Water electrolysis stack

Abstract

The invention provides a water electrolysis stack. A water electrolysis stack (100) is provided with: a membrane electrode structure (30) including an electrolyte membrane (40) and a plate-shaped power supply body (42) provided on one of both sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; a water introduction part (39a); a water flow channel member (46); and a pressure feeding part (106). The water leading-in part is used for leading in water supplied from the outside; a water flow path member (50b) disposed facing the power supply body and provided with a water flow path (50b) for guiding the water introduced into the water introduction part in the surface direction of the power supply body; and a pressure feed unit for pressure-feeding water to the water introduction unit, the pressure feed unit pulsing the water flowing through the water flow path in the surface direction of the power supply body by continuously changing the pressure feed amount of the water. As a result, gas generated as bubbles on the surface of the power supply body due to electrolysis can be peeled off from the power supply body by pulsation of water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water electrolysis stack. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-001745 discloses a technique for preventing electrolysis efficiency from being reduced due to bubbles generated during electrolysis adhering to the surface of an electrode (electrical source). Specifically, a gas-liquid mixture of electrolyte and bubbles is introduced into an electrolytic cell, whereby the bubbles in the introduced gas-liquid mixture collide with the gas (bubbles) generated on the surface of the electrode (electrical source) within the cell.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-001745 discloses a method for regulating bubbles in a gas-liquid mixture introduced into an electrolytic cell. Specifically, the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture introduced into the electrolytic cell is regulated. Furthermore, the diameter of the bubbles in the gas-liquid mixture introduced into the electrolytic cell is regulated by the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the ratio of the bubbles in the gas-liquid mixture introduced into the electrolytic cell is regulated by the amount of bubbles supplied to the electrolyte. Summary of the Invention

[0004] When bubbles stagnate within the water electrolysis stack, electrolysis efficiency tends to decrease. Therefore, it is desirable to strip (remove) the gas that forms bubbles on the surface of the power supply (the gas generated as bubbles) without actively mixing the bubbles with the water introduced into the water electrolysis stack.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] The first embodiment of the present invention is a water electrolysis stack, which has a membrane electrode structure (membrane electrode assembly), a water inlet and a water flow channel component, wherein the membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped power supply body arranged on one of the two sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; the water inlet is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; the water flow channel component is arranged relative to the power supply body, and is provided with a water flow channel that guides the water introduced into the water inlet along the surface direction of the power supply body, wherein a pressure feeding part is provided, which is used to pressurize the water to the water inlet, and the pressure feeding part pulsates the water flowing through the water flow channel along the surface direction of the power supply body by continuously changing the pressure feeding amount of the water.

[0007] The second embodiment of the present invention is a water electrolysis stack, which has a membrane electrode structure, a water inlet and a water flow channel component, wherein the membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped power supply body arranged on one of the two sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; the water inlet is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; the water flow channel component is arranged relative to the power supply body, and is provided with a water flow channel that guides the water introduced into the water inlet along the surface direction of the power supply body, wherein a water volume regulating part is provided, which is provided in the water inlet and is used to regulate the water volume of the water introduced into the water inlet, and the water volume regulating part pulsates the water flowing through the water flow channel along the surface direction of the power supply body by continuously changing the water volume of the water.

[0008] According to the aspect of the present invention, gas generated as bubbles on the surface of the power supply body by electrolysis (gas forming bubbles) can be peeled off (removed) from the power supply body by pulsation of water.

[0009] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be easily understood through the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a water electrolysis system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded diagram of a water electrolysis cell.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view taken along the arrow III-III.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a water electrolysis system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] [First embodiment] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a water electrolysis system 10 according to the first embodiment. The water electrolysis system 10 includes a water electrolysis stack 100 , a water circulation channel 102 , and a water supply source 104 .

[0015] The water electrolysis stack 100 includes a stack body 11. The stack body 11 includes a plurality of water electrolysis cells 12, a pair of terminal plates 16a and 16b, a pair of insulating plates 18a and 18b, a pair of end plates 20a and 20b, a water inlet 39a, and a water outlet 39b. The plurality of water electrolysis cells 12 are stacked. The stacking direction of the water electrolysis cells 12 is the direction of gravity, but this is not limiting. Details of the water electrolysis cells 12 will be described later.

[0016] The terminal plate 16a, insulating plate 18a, and end plate 20a are arranged in this order from bottom to top on one end (the upper end) of the stack 14 in the stacking direction. The terminal plate 16b, insulating plate 18b, and end plate 20b are arranged in this order from top to bottom on the other end (the lower end) of the stack 14 in the stacking direction. The end plates 20a and 20b are secured together by a pressing mechanism, such as a plurality of tie rods, extending in the stacking direction of the water electrolysis cells 12. The stack body 11 is maintained in a secured state in the stacking direction.

[0017] The stack body 11 is provided with a high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c. The high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c penetrates the multiple water electrolysis cells 12, the terminal plate 16a, the insulating plate 18a, and the end plate 20a. A pipe (not shown) is connected to the high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c in the end plate 20a. The pipe (not shown) is provided with a backpressure mechanism that restricts gas discharge.

[0018] The water inlet 39a is provided at the water electrolysis cell 12 located at one end (lower end) in the stacking direction among the plurality of water electrolysis cells 12. The water inlet 39a introduces water supplied from outside the stack body 11. The water outlet 39b is provided at the water electrolysis cell 12 located at the other end (upper end) in the stacking direction among the plurality of water electrolysis cells 12. The water outlet 39b outlets water to the outside of the stack body 11.

[0019] The water circulation channel 102 is a passage for flowing water into the stack body 11. The water circulation channel 102 is connected to the stack body 11. The water circulation channel 102 includes a first channel portion 102a and a second channel portion 102b. The first channel portion 102a connects the water inlet portion 39a to the water supply source 104. The second channel portion 102b connects the water outlet portion 39b to the water supply source 104.

[0020] The water supply source 104 is a source of water supplied to the stack body 11. The water supply source 104 may be a gas-liquid separator for separating water from gas in the water, or a tank for storing water.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a perspective exploded view of the water electrolysis cell 12 . Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The III-III sectional view. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water electrolysis cell 12 includes a substantially disk-shaped membrane electrode assembly 30 and first and second separators 32 and 34 that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly 30. A frame member 36 is disposed between the first and second separators 32 and 34 to surround the membrane electrode assembly 30.

[0022] The frame member 36 is substantially annular, and sealing members 37a and 37b are provided on both sides of the frame member 36 (see FIG. Figure 3 A water inlet hole 38a extending in the stacking direction (direction of arrow A) is provided at one radial end (direction of arrow B) of the frame member 36. The water inlet holes 38a of the stacked water electrolysis cells 12 communicate with each other. The water inlet holes 38a are connected to a water inlet portion 39a.

[0023] A water outlet hole 38b extending in the stacking direction (direction of arrow A) is provided at the other radial end of the frame member 36 (direction of arrow B). The water outlet hole 38b is formed to discharge a mixed fluid containing unreacted water that has not been electrolyzed. The water outlet holes 38b of the stacked water electrolysis cells 12 are interconnected. The water outlet holes 38b are connected to a water outlet portion 39b.

[0024] The water electrolysis cells 12 are provided with a high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c extending through the stacking direction at the radial center. The high-pressure gas outlet holes 38c of the stacked water electrolysis cells 12 are connected to each other. The high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c of the water electrolysis cell 12 located at the other end (upper end) in the stacking direction of the multiple water electrolysis cells 12 is connected to the terminal plate 16a ( Figure 1 The gas supplied to the high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c is discharged in a state where the pressure is increased to, for example, 1 MPa to 80 MPa.

[0025] The membrane electrode assembly 30 is composed of an electrolyte membrane 40, a first electrode catalyst layer 42a, a second electrode catalyst layer 44a, a first power supply 42, and a second power supply 44. The first electrode catalyst layer 42a and the first power supply 42 are provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane 40. The second electrode catalyst layer 44a and the second power supply 44 are provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 40.

[0026] The first electrode catalyst layer 42a may be simply referred to as the electrode catalyst layer 42a. The same applies to the second electrode catalyst layer 44a. The first power supply 42 may be simply referred to as the power supply 42. The same applies to the second power supply 44.

[0027] The electrolyte membrane 40 can be an anion exchange membrane or a proton exchange membrane. In the case where the electrolyte membrane 40 is an anion exchange membrane, the water used for electrolysis is alkaline water. In the case where the electrolyte membrane 40 is an anion exchange membrane, the electrode catalyst layer 42a and the power supply body 42 are anodes, and the electrode catalyst layer 44a and the power supply body 44 are cathodes, the gas supplied to the high-pressure gas outlet 38c is hydrogen generated by water electrolysis. In this case, the water outlet 39b (see Figure 1) The mixed fluid discharged contains unreacted water that has not been electrolyzed and oxygen generated by electrolysis. On the other hand, when the electrolyte membrane 40 is an anion exchange membrane, the electrode catalyst layer 42a and the power supply 42 are cathodes, and the electrode catalyst layer 44a and the power supply 44 are anodes, the gas supplied to the high-pressure gas outlet 38c is oxygen generated by electrolysis. In this case, the gas discharged from the water outlet 39b (see Figure 1 ) The discharged mixed fluid contains unreacted water that has not been electrolyzed and hydrogen generated by electrolysis.

[0028] When the electrolyte membrane 40 is a proton exchange membrane, the water used for electrolysis is water (e.g., pure water) with impurities (ions) of a predetermined amount or less. When the electrolyte membrane 40 is a proton exchange membrane, the electrode catalyst layer 42a and the power supply 42 are anodes, and the electrode catalyst layer 44a and the power supply 44 are cathodes, the gas supplied to the high-pressure gas outlet 38c is hydrogen generated by electrolysis. In this case, the water outlet 39b (see Figure 1 ) The mixed fluid discharged contains unreacted water that has not been electrolyzed and oxygen generated by electrolysis. On the other hand, when the electrolyte membrane 40 is a proton exchange membrane, the electrode catalyst layer 42a and the power supply body 42 are cathodes, and the electrode catalyst layer 44a and the power supply body 44 are anodes, the gas supplied to the high-pressure gas outlet 38c is oxygen generated by electrolysis. In this case, the gas discharged from the water outlet 39b (see Figure 1 ) The discharged mixed fluid contains unreacted water that has not been electrolyzed and hydrogen generated by electrolysis.

[0029] A first electrode catalyst layer 42a is provided on a portion of one surface of the electrolyte membrane 40. A second electrode catalyst layer 44a is provided on a portion of the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 40. The first electrode catalyst layer 42a and the second electrode catalyst layer 44a are formed in, for example, a ring shape.

[0030] The electrolyte membrane 40 includes a covering portion 40a covered by a pair of electrode catalyst layers 42a and 44a and an exposed portion 40b exposed from the electrode catalyst layers. In the water electrolysis cell 12, the area along the stacking direction of the covering portion 40a is the electrolysis region.

[0031] The inner and outer diameters of the first power feeder 42 and the second power feeder 44 are set so as to be located in the electrolysis region. Therefore, the radially center ends of the first power feeder 42 and the second power feeder 44 are radially spaced from the high-pressure gas outlet 38c.

[0032] The frame 42e is fitted into the outer periphery of the first power feeder 42. The frame 42e is denser than the first power feeder 42. Alternatively, by densely structuring the outer periphery of the first power feeder 42 extending radially outward from the electrolysis region, the outer periphery can also serve as the frame 42e.

[0033] The first separator 32 and the frame member 36 form a first chamber 45an (see FIG. 4 ) for accommodating the first power supply 42 between the first separator 32 and the frame member 36 and the electrolyte membrane 40. Figure 3 The second separator 34 and the frame member 36 form a second chamber 45ca for accommodating the second power supply 44 between the second separator 34 and the electrolyte membrane 40 (see Figure 3 ).

[0034] A water channel member 46 is interposed between the first separator 32 and the first power supply 42 (in the first chamber 45an), and a protective sheet member 48 is interposed between the first power supply 42 and the first electrode catalyst layer 42a. The water channel member 46 is disposed opposite the first power supply 42. An inlet protrusion 46a and an outlet protrusion 46b are formed on the outer periphery of the water channel member 46, and are radially opposed to each other.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, a supply connection path 50a is formed on the inlet protrusion 46a and is connected to the water inlet hole 38a. The supply connection path 50a is also connected to the water flow path 50b. The water flow path 50b is a flow path formed in the water flow path component 46 and extends along the surface direction of the first power supply body 42. The water flow path 50b guides water in a direction along the surface direction of the first power supply body 42 (horizontally). A plurality of holes 50c are connected to the water flow path 50b, and the hole portions 50c open to the first power supply body 42. A discharge connection path 50d is formed on the outlet protrusion 46b and is connected to the water flow path 50b. The discharge connection path 50d is connected to the water outlet hole 38b.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inner periphery of the protective sheet member 48 is arranged at a position closer to the inside than the inner periphery of the first power supply 42, and the outer periphery position is set at the same position as the outer periphery position of the electrolyte membrane 40 and the frame portion 42e. The protective sheet member 48 is composed of a central portion 48a and a frame portion 48b. The central portion 48a is surrounded by the frame portion 48b. The central portion 48a is opposite to the covering portion 40a. The central portion 48a is arranged within the range of the electrolysis area. The outer edge of the electrolysis area is consistent with the outer edge of the central portion 48a, but is not limited to this. A plurality of connecting holes 48c are formed in the central portion 48a. The frame portion 48b is located radially outward of the central portion 48a. For example, a rectangular hole portion (not shown) is formed in the frame portion 48b.

[0037] A generally cylindrical communication hole 52 is disposed radially center between the first separator 32 and the electrolyte membrane 40, surrounding the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c. In the following text, the water channel member 46, the first power supply element 42, and the protective sheet member 48 may be collectively referred to as the water supply-side components. In this case, the communication hole 52 is disposed radially between the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c and the water supply-side components.

[0038] The communicating hole body 52 has an inner pipe member 54 and an outer pipe member 55. The inner pipe member 54 is made of a porous body and faces the high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c. The outer pipe member 55 is arranged between the inner pipe member 54 and the water supply side member. Figure 3 As shown, the outer tube member 55 is provided with housing chambers 55a and 55b on the side facing the inner tube member 54. These chambers 55a and 55b are formed by annularly cutting away both ends of the outer tube member 55, radially toward the center and in the axial direction (the stacking direction). Sealing members (O-rings) 56a and 56b are positioned around the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c. This seals the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c and the first chamber 45an (on the first power supply 42 side).

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a groove portion 55 s for arranging the protection sheet member 48 is formed on the end surface of the outer tube member 55 facing the water supply side member and facing the electrolyte membrane 40 .

[0040] The second power supply 44 and a load applying mechanism 58 for pressing the second power supply 44 toward the second electrode catalyst layer 44a are arranged in the electrolysis region within the second chamber 45ca. The load applying mechanism 58 includes, for example, a conductive elastic member such as a leaf spring 60, and the leaf spring 60 applies a load to the second power supply 44 via a metal leaf spring holder (spacer member) 62. In addition to the leaf spring 60, a coil spring or a helical spring may also be used as the elastic member.

[0041] A resin sheet 68, for example, is disposed within the second chamber 45ca, radially toward the center of the electrolysis region, as an insulating member covering the exposed portion 40b of the electrolyte membrane 40. The resin sheet 68 is set to have approximately the same thickness as the second power supply 44 and is annular in shape with a high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c formed approximately in the radial center.

[0042] The second power feeder 44 and the surface of the resin sheet 68 on the leaf spring holder 62 side are covered with a conductive sheet 66. The conductive sheet 66 is, for example, annular and has a high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c formed substantially at the center in the radial direction.

[0043] A cylindrical member 70 is disposed between the load applying mechanism 58 and the high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c in the radial direction, and between the conductive sheet 66 and the second separator 34 in the stacking direction. The cylindrical member 70 is cylindrical and made of a conductive material such as metal. The high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c is formed in the center. A discharge passage 71 is formed on one end surface of the cylindrical member 70 facing the second separator 34, connecting the second chamber 45ca with the high-pressure gas outlet hole 38c.

[0044] As described above, by providing the communicating hole body 52 (outer tube member 55) and the cylindrical member 70 between the first separator 32 and the second separator 34, the load resistance near the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c of the water electrolysis cell 12 can be improved. Furthermore, a portion of the electrolyte membrane 40, the resin sheet 68, and the conductive sheet 66 that is closer to the radial center than the electrolysis region (the portion near the high-pressure gas outlet port 38c) is sandwiched between the communicating hole body 52 and the cylindrical member 70.

[0045] A sealing member (O-ring) 72 is disposed radially outward of the electrolysis region within the second chamber 45ca, interposed between the electrolyte membrane 40 and the second separator 34. A pressure-resistant member 74 is disposed on the outer periphery of the sealing member 72. The pressure-resistant member 74 has a substantially annular shape, and its outer periphery is fitted into the inner periphery of the frame member 36.

[0046] The water electrolysis cell 12 includes a conductive path electrically connecting the second separator 34 to the tubular member 70 , the conductive sheet 66 , and the second power supply 44 , and a conductive path electrically connecting the second separator 34 to the leaf spring 60 , the leaf spring holder 62 , the conductive sheet 66 , and the second power supply 44 .

[0047] The stack body 11 includes the water electrolysis cell 12 having the basic structure as described above.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the water electrolysis stack 100 includes a pressure-feeding portion 106 in addition to the stack body 11 .

[0049] The pressure-feeding unit 106 is provided separately from the stack body 11. Specifically, the pressure-feeding unit 106 is provided in the first flow channel 102a. The pressure-feeding unit 106 pressure-feeds water to the water inlet 39a. The pressure-feeding unit 106 can be a pump. The type of pump is not particularly limited. Examples of pumps include centrifugal pumps, turbine pumps, cascade pumps, piston pumps, plunger pumps, diaphragm pumps, vane pumps, and jet pumps.

[0050] The pressure-feeding unit 106 continuously changes the water pressure-feeding amount. For example, the pressure-feeding unit 106 periodically changes the first pressure-feeding amount and the second pressure-feeding amount that is larger than the first pressure-feeding amount. As a result, the water flowing inside the stack body 11 pulsates. In other words, the pressure and flow rate of the water flowing inside the stack body 11 fluctuate periodically. Figure 3As shown, the pulsation passes through the water inlet hole 38a and the supply connection path 50a in sequence and reaches the water flow path 50b. The pulsation reaching the water flow path 50b is transported in the direction (horizontal direction) along the surface direction of the first power supply body 42 and reaches the water outlet hole 38b through the discharge connection path 50d. Figure 1 As shown, the pulsation reaching the water outlet hole 38 b is supplied from the water outlet portion 39 b to the second flow path portion 102 b of the water circulation flow path 102 .

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, the water flow rate is continuously varied by the pressure-feeding unit 106, causing the water flowing in the water flow path 50b along the surface of the power supply (first power supply) 42 to pulsate. This allows the gas generated as bubbles on the surface of the power supply (first power supply) 42 by electrolysis to be separated from the power supply by the pulsation of the water.

[0052] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, descriptions overlapping with those in the first embodiment are omitted. Figure 4 : is a diagram showing a water electrolysis system 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 In the drawings, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0053] In this embodiment, the pressure-feeding unit 106 is operated at a rated output, and the amount of water pressure-fed from the pressure-feeding unit 106 to the water introduction unit 39a per unit time is substantially constant.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the water electrolysis system 10 further includes a water quantity adjustment unit 108. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the water volume regulating part 108 is provided in the water inlet part 39a, but is not limited thereto. For example, the water volume regulating part 108 may be provided between the pressure-feeding part 106 in the first flow channel part 102a and the stack body 11. The water volume regulating part 108 regulates the amount of water introduced into the water inlet part 39a. The water volume regulating part 108 may be a valve body (valve device). The valve body is not particularly limited as long as it can regulate the flow rate. As such a valve body, there are butterfly valves, gate valves, stop valves, ball valves, and the like. The water volume regulating part 108 continuously changes the amount of water introduced into the water inlet part 39a. Accordingly, the water flowing inside the stack body 11 pulsates. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As described above, the pulsation reaching the water flow path 50 b is transported in the direction (horizontal direction) along the surface direction of the first power supply body 42 , passes through the discharge connection path 50 d , and reaches the water outlet hole 38 b .

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment, the amount of water introduced into the water inlet 39a is continuously changed by the water flow regulator 108, thereby causing the water flowing in the water flow path 50b along the surface of the power supply (first power supply) 42 to pulsate. This allows the gas generated as bubbles on the surface of the power supply (first power supply) 42 by electrolysis to be separated from the power supply by the pulsation of the water.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, water is supplied from the pressure-feeding unit 106 operating at a rated output to the water amount regulating unit 108. This allows the water to pulsate regularly.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressure-feeding unit 106 can change the amount of water it pumps at a predetermined cycle. In this case, the water volume regulator 108 can change the amount of water introduced into the water inlet 39a at a cycle shorter than the cycle of the pressure-feeding unit 106, thereby reducing water pulsation. Alternatively, the water volume regulator 108 can change the amount of water introduced into the water inlet 39a at a random cycle different from the cycle of the pressure-feeding unit 106, thereby causing the water to pulsate irregularly.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, the water electrolysis system 10 further includes a pressurizing unit 110 that pressurizes the water introduced into the water inlet 39a. The pressurizing unit 110 applies pressure to the water flowing in the first flow channel 102a. This can increase the degree of change in the pressure and flow rate of the water flowing inside the stack body 11. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the pressurizing unit 110 is provided between the water supply source 104 and the pressure-feeding unit 106 in the first flow channel 102a. However, it may be provided between the stack body 11 and the pressure-feeding unit 106. Furthermore, in this embodiment, either the pressure-feeding unit 106 or the pressurizing unit 110 may be omitted. Furthermore, the pressurizing unit 110 may be provided in the first flow channel 102a of the first embodiment.

[0059] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0060] (Note 1) The water electrolysis stack (100) of the present invention has a membrane electrode structure (30), a water inlet (39a) and a water flow channel component (46), wherein the membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane (40) and a plate-shaped power supply body (42) arranged on one side of the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; the water inlet is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; the water flow channel component is arranged relative to the power supply body, and is provided with a water flow channel (50b) for guiding the water introduced into the water inlet along the surface direction of the power supply body, wherein a pressure feeding part (106) is provided, which is used to pressurize the water to the water inlet, and the pressure feeding part causes the water flowing through the water flow channel along the surface direction of the power supply body to pulsate by continuously changing the pressure feeding amount of the water.

[0061] (Note 2) The water electrolysis stack of the present invention has a membrane electrode structure, a water inlet and a water flow channel component, wherein the membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped power supply body arranged on one of the two sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; the water inlet is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; the water flow channel component is arranged relative to the power supply body, and is provided with a water flow channel that guides the water introduced into the water inlet along the surface direction of the power supply body, wherein a water volume regulating part (108) is provided, which is provided in the water inlet and is used to regulate the water volume introduced into the water inlet, and the water volume regulating part causes the water flowing through the water flow channel along the surface direction of the power supply body to pulsate by continuously changing the water volume of the water.

[0062] (Note 3) In the water electrolysis stack according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the electrolyte membrane, the power supply, and the water flow channel member may be stacked in a gravity direction, and the water flow channel may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0063] (Note 4) In the water electrolysis stack according to Supplementary Note 2, the water may be supplied to the water amount adjustment unit from a pressure-feeding unit operating at a rated output.

[0064] (Note 5) The water electrolysis stack according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2 may include a pressurizing unit (110) for pressurizing the water introduced into the water inlet.

[0065] The present invention has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. These embodiments can be supplemented, replaced, changed, partially deleted, etc. in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention or the scope of the present invention derived from the contents recorded in the technical solution and its equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the order of each action or the order of each processing is shown as an example and is not limited to these. In addition, the same applies to the case where numerical values ​​or formulas are used in the description of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Claims

1. A water electrolysis stack comprising a membrane electrode structure, a water inlet and a water flow channel component, wherein: The membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped power supply provided on one of two sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; The water inlet portion is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; The water flow channel member is arranged opposite to the power supply body and is provided with a water flow channel for guiding the water introduced into the water introduction portion along the surface direction of the power supply body. It is characterized by: A pressure-feeding portion is provided for pressurizing the water toward the water inlet portion. The pressure-feeding unit causes the water flowing through the water flow path along the surface direction of the power supply element to pulsate by continuously changing the pressure-feeding amount of the water.

2. A water electrolysis stack comprising a membrane electrode structure, a water inlet and a water flow channel component, wherein: The membrane electrode structure includes an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped power supply provided on one of two sides in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane; The water inlet portion is used to introduce water supplied from the outside; The water flow channel member is arranged opposite to the power supply body and is provided with a water flow channel for guiding the water introduced into the water introduction portion along the surface direction of the power supply body. It is characterized by: A water volume regulating portion is provided, the water volume regulating portion being arranged at the water inlet portion and being used to regulate the volume of water introduced into the water inlet portion. The water volume regulator pulsates the water flowing through the water flow path along the surface direction of the power supply body by continuously changing the water volume of the water.

3. The water electrolysis stack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electrolyte membrane, the power supply, and the water flow channel component are stacked along the direction of gravity. The water flow channel extends in a horizontal direction.

4. The water electrolysis stack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water is supplied to the water amount adjustment unit from a pressure-feeding unit operating at a rated output.

5. The water electrolysis stack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A pressurizing unit is provided for pressurizing the water introduced into the water introduction unit.

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