respectively. Thus, compared with the case where the compression device of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment and the cooling fluid flow path 60 do not surround a part of the communication path 37 and a part of the communication path 38, the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed.

[0124] In the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has two serpentine flow paths provided on the side of the communication path 37, which are configured in such a way that a part of the communication path 37 is surrounded by two large-amplitude round-trip paths 160A1 and 160B1 respectively included in these serpentine flow paths and a small-amplitude flow path 160C1 located between them.

[0125] In Figure 5 the example shown, the straight portions of the round-trip paths 160A1 and 160B1 extend parallel to the extending direction of the communication path 37 on both sides of the communication path 37, and the flow path 160C1 connected to the round-trip paths 160A1 and 160B1 respectively turns back near the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37.

[0126] In addition, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has two serpentine flow paths provided on the side of the communication path 38, which are configured in such a way that a part of the communication path 38 including the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38 is surrounded by two large-amplitude round-trip paths 160A2 and 160B2 respectively included in these serpentine flow paths and a small-amplitude flow path 160C2 located between them.

[0127] In Figure 5 the example shown, the straight portions of the round-trip paths 160A2 and 160B2 extend parallel to the extending direction of the communication path 38 on both sides of the communication path 38, and the flow path 160C2 connected to the round-trip paths 160A2 and 160B2 respectively turns back near the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38.

[0128] According to the above, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, a part of the communication path 37 is surrounded by two large-amplitude round-trip paths 160A1 and 160B1 included in the serpentine flow path and a small-amplitude flow path 160C1 located between them, and a part of the communication path 38 is surrounded by two large-amplitude round-trip paths 160A2 and 160B2 and a small-amplitude flow path 160C2 located between them. Thus, compared with the case where the serpentine flow path does not surround the above-mentioned part, the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed.

[0129] In addition, the above serpentine flow path is only an example and is not limited to this example. For example, Figure 5 4 serpentine flow paths are shown, but the number of serpentine flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to temperature control conditions of the MEA and the like.

[0130] The electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment can be the same as the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0131] (Second Embodiment)

[0132] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the second embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a top view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are joined face to face is shown. In addition, in Figure 6 for ease of explanation, illustrations of manifolds other than the cooling fluid inlet manifold 61 and the cooling fluid outlet manifold 62 are omitted.

[0133] As Figure 6 shown, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has 12 straight flow paths, and is configured such that a bypass path 260R1 that bypasses a part of the communication path 37 provided on the straight flow path 260A1 closest to the communication path 37 among these straight flow paths surrounds a part of the communication path 37. In addition, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured such that a bypass path 260R2 that bypasses a part of the communication path 38 provided on the straight flow path 260A2 closest to the communication path 38 among these straight flow paths surrounds a part of the communication path 38.

[0134] In Figure 6 the example shown, the straight flow path 260A1 and the straight flow path 260A2 extend in directions perpendicular to the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 respectively, and the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 connected to the straight flow path 260A1 and the straight flow path 260A2 respectively turn back near the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37 and the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38.

[0135] Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the distance L1 between the straight flow path 260A1 and the straight flow path 260B1 adjacent to it inside is greater than the distance L2 between the straight flow path 260B1 and the straight flow path 260C1 adjacent to it inside. In addition, the distance L3 between the straight flow path 260A2 and the straight flow path 260B2 adjacent to it inside is greater than the distance L4 between the straight flow path 260B2 and the straight flow path 260C2 adjacent to it inside.

[0136] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, by the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 surrounding respective parts of the communication paths 37 and 38, the occurrence of temperature non-uniformity in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 do not surround the above-mentioned parts. In addition, the detailed effects of this structure are the same as the detailed effects of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0137] In addition, compared with the case where the distance between the flow paths of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is made consistent, the cooling area can be further enlarged, so that the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be further suppressed.

[0138] In addition, according to numerical simulation, by setting the cooling fluid flow path 60 using a straight flow path and a bypass path as shown in Figure 6 , compared with the case of setting the cooling fluid flow path 60 using a serpentine flow path as shown in Figure 5 , the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow channel 60 is reduced.

[0139] Thus, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA and can reduce the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow path 60. As a result, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen pump unit 10 can be further improved.

[0140] In addition, the above-mentioned straight flow path and bypass path are merely examples and are not limited to this example. For example, Figure 6 shows 12 straight flow paths, but the number of straight flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to the temperature control conditions of the MEA and the like.

[0141] The electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0142] (Third Embodiment)

[0143] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided on the anode separator of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump in the third embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a top view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded is shown. In addition, in Figure 7 , for ease of explanation, the illustration of manifolds other than the cooling fluid inlet manifold 61 and the cooling fluid outlet manifold 62 is omitted.

[0144] As shown in Figure 7 , the cooling fluid flow path 60 has 12 straight flow paths, and is configured such that a part of the communication path 37 is surrounded by a bypass path 360R1 that bypasses a part of the communication path 37 on the straight flow path 360A1 closest to the communication path 37 among these straight flow paths. In addition, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured such that a part of the communication path 38 is surrounded by a bypass path 360R2 that bypasses a part of the communication path 38 on the straight flow path 360A2 closest to the communication path 38 among these straight flow paths.

[0145] In Figure 7In the example shown, the straight flow paths 360A1 and 360A2 extend in directions perpendicular to and intersecting the communication paths 37 and 38 respectively, and the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 connected to the straight flow paths 360A1 and 360A2 respectively turn back near the upstream ends 37E of the communication path 37 and the upstream ends 38E of the communication path 38 respectively.

[0146] In addition, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the upstream and downstream ends of each of the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 are convex outward. Specifically, the upstream and downstream ends of the bypass path 360R1 are each provided with convex portions 360T1 protruding outward along the extending direction of the communication path 37. The upstream and downstream ends of the bypass path 360R2 are each provided with convex portions 360T2 protruding outward along the extending direction of the communication path 38. In addition, in Figure 7 the example shown, among the 12 straight flow paths, the distances between adjacent straight flow paths are all set to the same distance.

[0147] As described above, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 respectively surrounding a part of each of the communication paths 37 and 38. Compared with the case where the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 do not surround the above part, the detailed situation of the function and effect of this structure is the same as that of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0148] In addition, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can further suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA compared with the case where the upstream and downstream ends of each of the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 do not form convex shapes outward.

[0149] In addition, according to numerical simulation, by setting the cooling fluid flow path 60 using straight flow paths and bypass paths as Figure 7 shown, compared with the case of setting the cooling fluid flow path 60 using serpentine flow paths as Figure 5 shown, the pressure loss of the cooling fluid flow path 60 is reduced.

[0150] Therefore, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA and can reduce the pressure loss of the cooling fluid flow path 60. Thus, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen pump unit 10 can be further improved.

[0151] In addition, the above straight flow paths and bypass paths are only examples and are not limited to this example. For example, Figure 6Twelve straight flow paths are shown, but the number of straight flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to temperature control conditions of the MEA or the like.

[0152] Except for the above features, the electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment.

[0153] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0154] The electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment, except that in the anode separator 29B, the flow path width of the cooling fluid flow path 60 is equal to the flow path width of the anode gas flow path 30, and the flow path depth of the cooling fluid flow path 60 is equal to the flow path depth of the anode gas flow path 30.

[0155] As described above, the electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the anode separator 29B by setting the flow path width and the flow path depth of the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 to be equal.

[0156] For example, for each of the two main surfaces of the anode separator 29B, the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 can be respectively processed using the same processing apparatus under the same processing conditions. For example, in the case where the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 are formed by an etching method, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 have the same shape, the two main surfaces of the anode separator 29B can be processed in a single etching apparatus under the same etching conditions.

[0157] Except for the above features, the electrochemically driven hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the electrochemically driven hydrogen pumps 100 in the embodiment, the first to third embodiments of the embodiment.

[0158] (Modification)

[0159] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of a communication path provided on a cathode separator of an electrochemically driven hydrogen pump according to a modification of the embodiment.

[0160] As Figure 8 shown, on the cathode separator 29A, a first cathode gas outlet manifold 35B for allowing cathode gas to flow, a second cathode gas outlet manifold 36B for allowing cathode gas to flow, and communication paths 137 and 138 for guiding the cathode gas flowing into the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35B and the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36B of the cathode separator 29A are respectively provided.

[0161] That is to say, the communication paths 137 and 138 are constituted by flow path grooves on the joint surface (the main surface on the side opposite to the cathode CA side) of the cathode separator 29A before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-joined. In addition, the detailed structure of such flow path grooves can be easily understood by referring to the description of the embodiment, and thus is omitted.

[0162] In addition, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modification, the cooling fluid flow path 60 (refer to Figure 3 ) is configured to surround a part (hereinafter referred to as a part of the region opposite to the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138) including the end portion opposite to the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138 in the region facing the communication paths 137 and 138 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B opposite to the anode AN.

[0163] Thereby, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modification can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the cooling fluid flow path 60 does not surround a part including the end portion opposite to the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138. In addition, the detailed structure of the cooling fluid flow path 60 in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B and the effects achieved by this structure can be easily understood by referring to the first to third embodiments of the embodiment, and thus are omitted.

[0164] The electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modification may be the same as any one of the electro-chemical hydrogen pumps 100 in the embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0165] In addition, the embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the embodiment, and the modification of the embodiment may be combined with each other as long as they do not mutually exclude each other.

[0166] Furthermore, based on the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed only as illustrative and is provided to teach those skilled in the art the best way to implement the present disclosure. Substantial changes can be made to the details of its structure and / or function without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0167] For example, the flow path structure of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 can also be applied to other compression devices such as a water electrolysis device.

[0168] Industrial Applicability

[0169] One technical solution of the present disclosure can be used in a compression device, which can more appropriately arrange a flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining a compression unit at a suitable temperature flows than in the past.

[0170] Description of Reference Numerals

[0171] 10: Hydrogen pump unit

[0172] 11: Power supply board

[0173] 12: Power supply board

[0174] 13: Insulating board

[0175] 14: Insulating board

[0176] 15: End plate

[0177] 16: End plate

[0178] 17: Fastener

[0179] 21: Electrolyte membrane

[0180] 22: Cathode power supply body

[0181] 23: Cathode catalyst layer

[0182] 24: Anode catalyst layer

[0183] 25: Anode power supply body

[0184] 28: Housing

[0185] 29: Bipolar plate

[0186] 29A: Cathode separator

[0187] 29B: Anode separator

[0188] 30: Anode gas flow path

[0189] 31: Anode gas inlet manifold

[0190] 32: Anode gas outlet manifold

[0191] 35: First cathode gas outlet manifold

[0192] 35A: First cathode gas outlet manifold

[0193] 35B: First cathode gas outlet manifold

[0194] 36: Second cathode gas outlet manifold

[0195] 36A: Second cathode gas outlet manifold

[0196] 36B: Second cathode gas outlet manifold

[0197] 37: Communication path

[0198] 37E: Upstream end

[0199] 38: Connecting path

[0200] 38E: Upstream end

[0201] 40: Face sealing material

[0202] 41: O-ring

[0203] 42: O-ring

[0204] 45: O-ring

[0205] 50: O-ring groove

[0206] 51: O-ring groove

[0207] 52: O-ring groove

[0208] 60: Cooling fluid flow path

[0209] 61: Cooling fluid inlet manifold

[0210] 62: Cooling fluid outlet manifold

[0211] 70: Connecting hole

[0212] 71: Connecting hole

[0213] 100: Electrochemical hydrogen pump

[0214] 100A: Stack

[0215] 102: Voltage applicator

[0216] 137: Connecting path

[0217] 138: Connecting path

[0218] 160A1: Round-trip path

[0219] 160A2: Round-trip path

[0220] 160B1: Round-trip path

[0221] 160B2: Round-trip path

[0222] 160C1: Flow path

[0223] 160C2: Flow path

[0224] 260A1: Straight flow path

[0225] 260A2: Straight flow path

[0226] 260B1: Straight flow path

[0227] 260B2: Straight flow path

[0228] 260C1: Straight flow path

[0229] 260C2: Straight flow path

[0230] 260R1: Bypass path

[0231] 260R2: Bypass path

[0232] 360A1: Straight flow path

[0233] 360A2: Straight flow path

[0234] 360R1: Bypass path

[0235] 360R2: Bypass path

[0236] 360T1: Convex part

[0237] 360T2: Convex part

[0238] AN: Anode

[0239] CA: Cathode

[0240] CCM: Membrane with catalyst layer

[0241] G: Electrode facing part

[0242] S: Space

Claims

1. A compression device comprising: An electrolyte membrane; An anode disposed on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane; A cathode disposed on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane; An anode separator disposed on the anode; A cathode separator disposed on the cathode; And A voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode, The compression device applies a voltage through the voltage applicator, causing protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, generating compressed hydrogen. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane and an anode power supply body that contacts the anode separator and is made of a porous material having gas diffusibility. The anode separator is provided with a first flow path for a cooling fluid on the main surface on the side opposite to the anode.

2. The compression device according to claim 1, The anode separator is provided with: A first manifold for the cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen to flow through; and A first communication path that guides the cathode gas to the first manifold on the main surface opposite to the anode side.

3. The compression device according to claim 1, The cathode separator is provided with: A second manifold for the cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen to flow through; and A second communication path that guides the cathode gas to the second manifold on the main surface opposite to the cathode side.

4. The compression device according to claim 2, The first flow path is configured to surround a part of the first communication path, and the part includes the upstream end of the first communication path.

5. The compression device according to claim 3, The first flow path is configured to surround a part of the region of the main surface of the anode separator opposite to the anode and opposite to the second communication path, and the part includes an end opposite to the upstream end of the second communication path.

6. The compression device according to claim 4 or 5, The first flow path has a serpentine flow path, which is configured to surround the part by two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude contained in the serpentine flow path.

7. The compression device according to claim 4 or 5, The first flow path has a first straight flow path, which is configured to surround the part by a bypass path provided in the first straight flow path and bypassing the part.

8. The compression device according to claim 7, The distance between the first straight flow path and the second straight flow path adjacent to it inside is greater than the distance between the second straight flow path and the third straight flow path adjacent to it inside.

9. The compression device according to claim 7, The upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass passage are convex outward.

10. The compression device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 8, and 9, The anode separator is provided with a second flow path for the hydrogen-containing gas to flow on the main surface on the anode side, the flow path width of the first flow path is equal to the flow path width of the second flow path, and the flow path depth of the first flow path is equal to the flow path depth of the second flow path.

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