Electrochemical reaction apparatus and method for operating electrochemical reaction apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical reaction apparatus having a long life and a simple structure.SOLUTION: An electrochemical reaction apparatus comprises: an electrolytic section comprising: a cathode; an anode; a diaphragm; a cathode chamber facing the cathode; and an anode chamber facing the anode; a first flow passage which is connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber and through which a first fluid containing a reduction object flows; a second flow passage which is connected to an inlet of the anode chamber and through which a second fluid containing an oxidization object flows; a third flow passage which is connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber and through which a third fluid containing a reduction product flows; a fourth flow passage which is connected to an outlet of the anode chamber and through which a fourth fluid containing an oxidization product flows; a humidifier which is provided in the middle of the first flow passage and which humidifies the first fluid; and a condenser which is provided in the middle of the first flow passage and at a later stage of the humidifier and which condenses part of the water vapor contained in the first fluid humidified by processing the humidified first fluid to generate condensate and adjusts the ratio of condensate in the humidified first fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrochemical reactor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been concern about the depletion of fossil fuels such as oil and coal, and expectations are growing for renewable energy that can be used sustainably. Examples of renewable energy include solar cells and wind power generation. These have the problem that it is difficult to provide a stable supply of electricity because the amount of electricity generated depends on the weather and natural conditions. For this reason, attempts have been made to store electricity generated by renewable energy in storage batteries to stabilize the power. However, when storing electricity, there are problems such as the cost of storage batteries and the occurrence of losses during storage.

[0003] In response to these issues, technologies that convert electrical energy into chemical substances (chemical energy) are attracting attention, such as producing hydrogen from water by performing water electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable energy, producing carbon compounds such as carbon monoxide, formic acid, methanol, methane, acetic acid, ethanol, ethane, and ethylene by electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide, or producing ammonia by electrochemically reducing nitrogen. Storing these chemical substances in cylinders or tanks has the advantage of reducing energy storage costs and reducing storage losses compared to storing electricity (electrical energy) in storage batteries.

[0004] Such electrochemical reactions are usually carried out in an apparatus equipped with an electrolytic cell or a cell stack in which the electrolytic cells are stacked. In the cell stack, the components of the liquid or gas used in the reaction may precipitate as solid salt. For example, in an electrolytic cell in which an electrolyte is supplied to the anode and carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the cathode, carbonates precipitate near the cathode, which inhibits carbon dioxide from reaching the reaction field on the cathode catalyst surface, causing a decrease in the electrolytic cell performance and abnormal pressure inside the cell. Therefore, a method for suppressing salt precipitation and a method for removing precipitated salt are required. A method for supplying a rinse agent such as water from outside the cell to the cell flow path is known, but this is difficult to apply, especially in a cell stack in which multiple electrolytic cells are stacked. If a rinse agent supply mechanism is provided for each electrolytic cell, the device becomes large, while if the rinse agent is supplied collectively to the inlet of the cell stack, it is difficult to appropriately distribute and supply the rinse agent to each electrolytic cell.

[0005] In response to this problem, an electrochemical reaction device is known that can supply the rinse agent appropriately to each cell in the stack by providing a reserve flow path to allow the rinse agent to flow and then performing the rinsing operation by switching the flow direction by operating a valve. However, this method requires a complex piping structure equipped with a switching mechanism, so a new method of supplying the rinse agent is needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-141239 A [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] J. Disch et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 11, 7344-7357 (2023). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrochemical reaction device that has a long life and a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment includes an electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm between the cathode and the anode, a cathode chamber facing the cathode, and an anode chamber facing the anode, a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber and through which a first fluid containing a substance to be reduced and supplied to the cathode chamber flows, a second flow path connected to an inlet of the anode chamber and through which a second fluid containing a substance to be oxidized and supplied to the anode chamber flows, and a third flow path connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber and through which a reduction product is discharged from the cathode chamber and a second flow path is connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber. the anode chamber outlet and through which a fourth fluid discharged from the anode chamber and containing the oxidation products flows; a humidifier provided in the first flow path and humidifying the first fluid; and a condenser provided in the first flow path and downstream of the humidifier and treating the humidified first fluid to condense a portion of the water vapor contained in the humidified first fluid to generate condensed water and adjust the ratio of condensed water in the humidified first fluid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an electrochemical reaction device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 4 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a condenser 202. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 221. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 221. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 221. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 222. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 222. FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 222. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 223. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 223. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 223. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 222. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 223. FIG. [Figure 19] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. FIG. [Figure 20] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 211. FIG. [Figure 21] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 211. FIG. [Figure 22] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 211. FIG. [Figure 23] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 212. FIG. [Figure 24] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 212. FIG. [Diagram 25] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 212. FIG. [Figure 26] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 213. FIG. [Figure 27] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 213. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an auxiliary flow path plate 213. FIG. [Figure 29] 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 212. FIG. [Diagram 30] 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 213. FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment shown below, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some of the descriptions thereof may be omitted. The drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the thickness ratio of each part, etc. may differ from the actual ones.

[0012] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "connect" may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an electrochemical reaction device according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a configuration example of an electrochemical reaction device 1. The electrochemical reaction device 1 has an electrolysis unit 10, a flow path P1, a flow path P2, a flow path P3, a flow path P4, a cathode supply unit 21, and an anode supply unit 22.

[0014] The electrolysis unit 10 can perform, for example, at least one electrolysis reaction. The electrolysis unit 10 includes a cathode 11, an anode 12, a diaphragm 13, a cathode chamber 140, and an anode chamber 150.

[0015] The electrolysis unit 10 may have, for example, a membrane electrode assembly. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolysis unit 10 may have a cathode 11, an anode 12, a diaphragm 13, a flow path plate 14, a flow path plate 15, a current collector 16, and a current collector 17. FIG. 2 shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis perpendicularly intersect with each other. The Z-axis is along the thickness direction of the electrolysis unit 10. FIG. 2 shows a part of an XZ cross section including the X-axis and the Z-axis. The cathode 11, the anode 12, and the diaphragm 13 may be stacked to form an electrolysis cell 100 having a membrane electrode assembly MEA.

[0016] The cathode 11 is, for example, a reduction electrode for performing a reduction reaction of at least one reduction target (substance to be reduced) to generate a reduction product. The at least one reduction target includes, for example, carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The cathode 11 reduces, for example, carbon dioxide to generate a carbon compound, or reduces nitrogen to generate a nitrogen compound such as ammonia. Examples of the carbon compound include carbon monoxide, formic acid, methanol, methane, ethanol, ethane, ethylene, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, acetic acid, propanol, and the like. The cathode 11 may cause a side reaction of generating hydrogen by a reduction reaction of water in addition to the reduction reaction of carbon dioxide or the reduction reaction of nitrogen.

[0017] The cathode 11 has, for example, a cathode catalyst that promotes a reduction reaction for reducing at least one reduction target. The cathode catalyst can be formed, for example, using a material that reduces the activation energy for reducing at least one reduction target. In other words, the cathode catalyst can be formed, for example, using a material that reduces the overvoltage when a reduction product is generated by the reduction reaction of at least one reduction target.

[0018] The cathode 11 may have a first surface in contact with the membrane 13 and a second surface facing the cathode chamber 140. The cathode 11 may also have, for example, a gas diffusion layer and a cathode catalyst layer. The cathode 11 may have a porous layer between the gas diffusion layer and the cathode catalyst layer that is denser than the gas diffusion layer. The gas diffusion layer is disposed on the cathode chamber 140 side, and the cathode catalyst layer is disposed on the membrane 13 side. The cathode catalyst layer may be embedded in the gas diffusion layer. The cathode catalyst layer preferably has catalyst nanoparticles or catalyst nanostructures. The gas diffusion layer is made of, for example, carbon paper or carbon cloth, and is treated to be water repellent. The cathode catalyst layer is supplied with an electrolytic solution or ions from the anode 12 side through the membrane 13. In the gas diffusion layer, a cathode supply fluid is supplied from the cathode chamber 140, and the product of the reduction reaction is discharged. The reduction reaction occurs near the boundary between the gas diffusion layer and the cathode catalyst layer, and the gaseous product passes through the gas diffusion layer and is discharged from the cathode flow path to the outside of the electrolysis cell 100.

[0019] Examples of the cathode catalyst include metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn), metal materials such as alloys and intermetallic compounds containing at least one of these metals, carbon materials such as carbon (C), graphene, CNT (carbon nanotube), fullerene, and Ketjen Black, and metal complexes such as Ru complexes and Re complexes. The cathode catalyst layer can be in various shapes such as a plate, mesh, wire, particle, porous, thin film, and island shape.

[0020] The anode 12 is, for example, an oxidation electrode for generating an oxidation product by performing an oxidation reaction of at least one oxidation target (substance to be oxidized). The at least one oxidation target includes, for example, water. The anode 12 oxidizes the oxidation target, such as a substance or ion in the electrolyte (anode solution), to generate oxygen.

[0021] The anode 12 may have a first surface in contact with the diaphragm 13 and a second surface facing the anode chamber 150. The anode 12 has, for example, an anode catalyst that promotes an oxidation reaction in which water is oxidized to produce oxygen. The anode catalyst can be formed, for example, using a material that reduces the activation energy when an object to be oxidized is oxidized, in other words, a material that reduces the reaction overvoltage. Examples of the oxidation reaction at the anode 12 include a reaction in which water is oxidized to produce oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, and a reaction in which chloride ions (Cl - ) to produce chlorine, and the oxidation of carbonate ions or bicarbonate ions to produce carbon dioxide.

[0022] Examples of the anode catalyst include metals such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), and nickel (Ni), alloys and intermetallic compounds containing these metals, binary metal oxides such as manganese oxide (Mn-O), iridium oxide (Ir-O), nickel oxide (Ni-O), cobalt oxide (Co-O), iron oxide (Fe-O), tin oxide (Sn-O), indium oxide (In-O), ruthenium oxide (Ru-O), lithium oxide (Li-O), and lanthanum oxide (La-O), ternary metal oxides such as Ni-Co-O, Ni-Fe-O, La-Co-O, Ni-La-O, and Sr-Fe-O, quaternary metal oxides such as Pb-Ru-Ir-O and La-Sr-Co-O, and metal complexes such as Ru complexes and Fe complexes.

[0023] The anode 12 may be provided with a substrate having a structure capable of transferring the anode supply fluid or ions between the diaphragm 13 and the anode chamber 150, for example, a porous structure such as a mesh material, a punching material, a porous body, or a sintered metal fiber body. The substrate may be made of a metal material such as titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), or an alloy containing at least one of these metals (e.g., SUS), or may be made of the above-mentioned anode catalyst. When an oxide is used as the anode catalyst, it is preferable to form a catalyst layer by attaching or laminating the anode catalyst on the surface of a substrate made of the above-mentioned metal material. The anode catalyst may have nanoparticles, nanostructures, nanowires, etc. to enhance the oxidation reaction. A nanostructure is a structure in which nanoscale irregularities are formed on the surface of a catalyst material.

[0024] The diaphragm 13 is provided between the cathode 11 and the anode 12. The diaphragm 13 can separate the cathode chamber 140 and the anode chamber 150. The diaphragm 13 is capable of blocking hydrogen ions (H + ) and hydroxide ions (OH - ), hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO3 - ), carbonate ion (CO3 2- ) can move. The diaphragm 13 can form an electrolytic cell 100 having a two-chamber structure. The diaphragm 13 may be provided in contact with the cathode 11 and the anode 12.

[0025] The diaphragm 13 is composed of an ion exchange membrane or the like that can move ions and an electrolyte between the cathode 11 and the anode 12 and can separate the cathode chamber 140 and the anode chamber 150. Examples of the ion exchange membrane include Neocepta (registered trademark) from Astom Corporation, Selemion (registered trademark) from AGC Corporation, Aciplex (registered trademark) from Asahi Kasei Corporation, Fumasep (registered trademark) and Fumapem (registered trademark) from Fumatech Corporation, Nafion (registered trademark) which is a fluororesin obtained by sulfonating and polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene from DuPont Corporation, Lewabrane (registered trademark) from LANXESS Corporation, IONSEP (registered trademark) from IONTECH Corporation, Mustang (registered trademark) from PALL Corporation, RALEX (registered trademark) from mega Corporation, and Gore-Tex (registered trademark) from Gore-Tex Corporation. However, other than the ion exchange membrane, a glass filter, a porous polymer membrane, a porous insulating material, or the like may be used for the diaphragm 13 as long as it is a material that can move ions between the anode and the cathode.

[0026] Other than the ion exchange membrane, for example, a silicone resin, a fluorine-based resin (perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), perfluoroethylenepropene copolymer (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), etc.), polyethersulfone (PES), a ceramic porous membrane, a glass filter, a packing filled with agar or the like, an insulating porous body such as zeolite or an oxide, etc. can be used. In particular, a hydrophilic porous membrane is preferable as the diaphragm 13 because it does not cause clogging due to air bubbles.

[0027] The cathode chamber 140 can be provided, for example, facing the cathode 11 to form a cathode flow path. The cathode 11 can be disposed within the cathode chamber 140 as shown in Fig. 1. The cathode chamber 140 has an inlet for supplying a cathode supply fluid to the cathode chamber 140 and an outlet for discharging a cathode discharge fluid from the cathode chamber 140.

[0028] The cathode supply fluid changes its composition as it passes through the cathode chamber 140 and is discharged outside the electrolysis section 10. The fluid discharged from the electrolysis section 10 is called the cathode discharge fluid. The cathode discharge fluid contains the target product, which is separated and recovered as necessary. The cathode discharge fluid may be separated into gas and liquid, and part of the gas phase may be merged with the cathode supply fluid. This method is effective for increasing the conversion rate of the reactants in the cathode supply fluid. The cathode discharge fluid may also be separated into gas and liquid, and part or all of the liquid phase may be merged with the anode supply fluid.

[0029] The anode chamber 150 can be provided, for example, facing the anode 12 to form an anode flow path. The anode chamber 150 has an inlet for supplying an anode supply fluid to the anode chamber 150 and an outlet for discharging an anode discharge fluid from the anode chamber 150, as shown in FIG.

[0030] The composition of the anode supply fluid changes as it passes through the anode chamber 150, and the fluid is discharged outside the electrolysis unit 10. The fluid discharged from the anode chamber 150 is called the anode discharge fluid. The anode discharge fluid contains gases such as oxygen generated at the anode 12. The anode discharge fluid may be separated into gas and liquid, and some or all of the liquid phase may be merged into the anode supply fluid. The anode supply fluid can be circulated by treating the liquid phase portion of the anode discharge fluid as the anode supply fluid and supplying it to the anode chamber 150 without supplying the anode supply fluid from outside the system.

[0031] The flow path plate 14 forms, for example, a cathode chamber 140. The cathode chamber 140 is provided on the surface of the flow path plate 14 facing the cathode 11, and can form a cathode flow path.

[0032] The flow path plate 15 forms, for example, an anode chamber 150. The anode chamber 150 is provided on the surface of the flow path plate 15 facing the anode 12, and can form an anode flow path.

[0033] At least one of the flow path plates 14 and 15 preferably has at least one of a land (convex portion) 141 and a land 151. The land 141 and the land 151 are provided for mechanical retention and electrical conduction. The land 141 is provided in contact with the cathode 11. The land 151 is provided in contact with the anode 12. The lands 141 and 151 are preferably provided alternately to make the flow of the fluid uniform. Such lands 141 and 151 give the cathode flow path and the anode flow path a meandering shape along the surface.

[0034] The flow path plate 14 and the flow path plate 15 are preferably formed using a material with low chemical reactivity and high conductivity. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as titanium and SUS, and carbon materials. In addition, a member such as a packing (not shown) may be sandwiched between each flow path plate and an adjacent member as necessary.

[0035] The current collector 16 is laminated on the flow path plate 14 on the side opposite the cathode 11 and is electrically connected to the cathode 11. The current collector 17 is laminated on the flow path plate 15 on the side opposite the anode 12 and is electrically connected to the anode 12. The current collector 16 and the current collector 17 are electrically connected to the power source 40 via, for example, wiring. The current collector 16 and the current collector 17 are preferably formed using a highly conductive material.

[0036] The power source 40 can supply power to the electrolysis unit 10, for example. The power source 40 is electrically connected to the cathode 11 and the anode 12, for example, via the flow path plate 14, the flow path plate 15, the current collector 16, and the current collector 17. The power source 40 can input power to cause electrolytic reactions such as oxidation reactions and reduction reactions to the electrolysis unit 10, and is electrically connected to the cathode 11 and the anode 12. The reduction reaction at the cathode 11 and the oxidation reaction at the anode 12 are performed using the electric energy supplied from the power source 40. The power source 40 and the current collector 16, and the power source 40 and the current collector 17 are connected, for example, by wiring. Electrical devices such as an inverter, a converter, and a battery may be installed between the electrolysis unit 10 and the power source 40 as necessary. The electrolysis unit 10 may be driven by a constant voltage method or a constant current method.

[0037] The power source 40 may be a normal commercial power source or a battery, or may be a power source that converts renewable energy into electrical energy and supplies it. Examples of such power sources include a power source that converts kinetic energy or potential energy such as wind power, water power, geothermal power, and tidal power into electrical energy, a power source such as a solar cell having a photoelectric conversion element that converts light energy into electrical energy, a power source such as a fuel cell or a storage battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, and a power source such as a device that converts vibration energy such as sound into electrical energy. The photoelectric conversion element has a function of performing charge separation by the energy of light such as irradiated sunlight. Examples of the photoelectric conversion element include a pin junction type solar cell, a pn junction type solar cell, an amorphous silicon solar cell, a multi-junction type solar cell, a single crystal silicon solar cell, a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell, and an organic thin film solar cell. The photoelectric conversion element may be laminated with at least one of the cathode 11 and the anode 12 inside the electrolysis unit 10.

[0038] The electrolysis cell 100 is sandwiched between a pair of support plates (not shown) and further fastened with bolts or the like. The electrolysis cell 100 may be arranged so that the membrane electrode assembly MEA is horizontal or vertical. When the membrane electrode assembly MEA is horizontal, it does not matter whether the cathode 11 or the anode 12 is arranged on top.

[0039] The electrolysis unit 10 may have, for example, a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of electrolysis cells 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. FIG. 3 shows a part of an XZ cross section including an X-axis and a Z-axis. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolysis unit 10 may have a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies MEA, a flow path plate 14, a flow path plate 15, a current collector 16, a current collector 17, and a flow path plate 18. FIG. 3 shows a plurality of cathodes 11, a plurality of anodes 12, a plurality of diaphragms 13, a plurality of cathode chambers 140, and a plurality of anode chambers 150. The plurality of membrane electrode assemblies MEA are provided between the current collector 16 and the current collector 17 to form a cell stack. By forming a cell stack, for example, the reaction amount of the reduction target per unit area is increased, and therefore the production amount of the reduction product can be increased. The number of stacked electrolysis cells 100 is preferably, for example, 10 to 150.

[0040] When the electrolysis unit 10 has a plurality of electrolytic cells 100, the cathode supply fluid and the anode supply fluid supplied to each cell can be distributed to each cell from a number of pipes fewer than the number of the electrolytic cells 100. In addition, the cathode exhaust fluid and the anode exhaust fluid discharged from each cell can be combined into a number of pipes fewer than the number of the electrolytic cells 100. The distribution of the cathode supply fluid and the anode supply fluid and the joining of the cathode exhaust fluid and the anode exhaust fluid may be performed outside the electrolysis unit 10 or may be performed inside the electrolysis unit 10. Here, the inside of the electrolysis unit 10 refers to the range in which the plurality of electrolytic cells 100 are sandwiched between a pair of support plates and further fastened with bolts or the like.

[0041] The flow path plate 18 is, for example, a bipolar plate having a cathode chamber 140 and an anode chamber 150. The flow path plate 18 is provided between a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies MEA, and separates a plurality of electrolysis cells 100. Adjacent cathodes 11 and anodes 12 may be electrically connected via the flow path plate 18. A plurality of electrolysis cells 100 are stacked, sandwiched between a pair of support plates, and further fixed by tightening with bolts or the like. The cell stack may be installed such that the membrane electrode assemblies MEA are horizontal or vertical. When the membrane electrode assemblies MEA are horizontal, the cathode 11 or the anode 12 may be placed on the top surface of the cell stack.

[0042] The cathode chamber 140 of the flow path plate 18 is provided, for example, on a first surface of a bipolar plate and faces one cathode 11 of the multiple MEAs. The inlet of the cathode chamber 140 of the flow path plate 18 is connected to the flow path P1. The outlet of the cathode chamber 140 of the flow path plate 18 is connected to the flow path P3.

[0043] The anode chamber 150 of the flow path plate 18 is provided, for example, on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the bipolar plate, facing the anode 12 of another one of the multiple MEAs. The inlet of the anode chamber 150 of the flow path plate 18 is connected to the flow path P1. The outlet of the anode chamber 150 of the flow path plate 18 is connected to the flow path P3.

[0044] The cathode supply fluid is, for example, a cathode supply gas or a two-phase flow (gas-liquid two-phase flow) of a cathode supply gas and a cathode supply liquid. The cathode supply gas contains, for example, at least one gas selected from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water vapor. The cathode supply gas may be a mixed gas of at least two gases selected from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water vapor. The cathode supply liquid contains, for example, water.

[0045] The cathode supply fluid is prepared, for example, by a cathode supply unit 21 and supplied to the electrolysis unit 10. The cathode supply unit 21 includes a humidifier 201 and a condenser 202. The cathode supply unit 21 may include a bypass pipe that allows the fluid to flow by bypassing the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 when they are not used. The cathode supply fluid supply system including the cathode supply unit 21 may include a gas cylinder, a flow rate control unit, a pressure control unit, and the like.

[0046] The anode supply fluid contains, for example, water. The water may be in the form of liquid water or water vapor. In particular, when the anode supply fluid does not contain a gas phase and is only in the liquid phase, it will be referred to as an anode aqueous solution hereinafter. The anode aqueous solution may be an aqueous solution containing any electrolyte. An aqueous solution containing an electrolyte may be, for example, an aqueous solution containing hydroxide ions (OH - ), hydrogen ion (H + ), potassium ion (K + ), sodium ion (Na + ), lithium ion (Li + ), chloride ion (Cl - ), bromide ion (Br - ), iodide ion (I - ), nitrate ion (NO3 - ), sulfate ion (SO4 2- ), phosphate ion (PO4 2- ), borate ion (BO3 3- ), carbonate ion (CO3 2- ), and bicarbonate ion (HCO3 - In order to reduce the electrical resistance of the solution, an alkaline solution in which an electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide is dissolved at a high concentration may be used as the anode aqueous solution.

[0047] The anode supply fluid is supplied to the electrolysis section 10 via the anode supply unit 22. When the anode supply fluid is an aqueous anode solution, for example, the anode supply fluid supply system on the inlet side of the anode chamber 150 including the anode supply unit 22 has devices such as a pressure control unit, an aqueous anode solution tank, a flow rate control unit (pump), a reference electrode, a pressure gauge, and a temperature adjustment mechanism. The aqueous anode solution is supplied to the anode chamber 150 with its flow rate, pressure, and temperature controlled in the anode supply fluid supply system.

[0048] The humidifier 201 can humidify the cathode supply fluid supplied from a cathode supply fluid supply source such as a gas cylinder. The humidifier 201 is provided in the middle of the flow path P1. In a stage preceding the humidifier 201, the cathode supply fluid is preferably only in a gas phase. The humidifier 201 can mix water vapor into the cathode supply fluid supplied from the stage preceding the humidifier 201. Examples of a method of humidification using the humidifier 201 include, but are not limited to, a method of bubbling gas in liquid water, a method of providing a vaporizer in the gas flow path and injecting and evaporating liquid water therein, and a method of spraying and evaporating liquid water in the gas.

[0049] It is preferable that the humidifier 201 can adjust the amount of water vapor mixed with the cathode supply fluid supplied from the upstream of the humidifier 201. Examples of methods for adjusting the amount of water vapor include, but are not limited to, a method of specifying the temperature of the liquid water used for bubbling, a method of specifying the total amount and speed of the liquid water injected into the vaporizer, and a method of specifying the total amount and speed of the liquid water discharged from the sprayer. The humidified cathode supply fluid discharged from the humidifier 201 is preferably only in the gas phase, but may also contain a liquid phase.

[0050] The condenser 202 is provided in the middle of the flow path P1 and at a stage subsequent to the humidifier 201, and generates condensed water by partially condensing water vapor contained in the humidified cathode supply fluid supplied to the condenser 202. The condenser 202 can adjust the amount of condensed water generated in the humidified cathode supply fluid (the ratio of condensed water). Methods for adjusting the amount of condensed water include a method for adjusting the temperature of a processing chamber of the condenser 202 and a method for adjusting the pressure of a processing chamber of the condenser 202. Other methods for adjusting the amount of condensed water include, but are not limited to, a method for specifying the temperature or heat exchange amount of the cathode supply fluid in the condenser 202, a method for specifying the pressure of the cathode supply fluid in the condenser 202, and the like. The condenser 202 may have a temperature regulator.

[0051] It is preferable to quantitatively grasp the amount of condensed water generated in the condenser 202. For this purpose, it is preferable to grasp the amount of water vapor contained in the cathode supply fluid supplied from the upstream of the condenser 202. As a method for grasping the amount of water vapor, a method of installing a dew point meter immediately before the condenser 202 can be mentioned. The dew point meter may be incorporated as a part of the condenser 202. In particular, when the condensed water is generated by temperature adjustment, the condensed water can be generated by lowering the fluid temperature inside the condenser 202 below the dew point of the cathode supply fluid in the upstream of the condenser 202.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a structural example of the condenser 202. Fig. 4 shows a part of a YZ cross section including the Y axis and the Z axis. As shown in Fig. 4, the condenser 202 may have a heater 2021, a cooler 2022, and a heat insulating material 2023.

[0053] The heater 2021 is provided around the pipe 2020. The heater 2021 is provided between the pipe 2020 and the heat insulating material 2023. The condenser 202 may have a plurality of heaters 2021 as shown in Fig. 4. The plurality of heaters 2021 are provided, for example, along the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 2020.

[0054] The cooler 2022 is provided around the pipe 2020. The cooler 2022 is provided between the pipe 2020 and the insulating material 2023. The condenser 202 may have a plurality of coolers 2022 as shown in Fig. 4. The plurality of coolers 2022 are provided, for example, along the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 2020. The heaters 2021 and the coolers 2022 may be arranged alternately along the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 2020, for example.

[0055] The insulation material 2023 is provided to cover the pipes 2020, the heater 2021, and the cooler 2022.

[0056] The pipe 2020 has an inner circumferential surface surrounding a space S through which the cathode supply fluid flows. The pipe 2020 forms a flow path P1. The pipe 2020 is preferably formed using a material having high thermal conductivity. The condenser 202 may have a temperature sensor on the inner circumferential surface of the pipe 2020, or may directly measure the temperature of the cathode supply fluid flowing through the space S by the temperature sensor.

[0057] An example of the condenser 202 may include a heat exchanger, etc. The heat exchanger may have a temperature sensor, which may directly measure the temperature of the cathode supply fluid flowing through the space S.

[0058] An example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment can be operated, for example, by supplying a cathode supply fluid to the cathode chamber 140 via flow path P1, supplying an anode supply fluid to the anode chamber 150 via flow path P2, supplying a current or voltage from the power source 40 to the electrolysis cell 10, and performing electrolysis reactions in which, for example, a substance to be reduced is reduced to produce a reduction product at the cathode 11, and, for example, a substance to be oxidized is oxidized to produce an oxidation product at the anode 12. The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow directions of the respective fluids.

[0059] In an example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment, by having a condenser 202 in the rear stage of the humidifier 201, water can be mixed into the cathode supply fluid with a simple device configuration without using, for example, a complex piping structure equipped with a switching mechanism using a valve such as a multi-port valve, or an auxiliary device serving as a power source such as a pump.

[0060] When water vapor is supplied to the cathode chamber 140, the relative humidity of the gas phase in the catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer of the cathode 11 increases, and the evaporation of water from the liquid phase can be suppressed. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the generation of solid salt is expected. However, the effect of water vapor is small in terms of removing the salt generated. On the other hand, when liquid water is supplied to the cathode chamber 140, the liquid water reduces the salt concentration in the liquid phase present in the catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer of the cathode, so that the effect of suppressing the generation of solid salt is expected. Furthermore, the liquid water is expected to dissolve and wash away the solid salt present in the cathode chamber 140. Therefore, even if the amount of water is the same, the salt removal effect is greater when a part of the water is condensed and supplied to the cathode chamber 140 than when all of the water is supplied as water vapor. In the example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment, a part of the water vapor contained in the cathode supply fluid is condensed and mixed with liquid water, thereby making it possible to operate the electrochemical reaction device with a high salt removal effect. Therefore, an electrochemical reaction device with a long life and a simple structure can be realized.

[0061] Liquid water may penetrate into pores provided in the catalyst layer or gas diffusion layer of the cathode 11 and block these pores. Blockage of the pores prevents the reactant gas from being supplied to the reaction field in the cathode catalyst layer, causing an increase in cell resistance and a decrease in the product selectivity to the target product. This phenomenon is called flooding. Therefore, it is preferable to make the amount of condensed water generated using the condenser 202 (for example, the amount of substance or volume per unit time, or the total amount generated by integrating these over the time during which the condensed water is generated) as small as possible within a range in which the salt deposition inhibition and salt removal effects can be obtained. In some cases, it is necessary to set the amount of condensed water to be generated small even if the salt deposition inhibition and salt removal effects are insufficient, based on the judgment that avoiding flooding is more important than the purpose of salt deposition inhibition and salt removal. The appropriate value for the amount of condensed water varies depending on the operating conditions of the electrolysis unit 10 and the characteristics of the materials used, and is therefore preferable to determine at any time. The determination can be made based on the results of monitoring the performance index of the electrolysis unit 10 during operation. The judgment may be performed by the operator of the electrolysis unit 10, or may be performed by an algorithm implemented in a computer.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the cathode supply unit 21 may have a plurality of condensers 202. For example, when the electrolysis unit 10 has a plurality of electrolytic cells 100, the number of the plurality of condensers 202 may be the same as the number of the electrolytic cells 100, or may be more or less than the number of the plurality of electrolytic cells 100. The cathode supply unit 21 may also have a plurality of humidifiers 201. The number of the plurality of humidifiers 201 may be the same as the number of the plurality of condensers 202, or may be more or less than the number of the plurality of condensers 202. By making the number of the plurality of condensers 202 equal to or less than the number of the plurality of electrolytic cells 100 and making the number of the plurality of humidifiers 201 equal to or less than the number of the plurality of condensers 202, the electrochemical reaction device can be made compact.

[0063] When multiple electrolysis cells 100 share a common humidifier 201 and a common condenser 202, the cathode feed fluid needs to be distributed to provide the cathode feed fluid to each electrolysis cell 100. The distribution may be performed either before the humidifier 201, between the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202, or between the condenser 202 and the electrolysis cells 100.

[0064] When performing an electrolysis reaction using gas as a reactant at each cathode 11 of the electrolysis cells 100, the flow path P1 is preferably designed so that the gas in the cathode supply fluid is appropriately distributed to each electrolysis cell 100. Appropriate distribution refers to, but is not limited to, distributing the gas evenly to all the electrolysis cells 100. On the other hand, the flow path P1 designed with attention to such gas distribution may not be able to appropriately distribute the liquid to each electrolysis cell 100. Therefore, when the cathode supply fluid is distributed in the rear stage of the condenser 202, there is a possibility that the distribution ratio of the generated condensed water may be biased. By distributing the gas to each electrolysis cell 100 in the front stage of the condenser 202, where the cathode supply fluid is mainly composed of a gas phase, and generating condensed water by each condenser 202 after the distribution, the condensed water can be appropriately supplied to each electrolysis cell 100.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the cathode supply unit 21 may have a plurality of condensers 202 provided in the electrolysis unit 10. In particular, when a condenser 202 is provided for each electrolysis cell 100, it is preferable to provide a plurality of condensers 202 in the electrolysis unit 10. When the electrolysis unit 10 has a plurality of electrolysis cells 100, the number of the plurality of condensers 202 may be the same as the number of the electrolysis cells 100, or may be more or less than the number of the plurality of electrolysis cells 100. In addition, the cathode supply unit 21 may have a plurality of humidifiers 201. The number of the plurality of humidifiers 201 may be the same as the number of the plurality of condensers 202, or may be more or less than the number of the plurality of condensers 202. By making the number of the plurality of condensers 202 equal to or less than the number of the plurality of electrolysis cells 100 and making the number of the plurality of humidifiers 201 equal to or less than the number of the plurality of condensers 202, the electrochemical reaction device can be made smaller. When multiple condensers 202 are provided in the electrolysis section 10, the cathode supply fluid needs to be distributed to each electrolysis cell 100, as in the configuration example shown in FIG.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows a part of the XZ cross section. As shown in FIG. 7, the electrolysis unit 10 has a first region forming a cell stack including a plurality of electrolysis cells 100 and a second region forming a condenser 202. The second region is disposed adjacent to the first region. The first region can be heated and cooled. The second region may also be heated and cooled, but in this case, the temperature of the second region is adjusted independently of the temperature of the first region. The current or voltage from the power source 40 is supplied only to the first region. The first region and the second region may be clamped by, for example, a pair of support plates. The first region and the second region are provided inside the electrolysis unit 10.

[0067] The cell stack including a plurality of electrolysis cells 100 shown in Fig. 7 has a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies MEAs, a flow path plate 14, a flow path plate 15, a current collector 16, a current collector 17, and a flow path plate 18. For other descriptions of the electrolysis cell 100, the description of the electrolysis cell 100 shown in Fig. 3 can be cited as appropriate.

[0068] The condenser 202 shown in FIG. 7 includes an auxiliary flow path plate 221, an auxiliary flow path plate 222, an auxiliary flow path plate 223, an auxiliary plate 224, an auxiliary plate 225, and an auxiliary plate 226.

[0069] Figures 8, 9, and 10 are schematic diagrams showing a structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 221. Figure 8 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 221 as viewed from above. Figure 9 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 221. Figure 10 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 221 as viewed from below.

[0070] The auxiliary flow path plate 221 is a cathode auxiliary flow path plate having a flow path 227. The flow path 227 is a cathode auxiliary flow path, and is connected to the cathode flow path formed by the cathode chamber 140. The auxiliary flow path plate 221 may be disposed, for example, so as to extend from a side surface of the flow path plate 14.

[0071] Figures 11, 12, and 13 are schematic diagrams showing a structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 222. Figure 11 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 as viewed from above. Figure 12 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 222. Figure 13 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 as viewed from below.

[0072] The auxiliary flow path plate 222 is an anode auxiliary flow path plate having a flow path 228. The flow path 228 is an anode auxiliary flow path, and is connected to the anode flow path formed by the anode chamber 150. The auxiliary flow path plate 222 may be disposed so as to extend from a side surface of the flow path plate 15, for example.

[0073] Figures 14, 15, and 16 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 223. Figure 14 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 as viewed from above. Figure 15 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 223. Figure 16 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 as viewed from below.

[0074] The auxiliary flow path plate 223 is, for example, an inter-cell auxiliary flow path plate provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 221 and the auxiliary flow path plate 222. The auxiliary flow path plate 223 has a flow path 227 and a flow path 228. The flow path 227 is a cathode auxiliary flow path and is connected to a cathode flow path formed by the cathode chamber 140 of the flow path plate 18. The flow path 228 is an anode auxiliary flow path and is connected to an anode flow path formed by the anode chamber 150 of the flow path plate 18. The auxiliary flow path plate 223 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of the flow path plate 18, for example.

[0075] The auxiliary plate 224 is provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 221 or the auxiliary flow path plate 222 and the auxiliary flow path plate 223. Fig. 7 shows a plurality of auxiliary plates 224 provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 221, the auxiliary flow path plate 222, and the auxiliary flow path plate 223. Each auxiliary plate 224 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of the membrane electrode assembly MEA, for example.

[0076] The auxiliary plate 225 is provided, for example, on the side of the auxiliary flow path plate 221 opposite to the auxiliary flow path plate 223. The auxiliary plate 225 is provided at an end of the condenser 202. The auxiliary plate 225 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of the current collector 16, for example.

[0077] The auxiliary plate 226 is provided, for example, on the side of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 opposite to the auxiliary flow path plate 223. The auxiliary plate 226 is provided at an end of the condenser 202. The auxiliary plate 226 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of the current collector 17, for example.

[0078] The cathode feed fluid flowing through the cathode auxiliary channel can be condensed by heating and cooling the second region forming the condenser 202. This allows the cathode auxiliary channel connected to each electrolysis cell 100 to function as a condenser.

[0079] Methods for heating and cooling the second region include, for example, a method of providing a cooler 2021 or a heater 2022 on auxiliary plate 225 or auxiliary plate 226, a method of providing a cooler 2021 or a heater 2022 on auxiliary flow path plate 221, auxiliary flow path plate 222, or auxiliary flow path plate 223, or a method of providing a sub-flow path through which heat exchange fluid passes in auxiliary flow path plate 221, auxiliary flow path plate 222, or auxiliary flow path plate 223, but are not limited to these methods.

[0080] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 222. Fig. 17 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 as viewed from above.

[0081] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 223. Fig. 18 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 as viewed from above.

[0082] 17 and 18, the auxiliary flow path plate 222 and the auxiliary flow path plate 223 may have a sub-flow path 229. When the sub-flow path 229 is provided, it is preferable that the sub-flow path 229 is not connected to the flow path 227 and the flow path 228. The sub-flow path 229 is formed, for example, on the surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 on which the flow path 228 is formed, or on the surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 on which the flow path 228 is formed (the surface opposite to the flow path 227). By flowing a heat exchange fluid whose temperature is adjusted through the sub-flow path 229, the temperature of the second region can be adjusted, and the flow path 227 can function as the condenser 202.

[0083] All of the components of the condenser 202 may be made of an insulating material. As long as insulation between the first region and the second region is ensured, at least some of the components of the condenser 202 may be made of a conductive material. It is preferable that each component of the condenser 202 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. This promotes thermal conduction in the second region, and allows the temperature of the flow path 227 functioning as the condenser 202 to be precisely adjusted.

[0084] The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 221 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 14. The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 222 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 15. The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 18. The thickness of the auxiliary plate 225 is preferably the same as the thickness of the current collector 16. The thickness of the auxiliary plate 226 is preferably the same as the thickness of the current collector 17. It is further preferable that the compression ratio between each member when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown) is also approximately the same. The compression ratio of the auxiliary plate 224 and the membrane electrode assembly MEA may be different, but the thickness of the auxiliary plate 224 when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown) is preferably the same as the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly MEA when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown). The auxiliary flow path plate 221 may be bonded to the flow path plate 14 in advance. The auxiliary flow path plate 222 may be bonded to the flow path plate 15 in advance. The auxiliary flow path plate 223 may be bonded to the flow path plate 18 in advance. The auxiliary plate 225 may be pre-attached to the current collector 16. The auxiliary plate 226 may be pre-attached to the current collector 17. Also, instead of the auxiliary plate 224, the membrane electrode assembly MEA may be formed to extend from the first region to the second region.

[0085] The cathode supply unit 21 may be provided in the electrolysis unit 10 with a humidifier 201 and a condenser 202. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the electrolysis unit 10. As shown in FIG. 19, the electrolysis unit 10 has a first region forming a cell stack including a plurality of electrolysis cells 100, a second region forming a condenser 202, and a third region forming a humidifier 201. The second region is provided in front of the first region and is disposed adjacent to the first region. The third region is provided in front of the second region and is disposed adjacent to the second region. The first region can be heated and cooled. The second region and the third region may also be heated and cooled, but in this case, the temperature of the second region and the temperature of the third region are adjusted independently of the temperature of the first region. The current or voltage from the power source 40 is supplied only to the first region. The first region, the second region, and the third region may be clamped by, for example, a pair of support plates. The first region, the second region, and the third region are provided inside the electrolysis unit 10.

[0086] The cell stack including a plurality of electrolysis cells 100 shown in Fig. 19 has a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies MEAs, a flow path plate 14, a flow path plate 15, a current collector 16, a current collector 17, and a flow path plate 18. For other descriptions of the electrolysis cell 100, the descriptions of the electrolysis cell 100 shown in Figs. 3 and 7 can be cited as appropriate.

[0087] 19 includes an auxiliary flow path plate 221, an auxiliary flow path plate 222, an auxiliary flow path plate 223, an auxiliary plate 224, an auxiliary plate 225, and an auxiliary plate 226. For other details of the condenser 202, the descriptions of FIGS. 7 to 18 can be used as appropriate.

[0088] 19 includes an auxiliary flow path plate 211, an auxiliary flow path plate 212, an auxiliary flow path plate 213, a humidifying membrane 214, an auxiliary plate 215, and an auxiliary plate 216. The rest of the description of the humidifier 201 can be appropriately cited from the description of the humidifier 201 shown in FIG.

[0089] Figures 20, 21, and 22 are schematic diagrams showing a structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 211. Figure 20 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 211 as viewed from above. Figure 21 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 211. Figure 22 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 211 as viewed from below.

[0090] The auxiliary flow path plate 211 is a cathode auxiliary flow path plate having a flow path 217. The flow path 217 is a cathode auxiliary flow path that is connected to a flow path 227 and is connected to a cathode flow path formed by the cathode chamber 140 via the flow path 227. The auxiliary flow path plate 211 may be disposed so as to extend from a side surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 221, for example.

[0091] Figures 23, 24, and 25 are schematic diagrams showing a structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 212. Figure 23 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 212 as viewed from above. Figure 24 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 212. Figure 25 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 212 as viewed from below.

[0092] Auxiliary flow path plate 212 is an anode auxiliary flow path plate having flow path 218. Flow path 218 is an anode auxiliary flow path and is connected to flow path 228, which is connected to the anode flow path formed by anode chamber 150. Auxiliary flow path plate 212 may be disposed to extend from a side surface of auxiliary flow path plate 222, for example.

[0093] Figures 26, 27, and 28 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the structure of the auxiliary flow path plate 213. Figure 26 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 213 as viewed from above. Figure 27 is a schematic XZ cross-sectional diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 213. Figure 28 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 213 as viewed from below.

[0094] The auxiliary flow path plate 213 is, for example, an inter-cell auxiliary flow path plate provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 211 and the auxiliary flow path plate 212. The auxiliary flow path plate 213 has a flow path 217 and a flow path 218. The flow path 217 is a cathode auxiliary flow path, which is connected to the flow path 227 of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 and is connected via the flow path 227 to a cathode flow path formed by the cathode chamber 140 of the flow path plate 18. The flow path 218 is an anode auxiliary flow path, which is connected to the flow path 227 of the auxiliary flow path plate 223 and is connected via the flow path 227 to an anode flow path formed by the anode chamber 150 of the flow path plate 18. The auxiliary flow path plate 213 may be disposed so as to extend from a side surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 223, for example.

[0095] The humidifying membrane 214 is provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 211 or the auxiliary flow path plate 212 and the auxiliary flow path plate 213. FIG. 19 shows a plurality of humidifying membranes 214 provided between the auxiliary flow path plate 211, the auxiliary flow path plate 212, and the auxiliary flow path plate 213. Each humidifying membrane 214 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of each auxiliary plate 224, for example. Examples of each humidifying membrane 214 include a water-repellent porous membrane, etc. The water-repellent porous membrane may have a contact angle with water of, for example, 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0096] Channels 217 and 218 face each other across humidifying membrane 214, and an auxiliary channel is formed so that the shapes of these channels match. This allows moisture in the anode supply fluid flowing through channel 218 to be supplied to the cathode supply fluid flowing through channel 217 via humidifying membrane 214, making it possible for the third region to function as humidifier 201.

[0097] Auxiliary plate 215 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of auxiliary flow path plate 211 from auxiliary flow path plate 213. Auxiliary plate 215 is provided at an end of humidifier 201. Auxiliary plate 215 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of auxiliary plate 225, for example.

[0098] Auxiliary plate 216 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of auxiliary flow path plate 212 from auxiliary flow path plate 213. Auxiliary plate 216 is provided at an end of humidifier 201. Auxiliary plate 216 may be arranged to extend from a side surface of auxiliary plate 226, for example.

[0099] Each component of the humidifier 201 is preferably made of a material having high thermal conductivity, which promotes thermal conduction within the third region and allows the temperature of the region functioning as the humidifier 201 to be precisely adjusted.

[0100] The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 211 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 14 and the thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 221. The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 212 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 15 and the thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 222. The thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 213 is preferably the same as the thickness of the flow path plate 18 and the thickness of the auxiliary flow path plate 223. The thickness of the auxiliary plate 215 is preferably the same as the thickness of the current collector 16 and the thickness of the auxiliary plate 225. The thickness of the auxiliary plate 216 is preferably the same as the thickness of the current collector 17 and the thickness of the auxiliary plate 226. It is further preferable that the compression ratios between the respective members when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown) are approximately the same. The compression ratios of the humidifying membrane 214, the auxiliary plate 224, and the membrane electrode assembly MEA may differ, but the thickness of the humidifying membrane 214 when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown) is preferably the same as the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly MEA and the thickness of the auxiliary plate 224 when clamped with a pair of support plates (not shown). The auxiliary flow path plate 211 may be pre-bonded to the auxiliary flow path plate 221. The auxiliary flow path plate 212 may be pre-bonded to the auxiliary flow path plate 222. The auxiliary flow path plate 213 may be pre-bonded to the auxiliary flow path plate 223. The auxiliary plate 215 may be pre-bonded to the auxiliary plate 225. The auxiliary plate 216 may be pre-bonded to the auxiliary plate 226.

[0101] In FIG. 19, a method of using the anode supply fluid flowing through flow path 218 as a humidified water vapor source has been described, but a secondary flow path may be formed in auxiliary flow path plate 212 or auxiliary flow path plate 213, and another liquid containing water as a main component may be circulated through the secondary flow path to serve as a humidified water vapor source.

[0102] Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing another structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 212. Fig. 29 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 212 as viewed from above.

[0103] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing another structural example of the auxiliary flow path plate 213. Fig. 30 is a schematic XY plane diagram of the auxiliary flow path plate 213 as viewed from above.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the auxiliary flow path plate 212 and the auxiliary flow path plate 213 may have a sub-flow path 219. When the sub-flow path 219 is provided, it is preferable that the sub-flow path 219 is not connected to the flow path 217 and the flow path 218. The sub-flow path 219 is formed, for example, on the surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 212 on which the flow path 218 is formed, or on the surface of the auxiliary flow path plate 213 on which the flow path 218 is formed (the surface opposite to the flow path 217). The sub-flow path 219 is designed to match the flow path shape as much as possible with the flow path 217 facing the humidifying membrane 214. Using the cooling water or the like used inside the electrochemical reaction device as a humidified water vapor source leads to simplification of the device, but it is preferable not to use the cooling water of the second region as a humidified water vapor source for the third region because of the need to be able to independently adjust the temperatures of the first region, the second region, and the third region.

[0105] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the electrochemical reaction device 1 may have a liquid removal unit 203 connected to the flow path P1 and provided in front of the humidifier 201. The liquid removal unit 203 can remove liquid contained in the cathode supply fluid supplied to the humidifier 201. The liquid removal unit 203 may have, for example, a bottle that traps liquid from the cathode supply fluid flowing through the flow path P1, and the bottle may be provided below the flow path P1 to trap the liquid in the bottle by, for example, gravity. The liquid removal unit 203 may have a gas-liquid separator in the middle of the flow path P1. The liquid removal unit 203 may be provided in another location as long as it is connected to the flow path P1 in the cathode supply unit 21. When the cathode supply fluid upstream of the humidifier 201 forms a gas-liquid two-phase flow due to, for example, connecting the electrochemical reaction device to another device, the provision of the liquid removal unit 203 makes it possible to remove liquid from the cathode supply fluid supplied to the humidifier 201 to leave only the gas phase, making it easier to manage the amount of water vapor contained in the humidified cathode supply fluid. The liquid removal unit 203 may be provided between the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 or downstream of the condenser 202. Thereby, for example, when unintended liquid water is mixed in due to a malfunction of the humidifier 201 or the condenser 202, the liquid can be removed from the cathode supply fluid supplied to the electrolysis unit 10 to leave only the gas phase.

[0106] The cathode supply unit 21 may have a liquid supply unit 204. This means that the condenser 202 can be used in combination with a conventionally known method of supplying a rinsing agent from outside the system. The liquid supply unit 204 is connected to the flow path P1 and is provided, for example, at the rear stage of the condenser 202. The liquid supply unit 204 has, for example, a syringe pump. The condenser 202 cannot generate liquid water in an amount greater than the amount of water vapor mixed by the humidifier 201. Therefore, for example, a large amount of liquid water can be supplied by mixing liquid water from outside the system with the cathode supply fluid by the liquid supply unit 204.

[0107] The liquid water supply method using the condenser 202 is suitable for continuously supplying liquid water in small amounts. Therefore, it is well suited to the purpose of preventing salt precipitation and suppressing the growth of salt by removing the generated salt while it is still small. On the other hand, supplying liquid from outside the system by the liquid supply unit 204 is suitable for supplying a large amount of liquid water all at once. For the purpose of removing large salt in a short period of time, mixing of liquid from outside the system by the liquid supply unit 204 is well suited.

[0108] The electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment may have at least one detector and a control device. Examples of the detector include a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a gas flow meter, a gas composition analyzer, and the like, but are not limited to these detectors. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the electrochemical reaction device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, the electrochemical reaction device 1 may further have a detector D1, a detector D2, a detector D3, and a control device 30.

[0109] The detector D1 is provided in the flow path P1, for example, between the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202. The detector D1 can detect, for example, at least one parameter of the humidified cathode supply fluid from the humidifier 201. Examples of the at least one parameter include temperature, pressure, dew point, current, voltage, flow rate, composition, etc. Examples of the detector D1 include, but are not limited to, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a gas flow meter, a gas composition analyzer, etc.

[0110] The detector D2 is provided in the flow path P1, for example, between the condenser 202 and the electrolysis unit 10. The detector D2 can detect at least one parameter of the cathode supply fluid including, for example, condensed water from the condenser 202. Examples of the at least one parameter include temperature, pressure, dew point, current, voltage, flow rate, composition, etc. Examples of the detector D2 include, but are not limited to, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a gas flow meter, a gas composition analyzer, etc.

[0111] The detector D3 is provided in the middle of the flow path P3, for example, at a stage subsequent to the electrolysis unit 10. The detector D3 can detect, for example, at least one parameter of the cathode discharge fluid from the electrolysis unit 10. Examples of the at least one parameter include temperature, pressure, dew point, current, voltage, flow rate, composition, etc. Examples of the detector D3 include, but are not limited to, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a flow meter, a composition analyzer, etc.

[0112] The electrochemical reaction device 1 may have a detector in at least one of the humidifier 201, the condenser 202, and the electrolysis unit 10, or in the middle of the flow path P2 or the flow path P4. These detectors can detect, for example, at least one parameter related to the operating state of at least one of the humidifier 201, the condenser 202, and the electrolysis unit 10, or at least one parameter related to the state of the cathode supply fluid, the cathode discharge fluid, the anode supply fluid, and the anode discharge fluid flowing through any of the above components. Examples of the at least one parameter include temperature, pressure, dew point, current, voltage, flow rate, composition, etc. Examples of these detectors include, but are not limited to, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a flow meter, a composition analyzer, etc. These parameters are sent to the receiving unit 31 as detection signals (data signals).

[0113] The control device 30 includes a receiving unit 31 that receives detection signals from at least one detector provided in at least one of the detectors D1, D2, D3, the humidifier 201, the condenser 202, and the electrolysis unit 10, a calculation unit 32 that performs calculation processing based on the detection signals, and a control unit 33 that generates control signals for controlling the operations of the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 based on the results of the calculation processing. The control device 30 may be configured using hardware using, for example, a processor. Each operation may be stored as an operation program in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory, and each operation may be executed by appropriately reading out the operation program stored in the recording medium by the hardware.

[0114] As described above, by mixing liquid water with the cathode supply fluid, it is possible to expect the effect of suppressing salt deposition in the cathode chamber 140 of the electrolysis unit 10, the cathode catalyst layer of the cathode 11, the cathode gas diffusion layer, etc., and preventing salt growth by removing the deposited salt. On the other hand, liquid water inhibits the supply of the reactant gas to the reaction field in the cathode catalyst layer, causing an increase in cell resistance and a decrease in the product selectivity to the target product (flooding). Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of condensed water generated using the condenser 202, for example, the amount of substance or volume per unit time, or the total amount generated by integrating these over the time during which the condensed water is generated, is determined taking into consideration the balance between the salt deposition suppression effect, the salt removal effect, and the performance degradation due to flooding. Therefore, it is preferable that the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 are controlled based on the results of monitoring the salt deposition status and performance index of the electrolysis unit 10 during operation using the control device 30.

[0115] The receiving unit 31 receives detection signals from at least one detector provided in at least one of the detectors D1, D2, D3, the humidifier 201, the condenser 202, and the electrolysis unit 10, and transmits the detection signals to the calculation unit 32. The calculation unit 32 includes, for example, a computer in which a calculation algorithm is implemented. The calculation unit 32 executes calculation processing (calculation) based on the information of the received detection signals, and determines how to operate the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202. Then, the control unit 33 transmits the determination result to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 transmits control signals to the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 based on the determination result (calculation result) received from the calculation unit 32, and controls them to operate in a desired state.

[0116] The amount of humidification in the humidifier 201 can be controlled based on information on the temperature and pressure inside the humidifier 201 and the dew points before and after the humidifier 201. The amount of condensed water generated in the condenser 202 can be controlled based on information on the temperature and pressure inside the condenser 202 and the dew points before and after the condenser 202. As an index for confirming the salt deposition suppression effect and the salt removal effect, for example, the pressure loss in the cathode system including the cathode 11 and the cathode chamber 140 can be used. The pressure loss is defined as the difference in fluid pressure measured at the inlet and outlet of the electrolysis cell 100. When salt is deposited in the cathode flow path, the cathode catalyst layer, the cathode gas diffusion layer, etc., the pressure loss in the cathode system increases. By monitoring the pressure loss, the salt situation inside the cell stack can be indirectly grasped.

[0117] Indicators for determining whether flooding occurs include the voltage of the electrolytic cell 100 and the product selectivity at the cathode outlet. The voltage of the electrolytic cell 100 can be measured by installing a voltmeter in the electrolytic cell 100. When the product is a gas, the product selectivity can be calculated based on the results of measuring the composition by installing a gas composition analyzer in the gas piping after gas-liquid separation of the cathode discharge fluid. A gas chromatograph or various types of sensors can be used as the gas composition analyzer. The Faraday efficiency can also be used as an indicator. The Faraday efficiency can be calculated from the product selectivity, gas flow rate, and current.

[0118] In light of the above, an example of the control of the humidifier 201 and the condenser 202 can be implemented as follows. In order to avoid flooding, the condenser 202 is first operated in a state where condensed water is not generated or is generated in a small amount. After that, when the pressure loss in the cathode system of the electrolysis cell 100 increases, the calculation unit 32 determines the required amount of condensed water to be added to the cathode supply fluid as a rinsing agent based on the information. Then, the humidification amount in the humidifier 201 is increased, and the condenser 202 is controlled so that the condenser 202 generates more condensed water than before. If the humidifier 201 is a type that changes the humidification amount by temperature adjustment, the control unit 33 sends a control signal to increase the temperature of the humidifier 201. If the condenser 202 is a type that changes the humidification amount by temperature adjustment, the control unit 33 sends a control signal to lower the temperature of the condenser 202. The cathode pressure loss is continuously monitored, and when the pressure loss is reduced, the humidification amount is reduced to reduce the amount of condensed water generated. Condensed water may be completely eliminated. During this time, information on the voltage of the electrolysis cell 100 and the selectivity of the product is also acquired, and if signs of flooding such as an increase in voltage or a decrease in selectivity are observed, the amount of humidification is reduced to reduce the amount of condensed water produced. Condensed water may also be completely eliminated. Even if signs of flooding are observed, the liquid water accumulated near the cathode 11 can be expelled from the cell stack by subsequently reducing or eliminating the condensed water. This makes it possible to eliminate flooding.

[0119] In order to prevent salt precipitation, condensed water may be generated periodically even if there are no signs of salt precipitation, such as an increase in pressure loss in the cathode system. The generation of condensed water may be performed intermittently or continuously.

[0120] The calculation algorithm implemented in the calculation unit 32 can be created based on knowledge obtained through preliminary experiments, etc. In addition, the algorithm may be updated based on accumulated driving data, such as a machine learning model.

[0121] The components of the electrochemical reaction device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 32 can be combined as appropriate.

[0122] The configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied in combination with each other, and some of them can be replaced. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described here, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention can be summarized in the following technical solutions. (Technical proposal 1) an electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm between the cathode and the anode, a cathode chamber facing the cathode, and an anode chamber facing the anode; a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber, through which a first fluid containing a substance to be reduced and supplied to the cathode chamber flows; a second flow path connected to an inlet of the anode chamber, through which a second fluid containing an object to be oxidized and supplied to the anode chamber flows; a third flow path connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber, through which a third fluid that is discharged from the cathode chamber and contains a reduction product flows; a fourth flow path connected to an outlet of the anode chamber, through which a fourth fluid discharged from the anode chamber and containing an oxidation product flows; a humidifier provided in the first flow path and configured to humidify the first fluid; a condenser that is provided in the first flow path and downstream of the humidifier, the condenser treating the humidified first fluid to condense a portion of water vapor contained in the humidified first fluid to generate condensed water and adjust a ratio of the condensed water in the humidified first fluid; An electrochemical reaction device comprising: (Technical proposal 2) The condenser has a temperature regulator. The electrochemical reaction device described in Technical Proposal 1. (Technical proposal 3) the condenser treats the first fluid such that a temperature of the treated first fluid discharged from the condenser is lower than a dew point of the humidified first fluid supplied to the condenser; The electrochemical reaction device described in Technical Proposal 2. (Technical proposal 4) A plurality of the condensers are provided. An electrochemical reaction device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 3. (Technical proposal 5) The electrolysis unit has the condenser. An electrochemical reaction device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 4. (Technical proposal 6) Further comprising a liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid containing water to the first flow path. An electrochemical reaction device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 5. (Technical proposal 7) Further comprising a liquid removal unit that removes liquid contained in the first fluid. An electrochemical reaction device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 6. (Technical proposal 8) Further comprising a control device for controlling the humidifier and the condenser. An electrochemical reaction device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 7. (Technical proposal 9) at least one detector configured to detect at least one parameter of the humidifier, the condenser, the electrolysis unit, the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, the fourth flow path, the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and the fourth fluid; The control device includes: a receiving unit for receiving a detection signal from the at least one detector; A calculation unit that performs calculation processing based on the detection signal; a control unit that controls at least one of the humidifier and the condenser based on a result of the arithmetic processing; Including, The electrochemical reaction device described in Technical Proposal 8. (Technical proposal 10) The at least one detector is selected from the group consisting of a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point gauge, an ammeter, a voltage gauge, a gas flow meter, and a gas composition analyzer; An electrochemical reaction device as described in Technical Proposal 9. (Technical proposal 11) 1. A method for operating an electrochemical reactor, comprising: The electrochemical reaction device is an electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm between the cathode and the anode, a cathode chamber facing the cathode, and an anode chamber facing the anode; a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber, through which a first fluid containing a substance to be reduced and supplied to the cathode chamber flows; a second flow path connected to an inlet of the anode chamber, through which a second fluid containing an object to be oxidized and supplied to the anode chamber flows; a third flow path connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber, through which a third fluid that is discharged from the cathode chamber and contains a reduction product flows; a fourth flow path connected to an outlet of the anode chamber, through which a fourth fluid discharged from the anode chamber and containing an oxidation product flows; Equipped with The above operation method is humidifying the first fluid flowing through the first flow path; treating the humidified first fluid to condense a portion of water vapor contained in the humidified first fluid to generate condensed water, and adjusting the ratio of the condensed water in the humidified first fluid; A method for operating an electrochemical reactor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...electrochemical reaction device, 10...electrolysis section, 11...cathode, 12...anode, 13...diaphragm, 14...flow path plate, 15...flow path plate, 16...current collector, 17...current collector, 18...flow path plate, 21...cathode supply section, 22...anode supply section, 30...control device, 31...receiving section, 32...calculating section, 33...control section, 40...power supply, 100...electrolysis cell, 140...cathode chamber, 141...land, 150...anode chamber, 151...land, 201...humidifier, 202...condenser, 203...liquid removal section, 204...liquid supply section, 211...auxiliary flow path plate, 212...auxiliary flow Flow plate, 213...auxiliary flow path plate, 214...humidification membrane, 215...auxiliary plate, 216...auxiliary plate, 217...flow path, 218...flow path, 219...sub-flow path, 221...auxiliary flow path plate, 222...auxiliary flow path plate, 223...auxiliary flow path plate, 224...auxiliary plate, 225...auxiliary plate, 226...auxiliary plate, 227...flow path, 228...flow path, 229...sub-flow path, 2020...piping, 2021...heater, 2022...cooler, 2023...insulation material, D1...detector, D2...detector, D3...detector, MEA...membrane electrode assembly, P1...flow path, P2...flow path, P3...flow path, P4...flow path, S...space.

Claims

1. an electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm between the cathode and the anode, a cathode chamber facing the cathode, and an anode chamber facing the anode; a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber, through which a first fluid containing a substance to be reduced and supplied to the cathode chamber flows; a second flow path connected to an inlet of the anode chamber, through which a second fluid containing an object to be oxidized that is to be supplied to the anode chamber flows; a third flow path connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber, through which a third fluid discharged from the cathode chamber and containing a reduction product flows; a fourth flow path connected to an outlet of the anode chamber, through which a fourth fluid discharged from the anode chamber and containing an oxidation product flows; a humidifier provided in the first flow path and configured to humidify the first fluid; a condenser that is provided in the first flow path and downstream of the humidifier, the condenser treating the humidified first fluid to condense a portion of water vapor contained in the humidified first fluid to generate condensed water and adjust a ratio of the condensed water in the humidified first fluid; An electrochemical reaction device comprising:

2. The condenser has a temperature regulator. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

3. the condenser treats the first fluid such that a temperature of the treated first fluid discharged from the condenser is lower than a dew point of the humidified first fluid supplied to the condenser. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 2 .

4. A plurality of the condensers are provided. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

5. The electrolysis unit has the condenser. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

6. Further comprising a liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid including water to the first flow path. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

7. Further comprising a liquid removal unit that removes liquid contained in the first fluid. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

8. Further comprising a control device for controlling the humidifier and the condenser. The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 1 .

9. at least one detector configured to detect at least one parameter of the humidifier, the condenser, the electrolysis unit, the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, the fourth flow path, the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and the fourth fluid; The control device includes: a receiver for receiving a detection signal from the at least one detector; A calculation unit that performs calculation processing based on the detection signal; a control unit that controls at least one of the humidifier and the condenser based on a result of the arithmetic processing; Including, The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 8.

10. The at least one detector is selected from the group consisting of a thermometer, a pressure gauge, a dew point meter, an ammeter, a voltage meter, a gas flow meter, and a gas composition analyzer; The electrochemical reaction device according to claim 9.

11. 1. A method for operating an electrochemical reactor, comprising: The electrochemical reaction device is an electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm between the cathode and the anode, a cathode chamber facing the cathode, and an anode chamber facing the anode; a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode chamber, through which a first fluid containing a substance to be reduced and supplied to the cathode chamber flows; a second flow path connected to an inlet of the anode chamber, through which a second fluid containing an object to be oxidized that is to be supplied to the anode chamber flows; a third flow path connected to an outlet of the cathode chamber, through which a third fluid discharged from the cathode chamber and containing a reduction product flows; a fourth flow path connected to an outlet of the anode chamber, through which a fourth fluid discharged from the anode chamber and containing an oxidation product flows; Equipped with The operating method includes: humidifying the first fluid flowing through the first flow path; treating the humidified first fluid to condense a portion of water vapor contained in the humidified first fluid to generate condensed water, and adjusting a ratio of the condensed water in the humidified first fluid; A method for operating an electrochemical reactor.

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