Solid oxide electrolysis cell and battery assembly including same

Abstract

A solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment includes a solid oxide electrolysis cell including: a cell including a first unit cell including a first fuel electrode, a first electrolyte layer including a solid oxide, and a first air electrode, a second unit cell including a second fuel electrode, and a second air electrode; a second unit cell disposed to be spaced apart from the first unit cell and including a second fuel electrode, a second electrolyte layer, and a second air electrode, the first porous conductive layer being disposed between the first unit cell and the second unit cell; and a separator disposed outside the unit and having a channel. The second unit cell is disposed on the first unit cell, and a stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer, and the first air electrode of the first unit cell and a stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer, and the second air electrode of the second unit cell are mirror-symmetrical in a stacking direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a solid oxide electrolysis cell and a cell assembly including the solid oxide electrolysis cell. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is a device that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water, and it can use electricity generated by renewable energy (such as solar and wind energy) to produce green hydrogen, which is essential for the future carbon neutrality and hydrogen economy. In particular, SOEC is an environmentally friendly energy conversion device with high efficiency and no carbon due to high temperature driving.

[0003] A unit cell of a SOEC may include a fuel electrode, an electrolyte layer, and an air electrode. Multiple solid oxide electrolysis cells may be stacked to form a cell assembly. In a SOEC, the fuel electrode may be referred to as a cathode, and the air electrode may be referred to as an anode.

[0004] The electrode reaction in the SOEC is the reverse reaction of the electrode reaction in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and thus the structures of the SOEC and SOFC are largely similar.

[0005] Therefore, like SOFC, when the unit cells and bipolar plates are alternately stacked, SOEC can be electrically connected to each other in series. However, SOFC as a power generation device can obtain high voltage by collecting the voltage generated by the unit cells, so the series connection structure is advantageous. However, in SOEC, during the on and off period, or when a transient voltage fluctuation occurs, an excessively high voltage may be applied to some unit cells, which may damage the unit cells. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present disclosure seeks to provide a solid oxide electrolysis cell and a cell assembly including the solid oxide electrolysis cell, which can minimize the thickness and can simultaneously prevent damage caused by a local high voltage.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to the embodiment includes: a unit including a first unit cell, a second unit cell and a first porous conductive layer, the first unit cell including a first fuel electrode, a first electrolyte layer containing a solid oxide and a first air electrode, the second unit cell is arranged to be spaced apart from the first unit cell and includes a second fuel electrode, a second electrolyte layer and a second air electrode, the first porous conductive layer is arranged between the first unit cell and the second unit cell; and a separator arranged outside the unit and having a channel. The second unit cell is arranged on the first unit cell, and the stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetric to the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in the stacking direction.

[0010] The first air electrode and the second air electrode may be opposite to both sides of the first porous conductive layer, respectively.

[0011] The separator may include: the first separator adjacent to the first fuel electrode; and the second separator adjacent to the second fuel electrode.

[0012] The cell may further include: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first separator; and a third porous conductive layer disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second separator.

[0013] The first porous conductive layer, the second porous conductive layer, and the third porous conductive layer may include one of a foam shape, a mesh shape, a felt shape, or a woven material shape.

[0014] The first air electrode and the second air electrode may contact both sides of the first porous conductive layer, respectively.

[0015] The unit may further include: a first conductive adhesive member disposed between one surface of the first porous conductive layer and the first air electrode; and a second conductive adhesive member disposed between the other surface of the first porous conductive layer and the second air electrode.

[0016] The separator may include an insulator.

[0017] The first fuel electrode and the second fuel electrode may be opposite to both sides of the first porous conductive layer, respectively.

[0018] The battery assembly according to the embodiment includes: a stack including a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells stacked on each other; and a wire unit connecting the plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells. The solid oxide electrolysis cell includes: a unit including a first unit cell, a second unit cell and a first porous conductive layer, the first unit cell including a first fuel electrode and a first air electrode opposite to each other and a first electrolyte layer, the first electrolyte layer being arranged between the first fuel electrode and the first air electrode and including a solid oxide, the second unit cell being arranged to be spaced apart from the first unit cell and including a second fuel electrode and a second air electrode opposite to each other and a second electrolyte layer arranged between the second fuel electrode and the second air electrode, the first porous conductive layer being arranged between the first unit cell and the second unit cell; and a separator arranged outside the unit and having a channel. The second unit cell is arranged on the first unit cell. The stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetrical with the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in the stacking direction.

[0019] The first air electrode and the second air electrode may be opposite to both sides of the first porous conductive layer, respectively.

[0020] The separator may include: the first separator adjacent to the first fuel electrode; and the second separator adjacent to the second fuel electrode.

[0021] The cell may further include: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first separator; and a third porous conductive layer disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second separator.

[0022] The wire unit may connect each of the units of the plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells in parallel, and the wire unit may include: a first wire connected to the plurality of the first porous conductive layers; and a second wire connected to the plurality of the second porous conductive layers and the plurality of the third porous conductive layers.

[0023] The first wire may connect a plurality of the first porous conductive layers together.

[0024] The first electric wire includes a plurality of sub-electric wires respectively connectable to the plurality of the first porous conductive layers.

[0025] The electric wire unit may further include a plurality of circuit breakers installed in the first electric wire or the second electric wire and configured to interrupt operation of each of the plurality of the units, respectively.

[0026] The battery assembly may further include a case surrounding the stacked body and spaced apart from the stacked body to have an air movement path for supplying air to the first air electrode and the second air electrode, and the electric wire unit is disposed on the air movement path.

[0027] The battery assembly according to the embodiment includes: a first unit cell including a first fuel electrode, a first air electrode and a first electrolyte layer, the first electrolyte layer being disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first air electrode and including a solid oxide; a second unit cell including a second fuel electrode, a second air electrode and a second electrolyte layer, the second electrolyte layer being disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second air electrode; a separator being disposed between the first unit cell and the second unit cell and having a channel; a first porous conductive layer being disposed under the first unit cell or on the second unit cell; and a wire unit connected to the first unit cell, the second unit cell and the first porous conductive layer. The stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetrical to the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in the stacking direction.

[0028] The battery assembly may also include: a second porous conductive layer, arranged between the first fuel electrode and the separator; and a third porous conductive layer, arranged between the second fuel electrode and the separator, the first fuel electrode may be arranged between the second porous conductive layer and the first electrolyte layer, and the second fuel electrode may be arranged between the third porous conductive layer and the second electrolyte layer.

[0029] The battery assembly may further include: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first air electrode and the separator; and a third porous conductive layer disposed between the second air electrode and the separator. The first air electrode may be disposed between the second porous conductive layer and the first electrolyte layer, and the second air electrode may be disposed between the third porous conductive layer and the second electrolyte layer.

[0030] The first porous conductive layer may be in contact with the first unit cell or the second unit cell.

[0031] The battery assembly may further include a conductive adhesive member for connecting the first porous conductive layer to the first unit cell or the second unit cell.

[0032] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to an embodiment, by bundling two unit cells together into a unit, installing a separator on the outside of the unit to form a solid oxide electrolysis cell, and forming a stack by stacking the solid oxide electrolysis cells, the number of separators used in the stack can be reduced to minimize the thickness of the stack and the battery assembly including the stack.

[0034] Furthermore, by electrically connecting the units of the plurality of solid oxide electrolytic cells in parallel with each other, a high voltage may not be applied to the unit. Thus, a local high voltage that may occur instantaneously may be prevented from being applied to the unit.

[0035] Furthermore, by installing a plurality of circuit breakers connected to each of the plurality of cells, the cells of each solid oxide electrolysis cell in the solid oxide electrolysis cell can be independently connected and disconnected, so that only the voltage of potentially damaged cells can be adjusted, thereby improving the long-term reliability of the cell assembly.

[0036] However, it should be understood that the effects of the embodiment are not limited to those described above and can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0039] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0044] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII'.

[0045] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily manufacture embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0047] Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0048] The drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and it should be understood that the technical ideas disclosed herein are not limited to the drawings, and include all modifications, equivalents or alternatives within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present invention.

[0049] Since the size and thickness of each structure shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0050] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements. In addition, in the specification, the words "on..." or "over..." mean disposed on, above, or below an object part, and do not necessarily mean disposed on the upper side of the object part based on the direction of gravity.

[0051] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0052] Throughout the specification, the phrase “on a plane” means observing an object portion from the top, and the phrase “on a cross section” means observing the object portion from the side, a cross section vertically cutting the object portion.

[0053] Throughout the specification, the term "connected" not only means that two or more constituent components are directly connected, but also may mean that two or more constituent components are indirectly connected through another constituent component, that two or more components are electrically and physically connected, or that two or more constituent components are integrated although referred to by different names due to position or function.

[0054] Hereinafter, various embodiments and modifications are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded three-dimensional diagram. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the solid oxide electrolysis cell CE according to the embodiment includes a unit cell 100 and a separator 200 .

[0057] The cell 100 may include a first unit cell 110 , a second unit cell 120 , a first porous conductive layer 130 , a second porous conductive layer 140 , and a third porous conductive layer 150 .

[0058] The first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 may be disposed mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other about the first porous conductive layer 130. Here, mirror-symmetrically means that the first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 are disposed in a shape as if they are reflected in a mirror.

[0059] The first unit cell 110 may include a first fuel electrode 111, a first electrolyte layer 112, and a first air electrode 113. The first fuel electrode 111 and the first air electrode 113 may be disposed in opposite directions, and the first electrolyte layer 112 may be disposed therebetween.

[0060] The first fuel electrode 111 has a flat plate shape and can be supplied with a fuel gas F such as water (H2O) under a reducing atmosphere to produce hydrogen and oxygen ions by electrolysis. Specifically, the first fuel electrode 111 may include a fuel electrode layer and a fuel function layer. The fuel electrode layer occupies most of the area of ​​the first fuel electrode 111 and is a layer where an electrode reaction occurs. The fuel function layer is disposed between the fuel electrode layer and the first electrolyte layer 200, and the contact resistance between the fuel electrode layer and the first electrolyte layer 200 can be reduced by reducing the surface roughness. In addition, the fuel function layer can increase the reaction area, thereby improving performance.

[0061] The first electrolyte layer 112 has a flat plate shape and can transfer oxygen ions generated from the first fuel electrode 111 to the first air electrode 113. Specifically, the first electrolyte layer 112 may include a main electrode layer and a reaction prevention layer. The main electrolyte layer occupies most of the area of ​​the first electrolyte layer 112 and is a layer that transfers oxygen ions. The reaction prevention layer is provided between the main electrolyte layer and the first air electrode 113, and is a layer that prevents a gas reaction that may occur unnecessarily between the main electrolyte layer and the first air electrode 113.

[0062] The first air electrode 113 has a flat plate shape, and in an oxidizing atmosphere supplied with gas A (such as oxygen), oxygen ions transferred from the first electrolyte layer 112 can be oxidized to generate oxygen. Specifically, the air electrode 113 may include an air electrode layer and an air functional layer. The air electrode layer occupies most of the area of ​​the first air electrode 113 and is a layer where an electrode reaction occurs. The air functional layer is disposed between the air electrode layer and the first electrolyte layer 112, and the catalytic reaction region can be expanded in the direction of the air electrode layer to improve the reactivity in the air electrode layer.

[0063] The first air electrode 113 can be made by sintering lanthanum manganite (La 0.84 Sr 0.16 )MnO 3) etc. However, the air electrode is not limited thereto and may be made of various materials.

[0064] The second unit cell 120 may be spaced apart from the first unit cell 110. The second unit cell 120 may include a second air electrode 123, a second electrolyte layer 122, and a second fuel electrode 121. The second fuel electrode 121 and the second air electrode 123 may be disposed in opposite directions, and the second electrolyte layer 122 may be disposed between the second fuel electrode 121 and the second air electrode 123.

[0065] The second fuel electrode 121 includes the same material and may have the same structure as the first fuel electrode 111. The second electrolyte layer 122 includes the same material and may have the same structure as the first electrolyte layer 112. The second air electrode 123 includes the same material and may have the same structure as the first air electrode 113.

[0066] The first porous conductive layer 130 is disposed between the first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 to convey air and may perform electrical conduction. The first porous conductive layer 130 may have a foam shape, a mesh shape, a felt shape, or a woven material shape, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The first porous conductive layer 130 may include, but is not necessarily limited to, any one of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), and gold (Au).

[0067] The first air electrode 113 and the second air electrode 123 may respectively face the opposite sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130. At this time, the first air pores 113 and the second air pores 123 may respectively contact the two sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130. Even if the first air electrode 113 and the second air electrode 123 are in contact with the two sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130, respectively, gas may be generated and escaped.

[0068] Along the height direction Z, the first unit cells 110 may be stacked in the order of the first fuel electrode 111 , the first electrolyte layer 112 , and the first air electrode 113 , and the second unit cells 120 may be stacked in the order of the second air electrode 123 , the second electrolyte layer 122 , and the second fuel electrode 121 .

[0069] That is, along the height direction Z, the first fuel electrode 111, the first electrolyte layer 112, the first air electrode 113, the first porous conductive layer 130, the second air electrode 123, the second electrolyte layer 122 and the second fuel electrode 121 may be stacked in this order.

[0070] Therefore, the first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 may be disposed mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other about the first porous conductive layer 130 .

[0071] The second porous conductive layer 140 is disposed between the first fuel electrode 111 and the first separator 210 to transport the fuel and may perform electrical conduction. The second porous conductive layer 140 may have a foam shape, a mesh shape, a felt shape, or a woven material shape, and may include, but is not necessarily limited to, any one of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), and gold (Au).

[0072] The third porous conductive layer 150 is disposed between the second fuel electrode 121 and the second separator 220 to transport the fuel and may perform electrical conduction. The third porous conductive layer 150 may have a foam shape, a mesh shape, a felt shape, or a woven material shape, and may include, but is not necessarily limited to, any one of platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), and gold (Au).

[0073] The separator 200 is disposed on both outer sides of the unit 100 and may have channels AP and FP. These separator plates 200 are disposed between adjacent units 100 to uniformly distribute the air A and the fuel gas F supplied to the first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 on the surface of the first unit cell 110 and the surface of the second unit cell 120 using the channels AP and FP, and prevent the air A and the fuel gas F from mixing with each other. In addition, the separator 200 may further include a sealant (not shown) that prevents the air A and the fuel gas F from escaping to the outside.

[0074] The separator 200 may include a first separator plate 210 disposed adjacent to the first fuel electrode 111, and a second separator 220 disposed adjacent to the second fuel electrode 121. The first separator 210 and the second separator 220 may include insulators. These insulators may include ceramics and the like.

[0075] The partition 200 completely surrounds the unit 100, and may have an air passage AP for conveying air A and a fuel passage FP for conveying fuel gas F. In the present embodiment, the air passage AP is formed on the side wall of the partition 200, and the fuel passage FP is formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the partition 200, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and various structures are possible.

[0076] The first fuel electrode 111 is disposed adjacent to the first separator 210 having the fuel passage FP and the second fuel electrode 121 is disposed adjacent to the second separator 220 having the fuel passage FP so that the fuel gas F can be easily transferred.

[0077] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first air electrode and the second air electrode each contact both sides of the first porous conductive layer, but another embodiment in which each of the first air electrode and the second air electrode is bonded to both sides of the first porous conductive layer using a separate conductive contact member is also feasible.

[0078] In the following, reference is made to Figure 4 , a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to another embodiment will be described in detail.

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment.

[0080] In addition to the first conductive contact member and the second conductive contact member, Figure 4 Another embodiment shown is substantially equivalent to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown are described below and repeated description will be omitted.

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to another embodiment includes a unit cell 100 and a separator 200 .

[0082] The cell 100 may include a first unit cell 110 , a second unit cell 120 , first, second and third porous conductive layers 130 , 140 and 150 , a first conductive adhesive member 160 , and a second conductive adhesive member 170 .

[0083] The first conductive adhesive member 160 may be disposed between the first air electrode 113 and one surface 130a of the first porous conductive layer 130. Therefore, the first conductive adhesive member 160 may bond the first air electrode 113 and one surface 130a of the first porous conductive layer 130 to each other while electrically connecting the first air electrode 113 and the first porous conductive layer 130 to each other. As such, by installing the first conductive adhesive member 160, adhesion and conductivity between the first air electrode 113 and the first porous conductive layer 130 may be improved, thereby improving the reliability of the solid oxide electrolysis cell CE.

[0084] The second conductive adhesive member 170 may be disposed between the second air electrode 123 and the other surface 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130. Therefore, the second conductive adhesive member 170 may bond the second air electrode 123 and the other surface 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130 to each other while electrically connecting the first air electrode 123 and the first porous conductive layer 130 to each other. In this way, by installing the second conductive adhesive member 170, the adhesion and conductivity between the second air electrode 123 and the first porous conductive layer 130 may be improved, thereby improving the reliability of the solid oxide electrolysis cell CE.

[0085] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first air electrode and the second air electrode each oppose both sides of the first porous conductive layer, but another embodiment in which the first fuel electrode and the second fuel electrode each oppose both sides of the first porous conductive layer is also possible.

[0086] In the following, reference is made to Figure 5 , a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to another embodiment will be described in detail.

[0087] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to an embodiment.

[0088] In addition to the arrangement direction of the first unit battery and the second unit battery, Figure 5 Another embodiment shown in is substantially equivalent to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are described below, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0089] like Figure 5As shown, a solid oxide electrolysis cell according to another embodiment includes a unit cell 100 and a separator 200 .

[0090] The cell 100 may include a first unit cell 110 , a second unit cell 120 , a first porous conductive layer 130 , a second porous conductive layer 140 , and a third porous conductive layer 150 .

[0091] The first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 may be disposed mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other about the first porous conductive layer 130 .

[0092] Along the height direction Z, the first unit cell 110 may be stacked in the order of the first air electrode 113, the first electrolyte layer 112, and the first fuel electrode 111, and the second unit cell 120 may be stacked in the order of the second fuel electrode 121, the second electrolyte layer 122, and the second air electrode 123. Therefore, the first fuel electrode 111 and the second fuel electrode 121 are respectively opposite to the two sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130, and may contact the two sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130, respectively.

[0093] The partition 200 completely surrounds the unit 100 and may have an air passage AP for conveying air A and a fuel passage FP for conveying fuel gas F.

[0094] The first separator 210 may be connected to the first air electrode 113 via the second porous conductive layer 140 , and the second separator 220 may be connected to the second air electrode 123 via the third porous conductive layer 150 .

[0095] The first air electrode 113 is disposed adjacent to the first partition 210 having the air passage AP and the second air electrode 123 is disposed adjacent to the second partition 220 having the air passage AP, so that the air A can be easily transferred.

[0096] Hereinafter, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 6 to 8 Cell components of a solid oxide electrolysis cell.

[0097] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 , and Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII'.

[0098] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the battery assembly according to the embodiment includes a stacked body 10 , a wire unit 20 , and a case 30 .

[0099] The stack 10 may include a plurality of stacked solid oxide electrolysis cells CE. Each solid oxide electrolysis cell CE includes a unit 100 and a separator 200 (see Fig. 9 ). The detailed description of the solid oxide electrolysis cell CE has been described in detail above and will be omitted here.

[0100] The stack 10 of the present embodiment includes, but is not necessarily limited to, four stacked solid oxide electrolysis cells CE, and various numbers of solid oxide electrolysis cells CE may be stacked.

[0101] In this case, the first separator 210 of the adjacent first solid oxide electrolysis cell CE1 and the second separator 220 of the second solid oxide electrolysis cell CE2 are connected to each other and can be manufactured as an integral body. Therefore, the first separator 210 of the first solid oxide electrolysis cell CE1 can be used as the second separator 220 of the second solid oxide electrolysis cell CE2.

[0102] As such, since the first air electrode 113 and the second air electrode 123 are disposed opposite to both sides 130a and 130b of the first porous conductive layer 130, there is no need to install a separate separator adjacent to the first air electrode 113 and the second air electrode 123. Therefore, the separator 200 is required only at a position adjacent to the first fuel electrode 111 and the second fuel electrode 121, thereby allowing the thickness of the separator 200 to be thinner.

[0103] In this way, by grouping the first unit cell 110 and the second unit cell 120 into a single unit 100, forming a solid oxide electrolysis cell CE by installing a separator 200 on both outer sides of the unit 100, and stacking the solid oxide electrolysis cells CE to form a stack 10, the thickness of the separator 200 is reduced while reducing the number of separators 200 used in the stack 10, so that the thickness of the stack and the thickness of the battery assembly including the stack can be minimized.

[0104] The electric wire unit 20 may electrically connect each unit 100 of the plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells CE in parallel.

[0105] The electric wire unit 20 may include a first electric wire 21 , a second electric wire 22 , and a plurality of circuit breakers 23 .

[0106] The first wires 21 may connect the plurality of first porous conductive layers 130 together.

[0107] The second wire 22 may be connected to the plurality of second porous conductive layers 140 and the plurality of third porous conductive layers 150 .

[0108] In this manner, the electric wire unit 20 can electrically connect each unit 100 of the plurality of solid oxide electrolytic cells CE in parallel so that a high voltage is not applied to the unit 100. Therefore, a local high voltage that may be generated instantaneously can be prevented from being applied to the unit 100.

[0109] In addition, a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells CE can be electrically connected in parallel, so that even if some of the solid oxide electrolysis cells CE are damaged, only the corresponding solid oxide electrolysis cells CE can be cut off, and the battery assembly can be powered by the remaining solid oxide electrolysis cells CE without replacing the entire stack. Therefore, the cost of maintaining the battery assembly can be reduced.

[0110] A plurality of circuit breakers 23 are installed in the first electric wire 21 or the second electric wire 22, and can respectively interrupt the operation of the plurality of units 100. For example, such circuit breakers 23 may include fuses and the like.

[0111] In this way, by installing multiple circuit breakers 23 connected to each of the multiple units 100, the units 100 of each solid oxide electrolysis cell CE can be independently connected and disconnected, so that only the voltage of the potentially damaged unit 100 can be adjusted, thereby improving the long-term reliability of the battery assembly.

[0112] The housing 30 may be installed around the stack 10. The housing 30 may be spaced apart from the stack 10 and have an air movement path AS therein. The air movement path AS may supply and exhaust the air A to the first air electrode 113 and the second air electrode 123. The wire unit 20 may be disposed in such an air movement path AS.

[0113] In addition, in the battery assembly of the above embodiment, the first wire connects the plurality of first porous conductive layers together, but another embodiment is possible in which the first wire includes a plurality of sub-wires each connected to the plurality of first porous conductive layers.

[0114] In the following, reference is made to Fig. 9 , a battery assembly according to another embodiment will be described in detail.

[0115] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment.

[0116] In addition to the structure of the first wire, Fig. 9 Another embodiment shown in is substantially equivalent to Figures 6 to 8 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are described below, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0117] like Fig. 9 As shown, the battery assembly according to the embodiment includes a stack 10 (see Figure 8), the wire unit 20 and the housing 30.

[0118] The electric wire unit 20 may electrically connect each unit 100 of the plurality of solid oxide electrolytic cells CE in parallel. The electric wire unit 20 may include a first electric wire 21 , a second electric wire 22 , and a plurality of circuit breakers 23 .

[0119] The first electric wire 21 may include a plurality of sub-electric wires SL respectively connected to the plurality of first porous conductive layers 130. Four sub-electric wires (SL) are shown in the present embodiment, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0120] In this way, the first electric wire 21 includes multiple sub-electric wires SL respectively connected to multiple first porous conductive layers 130, so each unit 100 of the multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells CE can be driven individually, so that only the voltage of potentially damaged units can be adjusted, thereby improving the long-term reliability of the battery assembly.

[0121] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A solid oxide electrolysis cell comprising: Unit, the unit comprising: a first unit cell including a first fuel electrode, a first electrolyte layer including a solid oxide, and a first air electrode; a second unit cell disposed to be spaced apart from the first unit cell and including a second fuel electrode, a second electrolyte layer, and a second air electrode; and A first porous conductive layer disposed between the first unit cell and the second unit cell; and a separator disposed outside the unit and having a channel, wherein the second unit battery is disposed on the first unit battery, and The stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetric to the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in a stacking direction.

2. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein: The first air electrode and the second air electrode are respectively opposite to two sides of the first porous conductive layer.

3. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 2, wherein: The separator comprises: a first separator adjacent to the first fuel electrode; and A second separator is adjacent to the second fuel electrode.

4. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 3, wherein: The unit also includes: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first separator; and A third porous conductive layer is disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second separator.

5. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 4, wherein: The first porous conductive layer, the second porous conductive layer, and the third porous conductive layer include one of a foam shape, a mesh shape, a felt shape, or a woven material shape.

6. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 2, wherein: The first air electrode and the second air electrode are in contact with both sides of the first porous conductive layer, respectively.

7. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 2, wherein: The unit also includes: a first conductive adhesive member disposed between one surface of the first porous conductive layer and the first air electrode; and A second conductive adhesive member is provided between the other surface of the first porous conductive layer and the second air electrode.

8. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein: The separator includes an insulator.

9. The solid oxide electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein: The first fuel electrode and the second fuel electrode are respectively opposite to both sides of the first porous conductive layer.

10. A battery assembly comprising: A stack comprising a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells stacked on top of each other; as well as an electric wire unit, connecting the plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells, Wherein, each solid oxide electrolysis cell comprises: Unit, the unit comprising: a first unit cell including a first fuel electrode and a first air electrode facing each other and a first electrolyte layer, the first electrolyte layer being provided between the first fuel electrode and the first air electrode and including a solid oxide; a second unit cell disposed to be spaced apart from the first unit cell and including a second fuel electrode and a second air electrode facing each other and a second electrolyte layer disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second air electrode; and A first porous conductive layer disposed between the first unit cell and the second unit cell; and a separator disposed outside the unit and having a channel, In which, the second unit cell is arranged on the first unit cell, and the stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetrical with the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in the stacking direction.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first air electrode and the second air electrode are respectively opposite to two sides of the first porous conductive layer.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The separator comprises: a first separator adjacent to the first fuel electrode; and A second separator is adjacent to the second fuel electrode.

13. The battery assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The unit also includes: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first separator; and A third porous conductive layer is disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second separator.

14. The battery assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The electric wire unit connects each of the units of the plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells in parallel, and The electric wire unit comprises: a first wire connected to the plurality of the first porous conductive layers; and The second electric wire is connected to the plurality of the second porous conductive layers and the plurality of the third porous conductive layers.

15. The battery assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The first wire connects a plurality of the first porous conductive layers together.

16. The battery assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The first electric wire includes a plurality of sub-electric wires respectively connected to the plurality of the first porous conductive layers.

17. The battery assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The electric wire unit further includes a plurality of circuit breakers installed in the first electric wire or the second electric wire and configured to interrupt operations of the plurality of the units, respectively.

18. The battery assembly according to claim 14, further comprising: a housing surrounding the stack and spaced apart from the stack to have an air movement path for supplying air to the first air electrode and the second air electrode; and The electric wire unit is disposed on the air movement path.

19. A battery assembly comprising: a first unit cell including a first fuel electrode, a first air electrode, and a first electrolyte layer, the first electrolyte layer being disposed between the first fuel electrode and the first air electrode and including a solid oxide; a second unit cell including a second fuel electrode, a second air electrode, and a second electrolyte layer, wherein the second electrolyte layer is disposed between the second fuel electrode and the second air electrode; a separator disposed between the first unit cell and the second unit cell and having a channel; A first porous conductive layer, disposed below the first unit cell or on the second unit cell; as well as a wire unit connected to the first unit cell, the second unit cell and the first porous conductive layer, The stacking order of the first fuel electrode, the first electrolyte layer and the first air electrode of the first unit cell is mirror-symmetric to the stacking order of the second fuel electrode, the second electrolyte layer and the second air electrode of the second unit cell in the stacking direction.

20. The battery assembly according to claim 19, further comprising: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first fuel electrode and the separator; as well as a third porous conductive layer disposed between the second fuel electrode and the separator, The first fuel electrode is disposed between the second porous conductive layer and the first electrolyte layer, and the second fuel electrode is disposed between the third porous conductive layer and the second electrolyte layer.

21. The battery assembly according to claim 19, further comprising: a second porous conductive layer disposed between the first air electrode and the separator; as well as a third porous conductive layer disposed between the second air electrode and the separator, The first air electrode is disposed between the second porous conductive layer and the first electrolyte layer, and the second air electrode is disposed between the third porous conductive layer and the second electrolyte layer.

22. The battery assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The first porous conductive layer is in contact with the first unit cell or the second unit cell. 23 . The battery assembly according to claim 19 , further comprising a conductive adhesive member for connecting the first porous conductive layer to the first unit cell or the second unit cell.

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