Battery cell

Abstract

The battery cell (2) comprises: a substrate (10) defining a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) facing away from each other; a hole (13) extending from the first surface (11) to the second surface (12); a membrane (21) disposed within the hole (13) and dividing the hole (13) into a first space (15) on the side of the first surface (11) and a second space (16) on the side of the second surface (12); a first flow channel (40) formed on the substrate (10) for introducing a first fluid into the first space (15); a second flow channel (42) formed on the substrate (10) for discharging a second fluid from the second space (16); a first gasket (50) disposed on the first surface (11) and surrounding the first space (15) and the first flow channel (40); and a second gasket (51) disposed on the first surface (11) and surrounding the second flow channel (42) on the outside of the first gasket (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water electrolysis device. In this device, electricity is used to decompose water into oxygen and hydrogen, thereby generating hydrogen.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-117140. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve In terms of hydrogen production efficiency, hydrogen must be generated under high pressure. However, using it under high pressure would complicate the design of water electrolysis equipment.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a battery cell that is simple in design and can be used under high voltage.

[0006] means for solving problems A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a substrate defining a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other; a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface; a membrane disposed within the hole, dividing the hole into a first space on the first surface side and a second space on the second surface side; a first flow channel formed in the substrate for introducing a first fluid into the first space; a second flow channel formed in the substrate for discharging a second fluid from the second space; a first gasket disposed on the first surface, surrounding the first space and the first flow channel; and a second gasket disposed on the first surface, surrounding the second flow channel on the outside of the first gasket.

[0007] A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a third gasket disposed on the second surface, surrounding the second space and the second flow channel; and a fourth gasket disposed on the second surface, surrounding the first flow channel outside the third gasket.

[0008] A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a third flow channel formed on the substrate for discharging the first fluid from the first space, wherein the first gasket surrounds the third flow channel.

[0009] In a battery cell according to one aspect of the invention, the substrate has a groove formed on the first surface and at least partially receiving the first gasket.

[0010] In a battery cell of one aspect of the invention, the substrate has a groove formed on the first surface that at least partially accommodates the second gasket.

[0011] In a battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention, the substrate is formed of a resin material.

[0012] In a battery cell of one aspect of the present invention, the membrane is an electrolyte membrane assembled in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell.

[0013] In a battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention, the first fluid is an electrolyte.

[0014] In a battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention, the second fluid is hydrogen.

[0015] Invention Effects According to the present invention, a battery cell that is simple in design and can be used under high voltage can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell 2 assembled in a water electrolysis device 1 of a specific example.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell 2 assembled in a water electrolysis device 1 of a specific example.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the surface 11 side of battery cell 2 with one side partition removed.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the rear side 12 of battery cell 2 with the other side partition removed.

[0020] Figure 5 It corresponds Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the anode side of the water electrolysis device 1 in use.

[0021] Figure 6 It corresponds Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the cathode side of the water electrolysis device 1 in use. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell 2 assembled in a water electrolysis device 1 of a specific example. Figure 3 This is a top view of the surface 11 side of battery cell 2 with one side partition removed. Figure 4This is a top view of the rear side 12 of battery cell 2 with the other side partition removed. Figure 1 It is along Figure 3 and Figure 4 A sectional view along line 1-1 in the diagram. Figure 2 It is along Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sectional view along line 2-2. Additionally, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this context, the direction in which multiple battery cells 2 are stacked is defined as stacking direction a.

[0023] A specific example of a water electrolysis device 1 includes a battery stack, which... Figure 1 and Figure 2 One or more battery cells 2 are stacked along the stacking direction a. The battery stack has a current collector plate and an insulating plate (neither shown), which are further stacked on the battery cells 2 at both ends in the stacking direction a. With the current collector plate and insulating plate stacked at each end, the battery stack is secured in the stacking direction a by a pair of end plates (not shown). The water electrolysis device 1 is thus assembled.

[0024] The current collector is formed, for example, of an impermeable conductive material. Conductive materials include, for example, copper plates. The current collector is also formed of a metallic material, for example, titanium. Each current collector has a terminal. Current is supplied from this terminal to each battery cell 2 via the current collector. The insulating plate is formed of an insulating material, for example, rubber or resin. The end plate is formed of a metallic material. Furthermore, when fastening the end plates, multiple bolts extending along the stacking direction a and nuts screwed into the bolts are used.

[0025] Refer to together Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen, in one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 2 includes a substrate 10, which extends in a predetermined shape, for example, along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the lamination direction a. In this example, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the substrate 10 is formed as a circle when viewed from above. The substrate 10 is formed of a resin material, for example. The resin material includes, but is not limited to, general-purpose plastics (such as polypropylene (PP)), general-purpose engineering plastics (such as polycarbonate (PC)), or super engineering plastics (such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)).

[0026] The substrate 10 defines a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 that are opposite to each other. In this example, the surface 11 and the back surface 12 are defined along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the lamination direction a. The substrate 10 has a through-hole 13 extending from the surface 11 to the back surface 12 in the lamination direction a. The through-hole 13 is, for example, circular when viewed from above. The through-hole 13 is formed by, for example, a large-diameter portion 13a opening on the surface 11 side and a small-diameter portion 13b opening on, for example, the back surface side. The diameter of the small-diameter portion 13b is defined to be smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 13a. Within the through-hole 13, a stepped surface 13c is formed based on the diameter difference between the large-diameter portion 13a and the small-diameter portion 13b.

[0027] The stepped surface 13c extends in a ring shape, for example, along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the stacking direction a. The battery cell 2 includes a membrane bonding body 20 supported on the stepped surface 13c. The membrane bonding body 20 is circular, for example, when viewed from above. An annular member 14 is disposed in the large-diameter portion 13a. The outer peripheral edge of the membrane bonding body 20 is sandwiched between the annular member 14 and the stepped surface 13c. Thus, the membrane bonding body 20 divides the through-hole 13 into a first space 15 on the surface 11 side and a second space 16 on the back side 12 side. The annular member 14 is formed, for example, of the same resin material as the substrate 10. In this example, the inner peripheral diameter of the annular member 14 is set to be approximately equal to the diameter of the small-diameter portion 13b.

[0028] The membrane assembly 20 includes an electrolyte membrane 21 and catalyst layers 22 and 23 formed on the front and back sides of the electrolyte membrane 21, respectively. The electrolyte membrane 21 is, for example, an ion exchange membrane, specifically an anion exchange membrane (AEM). The catalyst layers 22 and 23 are formed of metallic materials such as platinum or an alloy of platinum and other metals. Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) 24 and 25 are formed on the respective surfaces of the catalyst layers 22 and 23. The gas diffusion layers 24 and 25 are, for example, porous moving layers (PTLs). Materials forming the gas diffusion layers 24 and 25 include, for example, carbon cloth or carbon paper.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an annular recess, or groove 13d, is formed on the stepped surface 13c. A washer 17 is disposed in the groove 13d. The washer 17 is, for example, an O-ring. By being pressed against the stepped surface 13c by the annular member 14, the washer 17 is squeezed toward the groove 13d. As a result, the washer 17 seals the space between the first space 15 and the second space 16. The washer 17 is formed of an elastic material. Elastic materials include, for example, fluororubber (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and silicone rubber (VMQ).

[0030] A flow channel component 26 is disposed in the first space 15, and a flow channel component 27 is disposed in the second space 16. The flow channel components 26 and 27, when viewed from above, are formed of, for example, a circular metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Specifically, the flow channel components 26 and 27 are mesh-like expanded metal, etc. The substrate 10 is held by a pair of flat partitions 30 and 31. The flow channel components 26 and 27 allow fluid flow in the first space 15 and the second space 16, respectively. Furthermore, the flow channel component 26 is in contact with the gas diffusion layer 24 and the partition 30. The flow channel component 26 is in contact with the gas diffusion layer 25 and the partition 31. Thus, the flow channel components 26 and 27 electrically connect the partitions 30 and 31 to the membrane bonding assembly 20.

[0031] The separator 30 contacts the surface 11 of the substrate 10. The separator 31 contacts the back side 12 of the substrate 10. Through the fastening action of the pair of end plates, the substrate 10 is fastened by the separators 30 and 31 in the lamination direction a. The separators 30 and 31 are formed of, for example, a metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, stainless steel, titanium, etc. In addition, for example, the separator 30 also serves as the separator 31 of another battery cell 2 laminated on the surface 11 side of the substrate 10. Similarly, for example, the separator 31 also serves as the separator 30 of another battery cell 2 laminated on the back side 12 side of the substrate 10.

[0032] In battery cell 2, electrolyte membrane 21 forms a separator, first space 15 is the anode (oxygen electrode) side, and second space 16 is the cathode (hydrogen electrode) side. That is, catalyst layer 22 disposed in first space 15 constitutes the anode electrode, and catalyst layer 23 disposed in second space 16 constitutes the cathode electrode. Battery cell 2 has the following: a flow channel (first flow channel) 40 for introducing electrolyte (first fluid) into first space 15; a flow channel (third flow channel) 41 for discharging electrolyte and oxygen from first space 15; and a flow channel (second flow channel) 42 for discharging hydrogen (second fluid) from second space 16.

[0033] The flow channel 40 includes: a manifold 40a that penetrates the substrate 10, partition 30, and partition 31 in the lamination direction a; and a recess 40b formed on the surface 11 of the substrate 10 and the surface of the annular member 14 connected to the surface 11. In this example, the manifold 40a is formed adjacent to one side of the first space 15 in a radial direction orthogonal to the lamination direction a. The recess 40b connects the manifold 40a to the first space 15. The recess 40b is covered by the partition 30. Additionally, in this example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the recess 40b is formed by a single groove connecting the manifold 40a and the first space 15, but as an alternative example, it may also be formed by multiple grooves.

[0034] The flow channel 41 includes: a manifold 41a that penetrates the substrate 10, the partition 30, and the partition 31 in the lamination direction a; and a recess 41b formed on the surface 11 of the substrate 10. In this example, the manifold 41a is formed adjacent to the side of the first space 15 where the manifold 40a is formed, opposite in the radial direction. The recess 41b connects the first space 15 to the manifold 41a. The recess 41b is covered by the partition 30. Furthermore, in this example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the recess 41b is formed by a single groove connecting the first space 15 and the manifold 40a, but as an alternative example, it may also be formed by multiple grooves.

[0035] The flow channel 42 has: a pair of manifolds 42a, 42a that penetrate the substrate 10, partition 30, and partition 31 in the lamination direction a; and a recess 42b formed on the back surface 12 of the substrate 10. In this example, the pair of manifolds 42a, 42a are formed adjacent to the second space 16 on both sides of the second space 16 in the radial direction. One recess 42b connects one manifold 42a to the second space 16, and the other recess 42b connects the other manifold 42a to the second space 16. Additionally, in this example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the recess 42b is formed by a single groove connecting the second space 16 and the manifold 42a, but as an alternative example, it may also be formed by multiple grooves.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the manifolds 40a and 41a of flow channels 40 and 41 are arranged in opposite radial positions separated by the first space 15 and the second space 16, while the manifolds 42a and 42a of flow channel 42 are arranged in opposite radial positions separated by the first space 15 and the second space 16. Furthermore, in this example, the manifolds 40a and 41a and the manifolds 42a and 42a are arranged at a 90-degree angle when viewed from above, for example, with the center point of the substrate 10 as the center. However, the manifolds 40a and 41a and the manifolds 42a and 42a can also be arranged relative to each other at other angular intervals when viewed from above.

[0037] A gasket (first gasket) 50 is disposed on the surface 11 of the substrate 10, which surrounds the first space 15 and the channels 40 and 41 from the outside. In this example, the gasket 50 is generally elliptical when viewed from above. The gasket 50 is formed, for example, from the same material as the gasket 17. The gasket 50 is at least partially disposed within an annular recess, i.e., a groove 10a, formed on the surface 11. That is, the groove 10a has a depth capable of accommodating at least a portion of the gasket 50 before elastic deformation. On the surface 11 of the substrate 10, the gasket 50 is pressed into the groove 10a by the partition 30. Thus, the gasket 50 seals the first space 15 with the channels 40 and 41.

[0038] Similarly, washers (second washers) 51, 51 are disposed on the surface 11 of the substrate 10, respectively surrounding the flow channel 42, i.e., a pair of manifolds 42a, 42a. Washers 51, 51 are disposed outside of washers 50. In this example, washers 51 are circular when viewed from above. Washers 51 are formed, for example, from the same material as washers 17, 50. Washers 51 are at least partially disposed within an annular recess, i.e., a groove 10b, formed on the surface 11. That is, the groove 10b has a depth capable of accommodating at least a portion of the washer 51 before elastic deformation. On the surface 11 of the substrate 10, washers 51 are pressed into the groove 10b by the partition 30. Thus, washers 51 seal the flow channel 42.

[0039] On the other hand, a gasket (third gasket) 52 is disposed on the back surface 12 of the substrate 10, the gasket 52 surrounding the second space 16 and the flow channel 42 from the outside. In this example, the gasket 52 is formed as a generally elliptical shape when viewed from above. The gasket 52 is formed, for example, from the same material as the gaskets 17, 50, and 51. The gasket 52 is at least partially disposed within an annular recess, i.e., a groove 10c, formed on the back surface 12. That is, the groove 10c has a depth capable of accommodating at least a portion of the gasket 52 before elastic deformation. On the back surface 12 of the substrate 10, the gasket 52 is pressed into the groove 10c by the partition 31. Thus, the gasket 52 seals the second space 16 and the flow channel 42.

[0040] Similarly, washers (fourth washers) 53, 53 are disposed on the back surface 12 of the substrate 10, respectively surrounding the flow channels 40, i.e., manifolds 40a and 41a. Washers 53, 53 are disposed outside of washers 52. In this example, washers 53 are formed as circular when viewed from above. Washers 53 are formed, for example, from the same material as washers 17, 50, 51, and 52. Washers 53 are at least partially disposed within an annular recess, i.e., a groove 10d, formed on the back surface 12. That is, the groove 10d has a depth capable of accommodating at least a portion of the washers 53 before elastic deformation. On the back surface 12 of the substrate 10, washers 53 are pressed into the grooves 10d by partitions 31. Thus, washers 53 seal the flow channels 40 and 41.

[0041] Next, the operation of the water electrolysis device 1 will be described. In the water electrolysis device 1, the electrolyte is supplied to the first space 15 of each battery cell 2 via the flow channel 40. The electrolyte is, for example, an alkaline solution with a pH of 14 or lower. At this time, when a direct current is supplied to the current collector, a water electrolysis reaction occurs in each battery cell 2. Oxygen is generated on the anode side, i.e., the first space 15, and hydrogen is generated on the cathode side, i.e., the second space 16. Specifically, water in the electrolyte diffuses in the electrolyte membrane 21 and moves to the cathode side, where hydrogen (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH) are generated from the water. - (H2O→H2+2OH) -On the other hand, hydroxide ions migrate to the anode side within the electrolyte membrane 21. As a result, on the anode side, water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂) are generated from hydroxide ions (2OH⁻). - →1 / 2O2 + H2O + 2e - Hydrogen generated on the cathode side is discharged from cell 2 via flow channel 42. On the other hand, oxygen and water generated on the anode side are discharged from cell 2 via flow channel 41.

[0042] Figure 5 It corresponds Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the anode side of the water electrolysis device 1 in use. Figure 6 It corresponds Figure 4 This is a schematic top view showing the cathode side of the water electrolysis device 1 in use. During the use of the water electrolysis device 1, as... Figure 5 As shown, on the anode side of each battery cell 2, the electrolyte introduced into the first space 15 from the manifold 40a via the recess 40b is discharged from the battery cell 2 along with oxygen from the recess 41b via the manifold 41a. Figure 5 As shown by the middle arrow, the electrolyte pressure P1 acts evenly on the gasket 50 from the inside out. The electrolyte pressure P1 is usually set to <1 MPa.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, on the cathode side of each battery cell 2, hydrogen generated in the second space 16 is discharged from the manifolds 42a and 42a via recesses 42b and 42b. Figure 6 As indicated by the middle arrow, the hydrogen pressure P2 acts uniformly on gasket 52 from the inside out. The hydrogen pressure P2 is typically set to be greater than the electrolyte pressure P1. Additionally, on the outer sides of gaskets 53 and 53, which surround manifolds 40a and 41a respectively, the electrolyte pressure P1 acts from the inside out. On the other hand, on the anode side, on the outer sides of gaskets 50, which surround manifolds 42a and 42a respectively, the hydrogen pressure P2 acts from the inside out.

[0044] In the water electrolysis apparatus 1 described above, the pressure acting on gaskets 50 and 51 on the anode side of each battery cell 2 is in a single direction from the inside to the outside. Similarly, on the cathode side of each battery cell 2, the pressure acting on gaskets 52 and 53 is in a single direction from the inside to the outside. In other words, gaskets 50 and 53 are not subjected to pressure from the outside to the inside. As a result, even if the hydrogen pressure P2 is set to a high pressure, gaskets 50 and 53 only need to be designed according to this pressure P2. Therefore, the strength design of the substrate 10 and the like constituting the battery cell 2, as well as the design of gaskets 50 and 53, becomes easier. Thus, the battery cell 2 can be used under high pressure with a simple design.

[0045] On the other hand, as a comparative example, one can envision a case where gasket 50 surrounds gaskets 51, 52 on the anode side, or where gasket 52 surrounds gaskets 53, 53 on the cathode side. In these comparative examples, for example on the anode side, the electrolyte pressure P1 acts on gasket 53 from the outside to the inside, while the hydrogen pressure P2 acts on gasket 53 from the inside to the outside. That is, the pressures act on gasket 51 from two different directions. Therefore, for example, when the pressure P2 of the generated hydrogen is increased, the strength design of the substrate 10, etc. constituting the battery cell 2, and the design of gasket 51 become complicated. The same conclusion can also be drawn on the cathode side.

[0046] In the water electrolysis device 1 described above, gaskets 50 to 53 are disposed within grooves 10a to 10d formed on the surface 11 and back surface 12 of the substrate 10, but the formation of some or all of the grooves 10a to 10d may be omitted. That is, gaskets 50 to 53 may also be, for example, adhered to the surface 11 or back surface 12 of the substrate 10. Furthermore, the substrate 10 and membrane bonding body 20 of each battery cell 2 are formed as circular when viewed from above, but may also be formed as rectangles or other polygons when viewed from above. Regarding the dimensions of the water electrolysis device 1, the substrate 10 may, for example, have a diameter of approximately 300 mm to 1000 mm. Additionally, in the lamination direction a, each battery cell 2 may, for example, have a thickness of approximately 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0047] Furthermore, each battery cell 2 of the water electrolysis device 1 uses an anion exchange membrane (AEM) as the electrolyte membrane 21, but alternatively, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane such as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) may also be used. In this case, pure water is supplied to the anode side in each battery cell 2. Additionally, in the above embodiment, the battery cell 2 is assembled in the water electrolysis device 1, but it may also be assembled in a fuel cell.

[0048] The present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. As can be seen from the claims, methods with such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0049] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the scope of application of the present invention, and all objects that can be utilized by the present invention can be included within its scope of application. The constituent elements, their configuration, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions, etc., provided in the above embodiments are not limited to the examples shown and can be appropriately modified. For example, the present invention includes deviations arising during the implementation process, such as manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, within the scope of technical non-contradiction, the constituent elements shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other. In addition, in order to achieve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and effects, the constituent elements can be appropriately and selectively combined.

[0050] Symbol Explanation 1. Water electrolysis device; 2. Battery cell; 10. Substrate; 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Groove; 11. Surface (first side); 12. Back side (second side); 13. Through hole (hole); 13a. Large diameter portion; 13b. Small diameter portion; 13c. Stepped surface; 13d. Groove; 14. Annular component; 15. First space; 16. Second space; 17. Gasket; 20. Membrane junction; 21. Electrolyte membrane; 22, 23. Catalyst layer; 24, 25. Gas diffusion layer; 26. Flow channel component; 27. Flow channel component; 30, 31. Separator; 40. Flow channel (first flow channel); 40a. Manifold; 40b. Recess; 41. Flow channel (third flow channel); 41a. Manifold; 41b. Recess; 42. Flow channel (second flow channel); 42a. Manifold; 42b. Recess; 50. Gasket (first gasket); 51. Washer (second washer), 52 washer (third washer), 53 washer (fourth washer), a. Stacking direction, P1 pressure, P2 pressure.

Claims

1. A battery cell comprising: Substrate, which defines a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other; A hole that extends from the first surface to the second surface; A membrane disposed within the pore, dividing the pore into a first space on the first side and a second space on the second side; A first flow channel, formed in the substrate, is used to introduce a first fluid into the first space; A second flow channel, formed in the substrate, is used to discharge a second fluid from the second space; A first washer is disposed on the first surface, surrounding the first space and the first flow channel; as well as A second gasket is disposed on the first surface, surrounding the second flow channel on the outside of the first gasket.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, comprising: A third gasket, disposed on the second surface, surrounds the second space and the second flow channel; and A fourth washer is disposed on the second surface, surrounding the first flow channel outside the third washer.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A third flow channel, formed in the substrate, is used to drain the first fluid from the first space. The first washer surrounds the third flow channel.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate has a groove formed on the first surface that at least partially accommodates the first washer.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate has a groove formed on the first surface that at least partially accommodates the second washer.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate is formed of resin material.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane is an electrolyte membrane assembled in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, The first fluid is an electrolyte.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The second fluid is hydrogen.

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