Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module and module housing device

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical cell that is resistant to durability degradation, an electrochemical cell device, a module and a module housing device.SOLUTION: An electrochemical cell comprises a metal plate, an element part and a sealing material. The element part, which is formed like a flat plate, is arranged on the metal plate. The sealing material, which is positioned on a side surface of the element part and on the periphery of the element part, is in contact with the metal plate. The sealing material has a first surface in contact with the element part or the metal plate and a second surface other than the first surface, and a region different in property from the vicinity of the first surface is provided near the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrochemical cells, electrochemical cell devices, modules and module containment devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell stack devices having a plurality of fuel cells have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell is a type of electrochemical cell that can obtain electric power using a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-35417 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a fuel cell stack device, for example, a fixing material for fixing the fuel cell is provided between a support body that supports a plurality of fuel cells and the fuel cell, and if the fixing material has gaps such as cracks, the durability of such a fuel cell stack device is likely to decrease.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that are less likely to deteriorate in durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a metal plate, an element unit, and a sealant. The element unit is flat and disposed on the metal plate. The sealant is located on the side of the element unit and around the element unit, and is in contact with the metal plate. The sealant has a first surface that is in contact with the element unit or the metal plate, and a second surface other than the first surface, and has a portion near the second surface that has properties different from those near the first surface.

[0007] An electrochemical cell device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above.

[0008] The module of the present disclosure includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container for housing the electrochemical cell device.

[0009] The module housing device of the present disclosure includes the above-described module, an auxiliary device for operating the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the auxiliary device. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that are less likely to deteriorate in durability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment, as viewed from the air electrode side. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an external perspective view illustrating an example of a module according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a module housing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and that the dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. of the elements may differ from the reality. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts whose dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. differ from one another.

[0014] [Embodiment] <Electrochemical cell configuration> First, referring to Figures 1A and 1B, an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment will be described using an example of a solid oxide fuel cell. The electrochemical cell device may include a cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell device having a plurality of electrochemical cells is simply referred to as a cell stack device.

[0015] Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment, seen from the air electrode side. Figs. 1A and 1B show enlarged views of parts of each component of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may be simply referred to as a cell.

[0016] For ease of understanding, Fig. 1A illustrates a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z axis with the vertical upward direction as the positive direction and the vertical downward direction as the negative direction. Such a Cartesian coordinate system may also be illustrated in other drawings used in the following description. In addition, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the electrochemical cell illustrated in Fig. 1A, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0017] 1A, a cell 1 according to this embodiment includes an element section 3, a first intermediate layer 30, a metal plate 32, and a flow path member 34. The element section 3 is in the form of a flat plate, and includes a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and a cathode 8.

[0018] The fuel electrode 5 is a first electrode that comes into contact with the fuel gas, which is a reducing gas. The fuel electrode 5 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the fuel electrode 5 may be, for example, in the range of 30% to 50%, particularly 35% to 45%. The open porosity of the fuel electrode 5 may also be referred to as the porosity or void ratio of the fuel electrode 5.

[0019] The material of the fuel electrode 5 may be a generally known material. The fuel electrode 5 may be a porous conductive ceramic, such as a ceramic containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-dissolved, and Ni and / or NiO. The rare earth element oxide may contain a plurality of rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-dissolved may be referred to as stabilized zirconia. The stabilized zirconia may include partially stabilized zirconia. The fuel electrode 5 may include CeO2 in which La, Nd, or Yb is solid-dissolved.

[0020] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and transfers ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties and makes it difficult for leakage of the fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0021] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO2 in which 3 mol % to 15 mol % of a rare earth element oxide is dissolved. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may include, for example, ZrO2 in which Yb, Sc, or Gd is dissolved, CeO2 in which La, Nd, or Yb is dissolved, BaZrO3 in which Sc or Yb is dissolved, or BaCeO3 in which Sc or Yb is dissolved.

[0022] The air electrode 8 is a second electrode in contact with an oxygen-containing gas. The air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, in the range of 20% to 50%, particularly 30% to 50%. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may also be referred to as the porosity of the air electrode 8.

[0023] There are no particular limitations on the material of the air electrode 8 as long as it is a material generally used for air electrodes. The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3 type perovskite oxide.

[0024] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. x Sr 1-x Co y Fe 1-y O3, La x Sr 1-x MnO3, La x Sr 1-x FeO3, La x Sr 1-x CoO3, etc. Note that x is 0 <x<1、yは0<y<1である。

[0025] Furthermore, the element unit 3 may have an intermediate layer (not shown) located between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8. When the element unit 3 has an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer functions as a diffusion suppression layer. When Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, a resistance layer of SrZrO3 is formed in the solid electrolyte layer 6. The intermediate layer makes it difficult for Sr to diffuse, thereby making it difficult for SrZrO3 to be formed.

[0026] The material of the intermediate layer is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for the Sr diffusion suppression layer. The material of the intermediate layer may include, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which a rare earth element other than Ce (cerium) is dissolved. As such a rare earth element, for example, Gd (gadolinium), Sm (samarium), etc. may be used.

[0027] The first intermediate layer 30 is located between the first surface 321 of the metal plate 32 and the element section 3. The first intermediate layer 30 bonds the element section 3 and the metal plate 32 together, and fixes the element section 3 to the metal plate 32.

[0028] The first intermediate layer 30 may be conductive. The first intermediate layer 30 may include, for example, conductive particles such as Ni, and inorganic oxides such as TiO, rare earth oxides (YO, CeO, etc.), and transition metal oxides (FeO, CuO, etc.).

[0029] The first intermediate layer 30 may be gas permeable. When the first intermediate layer 30 is gas permeable, the first intermediate layer 30 may be positioned so as to cover an opening 32a, which will be described later.

[0030] A sealing material 9 different from the solid electrolyte layer 6 is located on the side surface of the first intermediate layer 30 and the element unit 3. The material of the sealing material 9 may be dense glass or ceramic. The material of the sealing material 9 may be, for example, amorphous glass or crystallized glass. As the crystallized glass, for example, any of SiO2-CaO-based, MgO-B2O3-based, La2O3-B2O3-MgO-based, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO-based, SiO2-CaO-ZnO-based materials may be used, and in particular, SiO2-MgO-based materials may be used. The sealing material 9 may have electrical insulation properties. The material of the sealing material 9 may be the same as the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0031] The first intermediate layer 30 may be configured as a single layer using a single material, or may be configured as a laminate in which a plurality of materials are layered.

[0032] The metal plate 32 has a first surface 321 and a second surface 322 located at both ends in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction).

[0033] The metal plate 32 has electrical conductivity. The metal plate 32 may be, for example, a metal member containing chromium. The metal plate 32 may be, for example, stainless steel such as ferritic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel having high heat resistance. The metal plate 32 may be, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. The metal plate 32 may contain, for example, a metal oxide. The metal plate 32 may have a coating covering the surface. The metal plate 32 may not have a coating on the surface.

[0034] Moreover, the metal plate 32 has an opening 32a. The opening 32a is a through hole penetrating between the first surface 321 and the second surface 322. The fuel gas flowing through the flow passage 33 described later is supplied to the fuel electrode 5 of the element section 3 through the opening 32a. The diameter of the opening 32a may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. In the metal plate 32, the aperture ratio in the region where the opening 32a is formed in the plan view along the Y-axis direction may be, for example, 10% or more. The metal plate 32 may have a coating covering the wall surface of the opening 32a. The metal plate 32 may not have a coating on the wall surface of the opening 32a.

[0035] The metal plate 32 may be, for example, gas permeable. In such a case, the metal plate 32 does not need to have the opening 32a.

[0036] The flow path member 34 is located on the second surface 322 side of the metal plate 32. The flow path member 34 is fixed and electrically joined by, for example, welding at a contact portion with the second surface 322. The flow path member 34 may be fixed and electrically joined to the metal plate 32 by a conductive seal material, brazing material, or the like. The space located between the metal plate 32 and the flow path member 34 is a flow path 33 through which the fuel gas flows. The fuel gas flowing through the flow path 33 permeates the metal plate 32 and is supplied to the fuel electrode 5. The metal plate 32 may have one or more protrusions protruding toward the flow path member 34.

[0037] The flow path member 34 is further fixed and electrically joined to the current collecting member 36 by welding or the like. The current collecting member 36 may be fixed and electrically joined to the flow path member 34 by a conductive seal material, brazing material, or the like. The current collecting member 36 is fixed and electrically joined to the air electrode 8 of the adjacent cell 1 via an adhesive 38. The space located between the current collecting member 36 and the flow path member 34 is a flow path 35 through which an oxygen-containing gas flows. The oxygen-containing gas flowing through the flow path 35 passes through the adhesive 38 from the slits of the current collecting member 36 and is supplied to the air electrode 8 of the adjacent cell 1.

[0038] The flow path member 34 and the current collecting member 36 are made of a dense metal or alloy. The flow path member 34 makes it difficult for the fuel gas flowing through the flow path 33 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the flow path 35 to leak. The flow path member 34 and the current collecting member 36 may have a coating layer. For example, the surface of the flow path member 34 facing the flow path 33 may have a coating layer having reduction resistance, and the surface of the flow path member 34 facing the flow path 35 may have a coating layer having oxidation resistance. These coating layers may be conductive.

[0039] The shapes of the flow path member 34 and the current collecting member 36 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 1A. Any shape may be used as long as it electrically connects adjacent cells 1 and makes it difficult for fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to leak. For example, as shown in Fig. 1C, the flow path member 34 may be integrated with the current collecting member 36 and have a first convex portion that protrudes toward the adjacent cell 1 along the Y-axis direction and a second convex portion that protrudes toward the opposite side to the first convex portion.

[0040] <Sealing material arrangement and structure> Next, the arrangement and structure of the sealing material 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY shown in Fig. 1B.

[0041] 2, the sealing material 9 is in contact with the side surface 3a of the element portion 3 and is located around the element portion 3. The sealing material 9 is also located so as to be in contact with the second surface 322 of the metal plate 32.

[0042] The sealing material 9 has a first surface 901 and a second surface 902. The first surface 901 is a surface that contacts the element portion 3 or the metal plate 32. The first surface 901 has a surface 901a that contacts the element portion 3 and a surface 901b that contacts the metal plate 32. The second surface 902 is a surface of the sealing material 9 other than the first surface 901.

[0043] The sealing material 9 has a portion near the second surface 902 that has different properties from those near the first surface 901. For example, even if a crack 90 occurs near the first surface 901 of the sealing material 9, by positioning the sealing material 9 having different properties from those near the first surface 901 near the second surface 902, the crack 90 is less likely to progress to the second surface 902. Therefore, the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment is less likely to decrease.

[0044] Here, "near the first surface 901" refers to a region that is 30 μm or less away from the first surface 901. Moreover, "near the second surface 902" refers to a region that is 30 μm or less away from the second surface 902.

[0045] Furthermore, the "properties" may be, for example, a softening point, a glass transition temperature, a crystallization temperature, or a degree of crystallinity.

[0046] Specifically, the softening point of the sealing material 9 near the second surface 902 may be lower than the softening point near the first surface 901. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature of the sealing material 9 near the second surface 902 may be lower than the glass transition temperature near the first surface 901. Furthermore, the crystallization temperature of the sealing material 9 near the second surface 902 may be higher than the crystallization temperature near the first surface 901. Furthermore, the crystallinity of the sealing material 9 near the second surface 902 may be lower than the crystallinity near the first surface 901.

[0047] In this way, the sealing material 9 having different properties between the vicinity of the second surface 902 and the vicinity of the first surface 901 can be realized, for example, by using a combination of a plurality of sealing material materials having different compositions.

[0048] The difference in properties between the vicinity of the second surface 902 and the vicinity of the first surface 901 can be evaluated by, for example, observing and analyzing a cross section of the sealing material 9. For example, the microstructure such as porosity can be evaluated by observing a cross section of the sealing material 9 with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or the like. The softening point, glass transition temperature, and the like can be evaluated by, for example, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using samples taken from the vicinity of the second surface 902 and the vicinity of the first surface 901.

[0049] The sealing material 9 may have a first portion 91 and a second portion 92. The first portion 91 may be, for example, ceramic. As the ceramic, for example, ZrO2 or CeO2 in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-dissolved may be used, or BaZrO3 or BaCeO3 in which a rare earth element is solid-dissolved may be used. The second portion 92 may be, for example, glass. As the glass, for example, amorphous glass or crystallized glass may be used.

[0050] The second surface 902 may have a surface 902a and a surface 902b. The surface 902a is a portion of the second surface 902 that is closer to the second surface 322 of the metal plate 32. The surface 902b is a portion of the second surface 902 that is closer to the element portion 3 than the surface 902a. Specifically, the surface 902a may be a portion where the first portion 91 is located. The surface 902b may be a portion of the second surface 902 where the second portion 92 is located.

[0051] The surface roughness of surface 902b may be smaller than the surface roughness of surface 902a, so that even if an external force is applied to surface 902b, cracks 90 communicating with second surface 902 are unlikely to occur, and durability is unlikely to decrease.

[0052] Furthermore, when the plug 9 has the first portion 91 and the second portion 92, the surface roughness of the face 902a is greater than the surface roughness of the face 902b, so that the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are less likely to peel off from each other. Therefore, the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment is less likely to decrease.

[0053] 2 illustrates the crack 90 extending diagonally between the surface 901a and the surface 901b, the crack 90 may extend along the surface 901a or the surface 901b. The crack 90 may be located not only inside the sealing material 9 but also inside the element portion 3.

[0054] Furthermore, the sealing material 9 may be separated from the air electrode 8 or may be in contact with the air electrode 8 .

[0055] Also, the second surface 902 of the sealing material 9 may not have the surface 902a, but may have only the surface 902b.

[0056] Next, another example of the cell 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figures 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the embodiment.

[0057] The sealing material 9 may have a portion near the second surface 902 having a different porosity from that near the first surface 901. Such a sealing material 9 can be realized, for example, by having a plurality of pores 93 in the sealing material 9 and varying the distribution of the pores 93, as shown in FIG.

[0058] Specifically, the plug 9 may have a portion near the second surface 902 that has a smaller porosity than the portion near the first surface 901. As a result, even if a crack 90 occurs in the plug 9 near the first surface 901, the crack 90 reaches the pores 93, making it difficult for the crack 90 to progress. On the other hand, the portion near the second surface 902 is denser than the portion near the first surface 901, so that cracks 90 that communicate with the second surface 902 are less likely to occur. As a result, the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment is less likely to decrease.

[0059] Here, the porosity in the vicinity of first surface 901 may be, for example, 5% to 30%. The porosity in the vicinity of second surface 902 may be, for example, 5% or less. The average pore diameter (equivalent circle diameter) of pores 93 may be, for example, 0.5 μm to 5 μm.

[0060] The sealing material 9 may include the filler 94 at least near the first surface 901. Specifically, the sealing material 9 may have a portion near the second surface 902 where the volume ratio of the filler 94 is smaller than that near the first surface 901.

[0061] As a result, even if a crack 90 occurs in the sealing material 9 near the first surface 901, the crack 90 reaches the filler 94 and is therefore less likely to progress. On the other hand, there is less filler 94 near the second surface 902 than near the first surface 901, so that cracks 90 communicating with the second surface 902 are less likely to occur. As a result, the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment is less likely to decrease.

[0062] Here, the volume ratio of filler 94 in the vicinity of first surface 901 may be, for example, 5% to 30%. The volume ratio of filler 94 in the vicinity of second surface 902 may be, for example, 5% or less. The average value of the major axis of filler 94 may be, for example, 0.5 μm to 5 μm.

[0063] As the material of the filler 94, a material having a higher melting point than the matrix of the sealing material 9, for example, an oxide such as alumina, mullite, silica, or magnesia, or a high melting point glass, can be used.

[0064] <Configuration of electrochemical cell device> Next, an electrochemical cell device according to the present embodiment using the above-mentioned cell 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 4C. Fig. 4A is a perspective view showing an example of the electrochemical cell device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C is a top view showing an example of the electrochemical cell device according to the embodiment.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction of the cell 1 (the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1A), and a fixing member 12.

[0066] The fixing member 12 has a fixing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The fixing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also has a support body 15 and a gas tank 16. The support body 15 and the gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, are made of metal and are conductive.

[0067] 4B, the support 15 has insertion holes 15a into which the lower ends of the multiple cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the multiple cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion holes 15a are joined with a fixing material 13.

[0068] The gas tank 16 has an opening for supplying a reaction gas to the cells 1 through the insertion holes 15a, and a groove 16a located around the opening. The outer peripheral edge of the support 15 is joined to the gas tank 16 by a joining material 21 filled in the groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 4A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 formed by a support body 15, which is the support member 14, and a gas tank 16. A gas circulation pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas circulation pipe 20, and is supplied from the gas tank 16 to a flow path 33 (see FIG. 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated in a reformer 102 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. The internal space 22 may be rephrased as a space of a reducing atmosphere containing the fuel gas.

[0070] The hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming of the raw fuel, etc. When the fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0071] The example shown in FIG. 4A includes two rows of cell stacks 11, two supports 15, and a gas tank 16. Each of the two rows of cell stacks 11 has a plurality of cells 1. Each cell stack 11 is fixed to each of the supports 15. The gas tank 16 has two through holes on the upper surface. Each of the supports 15 is disposed in each of the through holes. An internal space 22 is formed by the one gas tank 16 and the two supports 15.

[0072] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, an oval shape when viewed from above. For example, the length of the insertion hole 15a in the arrangement direction of the cells 1, i.e., in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1A) is greater than the distance between the two end current collecting members 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. The width of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction (X-axis direction shown in FIG. 1A).

[0073] 4B, the joints between the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a and the lower ends of the cells 1 are filled with a fixing material 13 and solidified. This bonds and fixes the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a to the lower ends of the cells 1, respectively, and also bonds and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The gas flow paths 2a of each cell 1 communicate with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at their lower ends.

[0074] A material having low electrical conductivity, such as glass, can be used for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21. Specific materials for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass.

[0075] As the crystallized glass, for example, any of materials such as SiO2-CaO, MgO-B2O3, La2O3-B2O3-MgO, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO, and SiO2-CaO-ZnO may be used, and in particular, SiO2-MgO-based materials may be used.

[0076] 4B, a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the multiple cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects one adjacent cell 1 to the other adjacent cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive member 18 connects the fuel electrode 5 of one cell 1 to the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1. The conductive member 18 may be the flow path member 34 and / or the current collecting member 36 shown in FIG. 1A, or may be a member separate from the flow path member 34 and the current collecting member 36.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 4B, an end current collecting member 17 is electrically connected to the cell 1 located at the outermost position in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collecting member 17 is connected to a conductive part 19 protruding to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive part 19 collects electricity generated by power generation in the cells 1 and draws it out to the outside. Note that the end current collecting member 17 is not shown in Fig. 4A.

[0078] 4C, the cell stack device 10 has two cell stacks 11A and 11B connected in series to function as one battery. Therefore, the conductive portion 19 of the cell stack device 10 is divided into a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0079] The positive electrode terminal 19A is a positive electrode when the electric power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11A. The negative electrode terminal 19B is a negative electrode when the electric power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0080] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side in the cell stack 11A and the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side in the cell stack 11B.

[0081] <module> Next, a module according to this embodiment using the above-mentioned cell stack device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an external perspective view showing the module according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are part of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside has been removed to the rear.

[0082] 5, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed in the storage container 101. In addition, above the cell stack device 10, a reformer 102 is disposed.

[0083] The reformer 102 reforms raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate fuel gas and supplies it to the cell 1. The raw fuel is supplied to the reformer 102 through a raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may include a vaporizer 102a that vaporizes water, and a reformer 102b. The reformer 102b includes a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuel into fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, which is a highly efficient reforming reaction.

[0084] The fuel gas generated in the reformer 102 is supplied to the flow path 33 of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1A) through the gas distribution pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0085] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-mentioned configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation becomes approximately 500°C to 1000°C as the gas is combusted and the cells 1 generate power.

[0086] In such a module 100, as described above, by housing a cell stack device 10 having a plurality of cells 1 whose durability is resistant to deterioration, it is possible to make the module 100 resistant to deterioration in durability.

[0087] <Module storage device> Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a module housing device according to an embodiment. A module housing device 110 according to this embodiment includes an exterior case 111, the module 100 shown in Fig. 5, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the exterior case 111. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 6.

[0088] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Fig. 6 has support columns 112 and an exterior plate 113. A partition plate 114 divides the interior of the exterior case 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is a module accommodating chamber 115 that accommodates the module 100, and the space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an auxiliary equipment accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates auxiliary equipment that operates the module 100. Note that in Fig. 6, the auxiliary equipment accommodated in the auxiliary equipment accommodating chamber 116 is omitted.

[0089] In addition, the partition plate 114 has an air flow port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 to flow toward the module housing chamber 115. The exterior plate 113 constituting the module housing chamber 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting air from within the module housing chamber 115.

[0090] In such a module housing device 110, as described above, by accommodating the modules 100, whose durability is unlikely to deteriorate, in the module housing chamber 115, it is possible to provide a module housing device 110, whose durability is unlikely to deteriorate.

[0091] [Other embodiments] In the above-mentioned embodiments, a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device are shown as examples of an "electrochemical cell", an "electrochemical cell device", a "module", and a "module housing device", but other examples may be an electrolysis cell, an electrolysis cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device, respectively. The electrolysis cell has a first electrode and a second electrode, and decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen, or decomposes carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen, when supplied with electric power. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an oxide ion conductor or a hydrogen ion conductor is shown as an example of an electrolyte material of the electrochemical cell, but a hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. According to such an electrolysis cell, an electrolysis cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device, it is possible to improve electrolysis performance and to prevent durability from decreasing.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, etc. are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0093] In one embodiment, (1) an electrochemical cell includes a metal plate and A flat element portion disposed on the metal plate; a sealing material located on a side surface of the element portion and around the element portion and in contact with the metal plate; Equipped with The sealing material has a first surface in contact with the element portion or the metal plate, and a second surface other than the first surface, and has a portion near the second surface having properties different from those near the first surface.

[0094] (2) The electrochemical cell of (1) above may have a portion near the second surface having a different composition from a portion near the first surface.

[0095] (3) In the electrochemical cell of (1) or (2) above, a portion near the second surface may have a porosity different from that near the first surface.

[0096] (4) In the electrochemical cell of any one of (1) to (3) above, a portion near the second surface may have a smaller porosity than a portion near the first surface.

[0097] (5) In the electrochemical cell of any one of (1) to (4) above, the sealing material may include a filler at least in the vicinity of the first surface.

[0098] (6) The electrochemical cell of (5) above may have a portion near the second surface where the volume ratio of the filler is smaller than that near the first surface.

[0099] In one embodiment, (7) an electrochemical cell device has a cell stack including the electrochemical cell according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0100] In one embodiment, the module (8) comprises the electrochemical cell device (7) described above, and a container for housing the electrochemical cell device.

[0101] In one embodiment, the module housing device (9) includes the module (8) and Auxiliary equipment for operating the module; and an exterior case that houses the module and the auxiliary equipment.

[0102] The disclosed embodiments should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 cell 3. Element section 5 Fuel electrode 6 Solid electrolyte layer 8 Air electrode 9. Encapsulating materials 10 Cell stack device 11 Cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Fixing material 14 Support member 15 Support 16 Gas Tank 17 End current collecting member 18 Conductive materials 100 Modules 110 Module storage device

Claims

1. A metal plate; A flat element portion disposed on the metal plate; a sealing material located on a side surface of the element portion and around the element portion and in contact with the metal plate; Equipped with The sealing material has a first surface in contact with the element portion or the metal plate, and a second surface other than the first surface, and has a portion near the second surface that has properties different from those near the first surface. Electrochemical cell.

2. A portion near the second surface has a composition different from that near the first surface.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

3. The second surface has a portion having a different porosity from the first surface.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

4. The second surface has a portion having a smaller porosity than the first surface.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

5. The encapsulant includes a filler at least near the first surface.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

6. The second surface has a portion in which the volume ratio of the filler is smaller than that in the first surface.

6. The electrochemical cell of claim 5.

7. A cell stack including the electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Electrochemical cell setup.

8. The electrochemical cell device according to claim 7 ; A container for housing the electrochemical cell device; A module comprising:

9. A module according to claim 8; Auxiliary equipment for operating the module; an exterior case that houses the module and the auxiliary equipment; A module housing device comprising:

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