An electrode module and an electrochemical system comprising the same

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrode module and an electrochemical system including the same. The disclosed electrode module includes a flow inlet of a first fluid, a regenerator in fluid communication with the flow inlet of the first fluid, an electric heater in fluid communication with the regenerator, a supply pipe of the first fluid in fluid communication with the electric heater, a stack mounting portion in fluid communication with the supply pipe of the first fluid, a discharge means of a second fluid in fluid communication with the stack mounting portion, and a discharge outlet of the second fluid in fluid communication with the discharge means of the second fluid via the regenerator, the regenerator being configured to exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses an electrode module and an electrochemical system including the same. More specifically, it discloses a scalable electrode module and an electrochemical system including the same, the scalable electrode module integrating a manifold for side-by-side connection of a solid oxide fuel cell or stack, a high-temperature regenerator for maintaining high-temperature operation, and an electric heater. Background Technology

[0002] Although there are many commercial examples of hot boxes (including natural gas / city gas reformers and burners) used in high-temperature fuel cells, they have problems such as small capacity and inability to be used in pure hydrogen fuel cells or water electrolysis applications that do not include reformers and burners.

[0003] The high-temperature fuel cell stacks currently used in the demonstration phase have capacities ranging from 3 kW to 10 kW, which is significantly lower than the 1 MW to 10 MW capacities of low-temperature fuel cell stacks, resulting in a much lower hydrogen production capacity. Furthermore, the capacities of the high-temperature water electrolysis heat exchangers currently in the demonstration phase are in the tens of kW range in South Korea and in the hundreds of kW range overseas, far from reaching commercialization levels.

[0004] Because the high-temperature fuel cell stack, regenerator, and electric heater operate at temperatures ranging from 550°C to 800°C, they experience significant heat loss when exposed to external air, resulting in a sharp decrease in hydrogen production efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, in the currently used heat boxes, the regenerators, electric heaters, and high-temperature piping networks are mostly located outside the insulation material, failing to achieve the hydrogen production efficiency level required for commercialization. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides an expandable electrode module that integrates a manifold for side-by-side connection of a solid oxide fuel cell or stack, a high-temperature regenerator for maintaining high-temperature operation, and an electric heater.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrochemical system including the electrode module.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides an electrode module comprising: The inlet for the first fluid; A regenerator that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first fluid; An electric heater in fluid communication with the regenerator; A supply pipe for a first fluid that is in fluid communication with the electric heater; A fuel cell stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the supply pipe of the first fluid; A means for discharging a second fluid that is in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack mounting section; and The outlet of the second fluid is in fluid communication with the means for discharging the second fluid via the regenerator. The regenerator is used to enable heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0009] The inlet of the first fluid can be fluidly isolated from and closely adjacent to the outlet of the second fluid.

[0010] There can be multiple fuel cell stack mounting parts. In this case, the multiple fuel cell stack mounting parts are a first row of fuel cell stack mounting parts and a second row of fuel cell stack mounting parts arranged symmetrically from left to right. The supply pipes of the first fluid are arranged in pairs and side by side between the first row of fuel cell stack mounting parts and the second row of fuel cell stack mounting parts. When viewed with the supply pipes of the first fluid as a reference, there is a discharge means of the second fluid on the outside of the first row of fuel cell stack mounting parts and on the outside of the second row of fuel cell stack mounting parts, which are arranged side by side to form a pair.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides an electrochemical system comprising: The aforementioned electrode module; and fuel cell stack.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides an electrode module comprising: Steam inlet; A fuel electrode regenerator in fluid communication with the steam inlet; A fuel electrode electric heater that is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode regenerator; A steam supply pipe in fluid communication with the fuel electrode electric heater; A fuel electrode stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the steam supply pipe; A steam supply nozzle in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; A hydrogen exhaust nozzle that is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; A hydrogen exhaust pipe in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; and The hydrogen outlet is in fluid communication with the hydrogen discharge pipe via the fuel electrode regenerator. The fuel polar regenerator is used to exchange heat between the steam flowing in through the steam inlet and the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen outlet pipe.

[0013] The fuel electrode stack mounting section may include a steam supply channel and a hydrogen discharge channel that are fluidly isolated from each other. The steam supply channel is used to connect the steam supply pipe to the steam supply nozzle, and the hydrogen discharge channel is used to connect the hydrogen discharge nozzle to the hydrogen discharge pipe.

[0014] The steam supply nozzle and the hydrogen discharge nozzle can be respectively disposed on the upper surface of the fuel electrode stack mounting part.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides an electrode module comprising: External airflow inlet; An air-electrode regenerator that is in fluid communication with the external air inlet; An air electrode electric heater that is in fluid communication with the air electrode regenerator; An external air supply pipe in fluid communication with the air electrode heater; An air electrode stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the external air supply pipe; An exhaust passage in fluid communication with the air electrode stack mounting section; and The exhaust port is in fluid communication with the exhaust channel via the air polar regenerator. The air polar regenerator is used to exchange heat between the external air flowing in through the external air inlet and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust channel.

[0016] There are multiple air electrode stack mounting parts. In this case, the electrode module may also include multiple air guides, which, together with the external air supply pipe, are used to separate the multiple air electrode stack mounting parts.

[0017] The electrode module may also include a compression rod disposed between two adjacent air guides.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention provides an electrochemical system comprising: A fuel electrode module including the aforementioned electrode module; The air electrode module, including the other electrode module mentioned above; and fuel cell stack.

[0019] The air electrode module is disposed on the fuel electrode module, and the electrochemical system may further include a pair of side panels disposed on the fuel electrode module to cover one side and the other side of the air electrode module, respectively.

[0020] The air electrode module may also include a compression rod that passes through both the air electrode module and the fuel electrode module.

[0021] The electrochemical system may further include a first nut coupled to one end of the compression rod on the air electrode module side, a spring coupled to the other end of the compression rod on the fuel electrode module side, and a second nut coupled to the other end of the compression rod to compress the spring.

[0022] The electrochemical system can be a solid oxide fuel cell system or a solid oxide water electrolysis system.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode module and the electrochemical system including the electrode module can significantly reduce the construction cost of large-capacity solid oxide fuel cells or water electrolysis systems by integrating high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cells or water electrolysis technologies, i.e., high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells or water electrolysis systems. Furthermore, the improved thermal insulation effect brought about by integration can maximize the thermal efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells or water electrolysis systems.

[0024] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode module is prepared in the form of a platform, and multiple electrode stacks can be connected in series and / or side by side or stacked. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fuel electrode module, which is an electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an electrochemical system comprising a fuel electrode module and an air electrode module, which is an electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electrochemical system comprising a fuel electrode module and an air electrode module, which is an electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 In order to be in Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the electrochemical system after a fuel cell stack has been installed separately.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A side view of the electrochemical system.

[0030] Figure 6 To show only Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the fuel electrode current collector, busbar, and air electrode current collector in an electrochemical system.

[0031] Figure 7 In order to be in Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the side panel installed separately on the electrochemical system.

[0032] Figure 8 In order to be in Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the electrochemical system after a compression plate has been installed separately.

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A side view of the state of the electrochemical system after being compressed by the stack compression system.

[0034] Figure 10 From Figure 7 The state diagram of the electrochemical system after only removing the fuel cell stack is used to describe the flow of fluid in the air electrode module.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 An enlarged view of the air guide mounting section in an electrochemical system.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating several connection methods of an electrochemical system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The electrode module and the electrochemical system including the electrode module are described in detail below according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In this specification, "external air" refers to all air present between the external air inlet and the fuel cell stack, and "exhaust" refers to all air present between the fuel cell stack and the exhaust port.

[0039] Additionally, in this specification, "fluid communication" refers to the interconnection of two or more components in a manner in which fluid can flow within them.

[0040] Additionally, in this specification, "fluidly separated" means that two or more components are configured such that fluid cannot flow from one component to another.

[0041] Additionally, in this specification, "side-by-side arrangement" means that two or more components are arranged relative to an imaginary vertical line with their respective smooth surfaces (widest surfaces) facing each other.

[0042] In addition, in this specification, "arranged in a straight line" means that two or more components are arranged side by side along the length of the same straight line and extend in one direction.

[0043] In addition, in this specification, "upper part" refers to the part located in the opposite direction of gravity relative to a certain object, and "lower part" refers to the part located in the positive direction of gravity relative to the object.

[0044] Furthermore, in this specification, "upper surface" refers to the surface seen when looking down at an object from above, and "bottom surface" refers to the surface seen when looking up at the object from below.

[0045] An electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inlet for a first fluid, a recuperator, an electric heater, a supply pipe for the first fluid, a fuel cell mounting section, a discharge means for a second fluid, and an outlet for the second fluid.

[0046] In this specification, “stack connection (115)” is a general term for the part of the power supply stack that is installed or connected, which may include the fuel electrode stack installation part (STS1) and the air electrode stack installation part (STS2) described later.

[0047] The regenerator can be in fluid communication with the inlet of the first fluid.

[0048] In addition, the regenerator can be used to exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0049] The electric heater is in fluid communication with the regenerator.

[0050] The supply pipe of the first fluid can be in fluid communication with the electric heater.

[0051] The fuel cell stack mounting section is in fluid communication with the supply pipe of the first fluid.

[0052] In addition, there can be multiple fuel cell stack mounting parts. In this case, the multiple fuel cell stack mounting parts can be divided into a first row of fuel cell stack mounting parts and a second row of fuel cell stack mounting parts arranged symmetrically from left to right.

[0053] The first and second rows of fuel cell stack mounting sections may each include multiple fuel cell stack mounting sections arranged in a longitudinal row. In this case, the supply pipes for the first fluid may be arranged in pairs side-by-side between the first and second rows of fuel cell stack mounting sections. Furthermore, when viewed from the first fluid supply pipes, a discharge means for the second fluid may be provided on the outer side of both the first and second rows of fuel cell stack mounting sections, forming a pair.

[0054] The means for discharging the second fluid may be in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack mounting section.

[0055] Furthermore, the outlet of the second fluid can be in fluid communication with the discharge means of the second fluid via the regenerator. Specifically, the outlet of the second fluid is in fluid communication with the regenerator, the regenerator is in fluid communication with the discharge means of the second fluid, and the outlet of the second fluid can ultimately be in fluid communication with the discharge means of the second fluid.

[0056] The inlet of the first fluid can be fluidly isolated from and closely adjacent to the outlet of the second fluid.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrochemical system including the above-described electrode module and fuel cell stack.

[0058] The electrode module can be suitable for a solid oxide fuel cell system or a solid oxide water electrolysis system, and the electrochemical system can be a solid oxide fuel cell system or a solid oxide water electrolysis system. Hereinafter, the electrode module will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using an electrode module suitable for a solid oxide water electrolysis system as a reference. However, the electrode module can also be applied to solid oxide fuel cells in substantially the same manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fuel electrode module 110, which is an electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The image shows two fuel pole modules 110 with the same configuration and function, set in opposite directions.

[0060] See Figure 1 The fuel electrode module 110 includes a steam inlet 111, a fuel electrode regenerator 112, a fuel electrode electric heater 113, a steam supply pipe 114, a fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1, a steam supply nozzle N1, a hydrogen exhaust nozzle N2, a hydrogen exhaust pipe 116, and a hydrogen exhaust outlet 117.

[0061] The fuel polar regenerator 112 can be in fluid communication with the steam inlet 111.

[0062] Furthermore, the fuel electrode regenerator 112 allows heat exchange between steam flowing in through the steam inlet 111 and hydrogen exiting from the hydrogen outlet pipe 116. Specifically, the fuel electrode regenerator 112 heats the steam and cools the hydrogen by exchanging heat between the steam flowing in through the steam inlet 111 and the hydrogen exiting from the hydrogen outlet pipe 116. Thus, energy efficiency is maximized through heat exchange between the steam flowing in through the steam inlet 111 and the hydrogen exiting from the hydrogen outlet pipe 116, and heat loss due to outside air is minimized because high-temperature fluid is not discharged to the outside of the insulation material 200 (described later).

[0063] The fuel electrode electric heater 113 is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode regenerator 112. Specifically, the fuel electrode electric heater 113 can further heat the steam supplied through the fuel electrode regenerator 112. More specifically, the fuel electrode electric heater 113 is built into the end of the fuel electrode regenerator 112, which can maintain a uniform fluid temperature even under various operating conditions (exothermic / thermal neutral / endothermic) of the fuel cell stack 130 described later, thereby extending the life of the fuel cell stack 130 by actively regulating the temperature of the fuel cell stack 130.

[0064] The steam supply pipe 114 is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode electric heater 113. Specifically, the steam supply pipe 114 can resupply the steam supplied through the fuel electrode electric heater 113 to the fuel electrode stack installation section STS1.

[0065] The fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1 is in fluid communication with the steam supply pipe 114.

[0066] In addition, there can be multiple fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1. In this case, the multiple fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1 can be divided into a first row of fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1 and a second row of fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1 arranged symmetrically from left to right.

[0067] The first and second rows of fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1 may each include multiple fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1 arranged in a longitudinal row. In this case, steam supply pipes 114 may be arranged in pairs side-by-side between the first and second rows of fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1. Furthermore, when viewed from the steam supply pipes 114, a hydrogen exhaust pipe 116 may be provided on the outer side of both the first and second rows of fuel electrode stack mounting sections STS1, forming a pair.

[0068] Additionally, the fuel electrode stack installation section STS1 may include a steam supply passage (not shown) and a hydrogen exhaust passage (not shown) that are fluidly isolated from each other.

[0069] The steam supply channel can be used to connect the steam supply pipe 114 to the steam supply nozzle N1. Therefore, the steam supplied to the fuel electrode module 110 through the steam inlet 111 can sequentially pass through the fuel electrode regenerator 112, the fuel electrode electric heater 113, the steam supply pipe 114, and the steam supply channel formed in the fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1, and then be supplied through the steam supply nozzle N1 to the stack 130 (described later) located on the upper part of the fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1. Figure 1 (Solid arrow)

[0070] The hydrogen discharge channel can be used to connect the hydrogen discharge nozzle N2 to the hydrogen discharge pipe 116. Therefore, the hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell stack 130 (described later) can pass through the hydrogen discharge nozzle N2 in sequence through the hydrogen discharge channel, the hydrogen discharge pipe 116, and the fuel cell regenerator 112 formed in the fuel cell stack mounting section STS1, and then be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell module 110 through the hydrogen discharge outlet 117 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 Dotted lines and arrows).

[0071] Furthermore, steam supply nozzles N1 and hydrogen exhaust nozzles N2 can be respectively provided on the upper surface of the fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1. For example, rows of steam supply nozzles N1 and rows of hydrogen exhaust nozzles N2 can be alternately provided on the upper surface of the fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1.

[0072] In addition, the fuel electrode module 110 may also include multiple feet 118.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an electrochemical system 100, which is an electrode module according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprising a stacked structure of a fuel electrode module 110 and an air electrode module 120. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electrochemical system 100, which is an electrode module according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprising a stacked structure of a fuel electrode module 110 and an air electrode module 120. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows two stacked structures with the same configuration and function (i.e., stacked structures of fuel pole module 110 and air pole module 120) arranged in opposite directions.

[0074] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air electrode module 120 can be installed on the fuel electrode module 110.

[0075] In addition, the air electrode module 120 includes an external air inlet 121, an air electrode regenerator 122, an air electrode electric heater 123, an external air supply pipe 124, an air electrode stack mounting section STS2, an exhaust passage 126, and an exhaust port 127.

[0076] The air polar regenerator 122 can be in fluid communication with the external air inlet 121.

[0077] Furthermore, the air regenerator 122 can be used to exchange heat between the external air flowing in through the external air inlet 121 and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust passage 126. Specifically, the air regenerator 122 can be used to heat the external air flowing in through the external air inlet 121 and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust passage 126, thereby heating the external air and cooling the exhaust gas. Thus, energy efficiency can be maximized through the heat exchange between the external air flowing in through the external air inlet 121 and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust passage 126, and heat loss due to external air can be minimized because high-temperature fluid is not discharged to the outside of the insulation material 200 (described later).

[0078] The air electrode electric heater 123 is in fluid communication with the air electrode regenerator 122. Specifically, the air electrode electric heater 123 can further heat the external air supplied through the air electrode regenerator 122. More specifically, the air electrode electric heater 123 is built into the end of the air electrode regenerator 122, which can maintain a uniform fluid temperature even under various operating conditions (heating / neutral / endothermic) of the fuel cell stack 130 described later, thereby extending the life of the fuel cell stack 130 by actively regulating the temperature of the fuel cell stack 130.

[0079] The external air supply pipe 124 is in fluid communication with the air electrode heater 123. Specifically, the external air supply pipe 124 can be used to resupply the external air supplied through the air electrode heater 123 to the air electrode stack mounting section STS2.

[0080] The air electrode stack mounting section STS2 can be fluidly connected to the external air supply pipe 124.

[0081] In addition, there can be multiple air electrode stack mounting sections STS2. In this case, each air electrode stack mounting section STS2 is an internal space enclosed by multiple air guides 125 and external air supply pipes 124, which will be described later. Each air electrode stack mounting section STS2 can be used to accommodate one stack 130.

[0082] Additionally, the air electrode module 120 may include multiple air guides 125. These multiple air guides 125, together with the external air supply pipe 124, can be used to separate multiple air electrode stack mounting sections STS2. Thus, the air electrode stack mounting sections STS2 can be divided into a first row of air electrode stack mounting sections STS2 and a second row of air electrode stack mounting sections STS2 arranged symmetrically from left to right. Furthermore, the multiple air guides 125 serve to evenly distribute external air to the multiple air electrode stack mounting sections STS2.

[0083] The first and second rows of air electrode stack mounting sections STS2 may each include multiple air electrode stack mounting sections STS2 arranged in a longitudinal row. In this case, the external air supply pipe 124 can be arranged in pairs side-by-side between the first and second rows of air electrode stack mounting sections STS2. Furthermore, when viewed from the external air supply pipe 124, an exhaust channel 126 can be provided on the outer side of both the first and second rows of air electrode stack mounting sections STS2, forming a pair.

[0084] The exhaust passage 126 can be the internal space between the fuel cell stack 130 and the side panel 150 (see below) Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 ).

[0085] Additionally, the air electrode module 120 may also include compression rods 128. These compression rods 128 are disposed between two adjacent air guides 125 and may extend through both the fuel electrode module 110 and the air electrode module 120.

[0086] Figure 4 In order to be in Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the electrochemical system 100 after the fuel cell stack 130 is installed separately.

[0087] See Figure 4 The fuel cell stack 130 can be installed within the internal space enclosed by the fuel electrode stack mounting section STS1 of the fuel electrode module 110, multiple air guides 125, and external air supply pipes 124. As a result, multiple fuel cell stacks 130 can be arranged side-by-side in n columns (n ​​being an integer greater than or equal to 1) along the longitudinal direction, theoretically allowing for an unlimited number of stacks 130. These fuel cell stacks 130 can be water electrolysis stacks (see https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Solid_oxide_electrolyzer_cell).

[0088] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A side view of the electrochemical system 100. Figure 6 From Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the electrochemical system 100 after only the fuel electrode current collector FCC, bus 140 and air electrode current collector ACC are removed.

[0089] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 Bus 140 connects the air electrode current collector ACC and the fuel electrode current collector FCC in a "Z" shape to avoid interference with the air electrode module 120 after it is installed.

[0090] Figure 7 In order to be in Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the side panel 150 installed separately on the electrochemical system 100.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the electrochemical system 100 may also include a side panel 150.

[0092] Side panels 150 can be disposed on the fuel electrode module 110 to cover one side and the other side of the air electrode module 120, respectively. The side panels 150 serve to separate the interior and exterior of the fuel cell stack 130.

[0093] Figure 8 In order to be in Figure 7A schematic diagram showing the installation of a compression plate 160 on the electrochemical system 100.

[0094] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The compression plates 160 can cover the fuel cell stack 130. These compression plates 160 serve to prevent damage to the fuel cell stack 130 when the electrochemical system 100 is compressed vertically.

[0095] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A side view of the state of the electrochemical system 100 after being compressed by the stack compression system (128, 160, NT1, SP, NT2, etc.).

[0096] The fuel cell stack compression system (128, 160, NT1, SP, NT2, etc.) provides compression force to seal the fuel cell stack 130 and its surroundings, thus maintaining the durability of the fuel cell stack 130 even under conditions of high-temperature thermal expansion or contraction.

[0097] See Figure 9 The electrochemical system 100 may also include a first nut NT1, a spring SP, and a second nut NT2.

[0098] The first nut NT1 can be engaged with one end of the air pole module 120 side of the compression rod 128.

[0099] The spring SP can be coupled to the other end of the fuel electrode module 110.

[0100] The second nut NT2 can be engaged with the other end of the compression rod 128 to compress the spring SP.

[0101] Specifically, in Figure 8 After aligning the fuel electrode module 110 and the air electrode module 120 in the electrochemical system 100, a washer (not shown) and nut NT1 are sequentially tightened on the upper part of the compression rod 128, and a spring SP, washer (not shown), and nut NT2 are sequentially tightened on the lower part of the compression rod 128, thereby compressing the electrochemical system 100 vertically. In this way, by compressing the electrochemical system 100 with an appropriate compression force, fluid leakage from the inside of the fuel cell stack 130 to the outside can be prevented.

[0102] Figure 10 From Figure 7 A state diagram of the electrochemical system 100 after only removing the fuel cell stack 130, which is used to describe the flow of fluid in the air electrode module 120.

[0103] See Figure 10External air supplied to the air electrode module 120 through the external air inlet 121 can pass sequentially through the air electrode regenerator 122, the air electrode electric heater 123, the external air supply pipe 124, and the air electrode fuel cell stack mounting section STS2 before being supplied to the fuel cell stack 130 installed in the air electrode fuel cell stack mounting section STS2 (see...). Figure 10 (Solid arrow)

[0104] Additionally, the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 130 can sequentially pass through the air electrode fuel cell stack mounting section STS2, the exhaust passage 126, and the air electrode regenerator 122, before being discharged to the outside of the air electrode module 120 through the exhaust port 127 (see [link]). Figure 10 Dotted lines and arrows).

[0105] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of the air guide mounting section in the electrochemical system 100.

[0106] See Figure 11 The air guides 125 are arranged in pairs, forming multiple pairs. Two compression rods 128 can be installed in the space between a pair of air guides 125. In addition, to ensure the installation space for the compression rods 128, each air guide 125 may include a bent portion.

[0107] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the electrochemical system 100 may also include power cables and connection terminals for supplying power to the fuel cell stack 130, and sensing cables and connection terminals for monitoring the fuel cell stack 130.

[0108] The fuel electrode module 110, air electrode module 120, and electrochemical system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, having the above-described configuration, can maintain thermal stability through the integration of their constituent elements and have a piping network for uniformly distributing fuel and air among the stacks 130. That is, the fuel electrode module 110, air electrode module 120, and electrochemical system 100 achieve high-capacity integration by arranging their constituent elements in the smallest possible space, and are easy to install within the insulation material 200. Furthermore, to meet future industrialization needs, their shape can support two or more stacked configurations.

[0109] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating several connection methods of an electrochemical system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 In the attached diagram, "100" indicates an electrochemical system, "N" indicates nozzles such as fluid inlets and outlets, and "200" indicates thermal insulation material.

[0110] See Figure 12In (a), a pair of electrochemical systems 100, enclosed by thermal insulation material 200, are connected in series in opposite directions with their nozzles N furthest apart. The thermal insulation material 200 can surround the electrochemical systems 100 to minimize heat loss of the electrochemical systems 100 due to external air and thermal shock of the fuel cell stack 130.

[0111] See Figure 12 (b) consists of a pair of electrochemical systems 100 connected side by side, enclosed by thermal insulation material 200.

[0112] See Figure 12 (c) A pair of electrochemical systems 100, enclosed by thermal insulation material 200, are connected in series in opposite directions with their nozzles N as close as possible to each other.

[0113] See Figure 12 (d) A pair of electrochemical systems 100, enclosed by thermal insulation material 200, are connected in series in opposite directions with a common nozzle N.

[0114] The electrochemical system 100 described above can be a solid oxide fuel cell system or a solid oxide water electrolysis system.

[0115] The present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but these are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be made based on these drawings. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

[0116] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0117] 100: Electrochemical system; 110: Fuel electrode module; 111: Steam inlet; 112: Fuel electrode regenerator; 113: Fuel electrode electric heater; 114: Steam supply pipe; 115: Stack connection; 116: Hydrogen exhaust pipe; 117: Hydrogen exhaust outlet; 118: Support leg; 120: Air electrode module; 121: External air inlet; 122: Air electrode regenerator; 123: Air electrode electric heater; 124: External air supply Pipe; 125: Air guide; 126: Exhaust passage; 127: Exhaust port; 128: Compression rod; 130: Fuel cell stack; 140: Busbar; 150: Side panel; 160: Compression plate; 200: Thermal insulation material; STS1, STS2: Fuel cell stack mounting section; N1: Steam supply nozzle; N2: Hydrogen exhaust nozzle; NT1, NT2: Nut; N: Nozzle; SP: Spring; ACC: Air electrode current collector; FCC: Fuel electrode current collector.

Claims

1. An electrode module comprising: The inlet for the first fluid; A regenerator that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first fluid; An electric heater in fluid communication with the regenerator; A supply pipe for a first fluid that is in fluid communication with the electric heater; A fuel cell stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the supply pipe of the first fluid; A means for discharging a second fluid that is in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack mounting section; as well as The outlet of the second fluid is in fluid communication with the means for discharging the second fluid via the regenerator. The regenerator is used to enable heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid.

2. The electrode module according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet of the first fluid and the outlet of the second fluid are fluidly isolated from each other and are arranged closely adjacent to each other.

3. The electrode module according to claim 1, wherein, The fuel cell stack mounting section is multiple. In this case, the multiple fuel cell stack mounting sections are a first row of fuel cell stack mounting sections and a second row of fuel cell stack mounting sections arranged symmetrically from left to right. The supply pipes of the first fluid are arranged in pairs and side by side between the first row of fuel cell stack mounting sections and the second row of fuel cell stack mounting sections. When viewed with the supply pipes of the first fluid as a reference, a discharge means of the second fluid is provided on the outside of the first row of fuel cell stack mounting sections and on the outside of the second row of fuel cell stack mounting sections, which are arranged side by side to form a pair.

4. An electrochemical system comprising: Electrode module according to any one of claims 1 to 3; as well as fuel cell stack.

5. An electrode module, comprising: Steam inlet; A fuel electrode regenerator in fluid communication with the steam inlet; A fuel electrode electric heater that is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode regenerator; A steam supply pipe in fluid communication with the fuel electrode electric heater; A fuel electrode stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the steam supply pipe; A steam supply nozzle in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; A hydrogen exhaust nozzle that is in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; A hydrogen exhaust pipe in fluid communication with the fuel electrode stack mounting section; and The hydrogen outlet is in fluid communication with the hydrogen discharge pipe via the fuel electrode regenerator. The fuel polar regenerator is used to exchange heat between the steam flowing in through the steam inlet and the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen outlet pipe.

6. The electrode module according to claim 5, wherein, The fuel electrode stack mounting section includes a steam supply channel and a hydrogen discharge channel that are fluidly isolated from each other. The steam supply channel is used to connect the steam supply pipe to the steam supply nozzle, and the hydrogen discharge channel is used to connect the hydrogen discharge nozzle to the hydrogen discharge pipe.

7. The electrode module according to claim 6, wherein, The steam supply nozzle and the hydrogen discharge nozzle are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the fuel electrode stack mounting part.

8. An electrode module comprising: External airflow inlet; An air-electrode regenerator that is in fluid communication with the external air inlet; An air electrode electric heater that is in fluid communication with the air electrode regenerator; An external air supply pipe in fluid communication with the air electrode heater; An air electrode stack mounting section that is in fluid communication with the external air supply pipe; An exhaust passage in fluid communication with the air electrode stack mounting section; as well as The exhaust port is in fluid communication with the exhaust channel via the air polar regenerator. The air polar regenerator is used to exchange heat between the external air flowing in through the external air inlet and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust channel.

9. The electrode module according to claim 8, wherein, The air electrode stack mounting section is multiple. At this time, the electrode module also includes multiple air guides, which, together with the external air supply pipe, are used to separate the multiple air electrode stack mounting sections.

10. The electrode module according to claim 9, further comprising: A compression rod is installed between two adjacent air guides.

11. An electrochemical system comprising: A fuel electrode module including the electrode module according to claim 5; Including the air electrode module according to claim 8; as well as fuel cell stack.

12. The electrochemical system according to claim 11, wherein, The air electrode module is disposed on the fuel electrode module, and the electrochemical system further includes a pair of side panels disposed on the fuel electrode module to cover one side and the other side of the air electrode module, respectively.

13. The electrochemical system according to claim 12, wherein, The air electrode module also includes a compression rod that passes through both the air electrode module and the fuel electrode module.

14. The electrochemical system according to claim 13, further comprising: A first nut is coupled to one end of the compression rod on the air electrode module side, a spring is coupled to the other end of the compression rod on the fuel electrode module side, and a second nut is coupled to the other end of the compression rod to compress the spring.

15. The electrochemical system according to claim 11, wherein, The electrochemical system is a solid oxide fuel cell system or a solid oxide water electrolysis system.

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