Separator and electrolysis apparatus

Abstract

To provide a separator, which can more stably generate a large amount of hydrogen, and an electrolysis apparatus.SOLUTION: A separator comprises: a separator main body having a first surface and a second surface; a first supply hole and a first discharge hole which are arranged on the one diagonal line of the separator main body on the first surface, both penetrating the separator main body; multiple first grooves arranged in the area between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole; a first trapezoidal diffusion flow path, which expands from the first supply hole to the first groove, with the width dimension gradually expanding as the flow path proceeds from the first supply hole to the first groove; a first trapezoidal convergence flow path, which expands from the first groove to the first discharge hole, with the width dimension gradually shrinking as the flow path proceeds from the first groove to the first discharge hole; a first diffusion guide section arranged in the first diffusion flow path to guide a fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove; and a first convergence guide section arranged in the first convergence flow path to guide the fluid from the first groove to the first discharge hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a separator and an electrolytic device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a device for generating hydrogen, a device that electrolyzes water (electrolysis device) is known. An example of this type of device is described in Patent Document 1 below. In this device, an electrolytic cell partitioned into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber by an ion exchange membrane is filled with water, and water is electrolyzed by supplying power to the cathode and anode. In the cathode chamber, hydrogen is generated by a reaction between water and electrons. Hydroxide ions generated by this reaction permeate the ion exchange membrane and reach the anode chamber. In the anode chamber, oxygen and water are generated from these hydroxide ions. It is believed that a large amount of hydrogen can be obtained by continuing this reaction.

[0003] In addition, in this type of device, a plurality of electrolytic cells are arranged to improve the processing capacity. Plate-shaped members called separators are interposed between the electrolytic cells. Flow paths for flowing fluids such as water are formed on the surface of the separator. In the separator according to Patent Document 1 below, a triangular flow path is formed from the water supply hole to a recess (groove) in the longitudinal center. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4451954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the flow passage near the supply hole has a triangular shape as described above, the fluid may not spread evenly over the entire groove, which may cause the electrolysis reaction to proceed unsmoothly and affect the amount of hydrogen produced.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a separator and an electrolysis device that are capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen more stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a separator according to the present disclosure includes a separator body having a rectangular plate shape, a first surface facing one side in a thickness direction, and a second surface facing the other side, a first supply hole and a first discharge hole formed on one diagonal line of the separator body on the first surface and penetrating the separator body from the first surface to the second surface, a plurality of first groove portions formed in a region between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole, extending in the longitudinal direction of the separator body and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of first groove portions extending between the first supply hole and the first groove portion and recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side. a first diffusion flow path which is trapezoidal in shape and has a width dimension which gradually increases from the first supply hole to the first groove portion as viewed from the first surface side; a first convergent flow path which is trapezoidal in shape and extends between the first groove portion to the first discharge hole and is recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side and has a width dimension which gradually decreases from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole as viewed from the first surface side; a first diffusion guide portion which is provided in the first diffusion flow path and guides the fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove portion; and a first convergent guide portion which is provided in the first convergent flow path and guides the fluid from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole.

[0008] The electrolysis device according to the present disclosure comprises an electrolysis cell stack, an electrolyte supply unit that supplies an electrolyte to the electrolysis cell stack, and a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack, the electrolysis cell stack having separators according to any one of claims 1 to 7 arranged at intervals in the thickness direction, and a plurality of electrolysis cells arranged one between each pair of adjacent separators. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a separator and an electrolysis device that are capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen more stably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic of a portion of an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this specification, "facing" means that two members overlap when viewed in a certain direction, and may also include a case where another member (e.g., another layer) exists between the two members.

[0012] First, referring to FIG. 2, the Z direction, the X direction, and the Y direction are defined. The Z direction is the direction from the first separator 11a to the second separator 11b (to the right in FIG. 2), which will be described later. The X direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the Z direction, and is a direction from the center C of the electrolysis cell 12 to one end of the electrolysis cell 12 (the up-down direction in FIG. 2). The X direction is, for example, a vertical direction. The Y direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the Z direction and the X direction, and is, for example, the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2. In this specification, the "external size" means the external size when viewed in the Z direction.

[0013] FIG 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrolysis device 1 of a first embodiment. The electrolysis device 1 is, for example, a device that generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water contained in an electrolytic solution. The electrolysis device 1 is, for example, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) type electrolysis device. However, the electrolysis device 1 is not limited to the above example, and may be a different type of electrolysis device, such as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) type electrolysis device or a device that electrolytically reduces carbon dioxide.

[0014] The electrolysis device 1 includes, for example, an electrolysis cell stack 10, an electrolyte supply unit 20, and a power supply unit 30.

[0015] (Electrolysis cell stack) The electrolysis cell stack 10 electrolyzes an electrolytic solution Es supplied from the outside. The electrolysis cell stack 10 is an assembly of a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12. The electrolysis cell stack 10 is formed by arranging a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12 in one direction. In this embodiment, a case where the electrolysis cell stack 10 is formed by arranging five separators 11 and four electrolysis cells 12 will be described as an example (see FIG. 6 ).

[0016] Hereinafter, the one direction (left-right direction in FIG. 6) in which the separators 11 and the electrolysis cells 12 are arranged is referred to as the "first direction D1". In addition, one side of the first direction D1 (the left side in FIG. 6) is simply referred to as the "one side dl", and the side opposite to the one side dl is referred to as the "other side dr". In addition, for convenience of explanation, the five separators 11 may be referred to as the "first separator 11a", the "second separator 11b", the "third separator 11c", the "fourth separator 11d", and the "fifth separator 11e" in order from the one side dl. In addition, the four electrolysis cells 12 may be referred to as the "first electrolysis cell 12a", the "second electrolysis cell 12b", the "third electrolysis cell 12c", and the "fourth electrolysis cell 12d" in order from the one side dl.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes a plurality of (four) electrolytic cells 12 which, together with separators 11, form a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb, first flow passage sections 13, 13' (described later) that allow the electrolytic solution Es supplied from the electrolytic solution supply section 20 to flow toward the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb, and second flow passage sections 14, 14' (described later) that allow the electrolytic solution that has completed the reaction in the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb to flow (return) toward the electrolytic solution supply section 20. The electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described in detail later. Note that the number of separators 11 and the number of electrolytic cells 12 are not limited to the above numbers. Each electrolytic cell 12 includes a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb. The electrolytic cells 12 will also be described in detail later.

[0018] (Electrolyte supply section) The electrolyte supply unit 20 is a supply unit that supplies the electrolyte Es to each electrolytic cell 12. The electrolyte Es is, for example, pure water or an alkaline aqueous solution. The electrolyte supply unit 20 includes a cathode side supply unit 20a and an anode side supply unit 20b.

[0019] The cathode side supply unit 20a is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the cathode chamber Sa of each electrolytic cell 12. The cathode side supply unit 20a includes, for example, a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21, a first pump 22, a hydrogen recovery unit 23, a first electrolytic solution supply unit 24, and piping lines L1' and L2'.

[0020] The hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L1'. The first pump 22 is provided midway along the piping line L1', and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 toward the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12.

[0021] A return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L2'. Electrolyte solution Es containing hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell 12 flows from the electrolytic cell 12 into the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21. The hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21 has a gas-liquid separation unit that separates the hydrogen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. The hydrogen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21 is recovered by the hydrogen recovery unit 23. The hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21 is replenished with electrolytic solution Es from a first electrolytic solution supply unit 24.

[0022] On the other hand, the anode side supply unit 20b is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the anode chamber Sb of each electrolytic cell 12. The anode side supply unit 20b includes, for example, an oxygen gas-liquid separator 26, a second pump 27, an oxygen recovery unit 28, a second electrolytic solution supply unit 29, and piping lines L1 and L2.

[0023] The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L1. The second pump 27 is provided in the middle of the piping line L1 and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 toward the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12.

[0024] A return port of the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L2. The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 receives the electrolytic solution Es containing oxygen produced in the electrolytic cell 12 from the electrolytic cell 12. The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 has a gas-liquid separation section that separates the oxygen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. The oxygen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is recovered by an oxygen recovery section 28. The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is replenished with the electrolytic solution Es from a second electrolytic solution supply section 29.

[0025] (Power supply part) The power supply unit 30 is a DC power supply device that applies a voltage to each separator 11 of the electrolytic cell stack 10. The power supply unit 30 applies a voltage to each separator 11 in the first direction D1, thereby applying a DC voltage required for electrolysis of the electrolyte Es between the anode 122 and the cathode 121 of each electrolytic cell 12.

[0026] (Electrolysis cell stack configuration) Next, the electrolysis cell stack 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a part of the electrolysis cell stack 10. Fig. 2 focuses on the electrolysis cell 12 (first electrolysis cell 12a) arranged on the furthest side dl among the electrolysis cells 12 arranged in a first direction D1 (left-right direction in Fig. 2).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the electrolysis cell stack 10 includes, for example, a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12.

[0028] (Separator) The separator 11 is a member that defines an internal space S in which the electrolysis cell 12 is disposed. The internal space S is a space that includes a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb, which will be described later. The separator 11 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the first direction D1, and is formed of a metal member or the like. The separators 11 are arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction D1.

[0029] Separator 11 has a first surface 201a facing one side in the thickness direction, and a second surface 201b facing the other side. The configurations of first surface 201a and second surface 201b (described later) are point symmetric with respect to the geometric center of gravity of separator 11. The configuration of first surface 201a will be representatively described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0030] The separator 11 includes a rectangular plate-shaped separator body 201, a first supply hole 203, a first discharge hole 202, a first groove portion 204, a first diffusion flow path 206, a first convergence flow path 205, a first diffusion guide portion 208, a first convergence guide portion 207, a straight section 209, a second supply hole 211, a second discharge hole 210, and a second groove portion 212.

[0031] First supply hole 203 and first discharge hole 202 are disposed at the corners along one of two diagonals connecting the corners of rectangular separator body 201. First supply hole 203 and first discharge hole 202 are circular holes penetrating separator body 201 from the first surface side to the second surface side. The diameter of first discharge hole 202 is set to be larger than the diameter of first supply hole 203. Second supply hole 211 and second discharge hole 210 are provided at the respective corners along the other of the two diagonals connecting the corners of separator body 201.

[0032] The first groove portion 204, the first diffusion channel 206, the first convergence channel 205, the first diffusion guide portion 208, and the first convergence guide portion 207 are formed only on the first surface 201a. The first groove portion 204 is formed in a region between the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202. The first groove portion 204 extends in the longitudinal direction of the separator body 201, and a plurality of first groove portions 204 are arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first groove portion 204 has a rectangular cross section recessed from the first surface 201a side toward the second surface 201b side.

[0033] The first diffusion channel 206 forms a channel by expanding between the first supply hole 203 and the first groove portion 204 and recessing from the first surface 201a side toward the second surface 201b side. The first diffusion channel 206 has a trapezoidal shape in which the dimension in the width direction gradually increases from the first supply hole 203 toward the first groove portion 204 when viewed from the first surface 201a side. More specifically, the first diffusion channel 206 is defined by a first side portion 206a extending in the width direction from the edge of the first supply hole 203, a second side portion 206b extending in a direction perpendicular to the first side portion 206a (the above-mentioned longitudinal direction), and an oblique side 206c facing the second side portion 206b in the width direction. The oblique side 206c extends in a direction away from the first supply hole 203 as it moves from one side to the other side in the longitudinal direction. The angle that the oblique side 206c makes with respect to the width direction is preferably 24° or more and 50° or less, more preferably 30° or more and 45° or less, and most preferably 35° or more and 40° or less.

[0034] A first diffusion guide portion 208 is provided in the first diffusion flow channel 206. The first diffusion guide portions 208 protrude from the first surface 201a, and are provided in a radial pattern centered on the first supply hole 203. The farther away the first diffusion guide portions 208 are from the first supply hole 203, the smaller the angle they form with respect to the width direction. Also, the farther away the first diffusion guide portions 208 are, the larger their longitudinal dimensions become.

[0035] A straight section 209 is provided between the first convergence channel 205 and the first groove portion 204. In the straight section 209, the dimension in the width direction is constant over the entire area in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the straight section 209 is desirably about 25 mm.

[0036] First convergent channel 205 forms a channel by expanding between first groove portion 204 and first discharge hole 202 and recessing from first surface 201a toward second surface 201b. First convergent channel 205 has a trapezoidal shape whose width gradually increases from first discharge hole 202 toward first groove portion 204 when viewed from first surface 201a.

[0037] A first convergent guide portion 207 is provided in the first convergent flow path 205. The first convergent guide portion 207 protrudes from the first surface 201a, and a plurality of first convergent guide portions 207 are provided radially from the first discharge hole 202. The more the first convergent guide portion 207 is away from the first discharge hole 202, the smaller the angle the first convergent guide portion 207 forms with respect to the width direction. Also, the more the first convergent guide portion 207 is away, the larger the longitudinal dimension of the first convergent guide portion 207 becomes.

[0038] 5, a second groove portion 212 is formed on the second surface 201b side. The second groove portion 212 is a recessed groove having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, similar to the first groove portion 204 on the first surface 201a side. On the other hand, the dimension in the width direction of the second groove portion 212 is set to be larger than the dimension in the width direction of the first groove portion 204. Desirably, the dimension in the width direction of the second groove portion 212 is twice the dimension in the width direction of the first groove portion 204.

[0039] The separators 11, except for the separator 11 (fifth separator 11e) arranged closest to the other side dr, among the multiple separators 11, have a first inner surface 110a that faces the internal space S from one side dl. That is, the first inner surface 110a faces the other side dr (the right side in Figs. 2 and 6). The separators 11, except for the separator 11 (first separator 11a) arranged closest to the one side dl, among the multiple separators 11, have a second inner surface 110b that faces the internal space S from the other side dr. That is, the second inner surface 110b faces the one side dl (the left side in Figs. 2 and 6).

[0040] Of the multiple (five) separators 11, a negative voltage is applied from the power supply unit 30 to the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e, for example, via a first current collector 41 (see FIG. 3) described later. On the other hand, a positive voltage is applied from the power supply unit 30 to the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d, for example, via a second current collector 42 (see FIG. 3) described later. Two separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 form an electrolytic bath of the electrolytic cell 12 as a pair of separators 11.

[0041] (Electrolysis Cell) The electrolysis cell (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) 12 is a structure in which an ion exchange membrane, a catalyst, a power supply, etc. are stacked and assembled. Each electrolysis cell 12 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11, and connects the two adjacent separators 11 to each other in a first direction D1. Thus, the electrolysis cell 12 is located in the internal space S between the two adjacent separators 11. The electrolysis cell 12 has, for example, an ion exchange membrane 120, a cathode 121, and an anode 122.

[0042] (Ion exchange membrane) The ion exchange membrane 120 is a membrane that selectively allows ions to pass through. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) that is hydroxide ion conductive. However, the ion exchange membrane 120 is not limited to the above example, and may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) that is different from the above example and has proton conductivity.

[0043] The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, a rectangular sheet. The outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, smaller than the outer size of the separator 11 adjacent to the ion exchange membrane 120 in the first direction D1. The ion exchange membrane 120 is disposed between the two separators 11 adjacent to the ion exchange membrane 120 in the first direction D1, and is located in the internal space S. The ion exchange membrane 120 has a first surface 120a facing the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120, and a second surface 120b located on the opposite side to the first surface 120a. The first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the one side dl. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the other side dr. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0044] In the internal space S, a cathode chamber Sa or an anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. Specifically, a cathode chamber Sa is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolysis cell 12a and the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolysis cell 12c and the first inner surface 110a of the third separator 11c. On the other hand, an anode chamber Sb is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolytic cell 12c and the second inner surface 110b of the fourth separator 11d.

[0045] An anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolysis cell 12b and the first inner surface 110a of the second separator 11b, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d and the first inner surface 110a of the fourth separator 11d. A cathode chamber Sa is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolysis cell 12b and the second inner surface 110b of the third separator 11c, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d and the second inner surface 110b of the fifth separator 11e.

[0046] In the cathode chamber Sa, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in the following formula (Chemical Formula 1) occurs, and hydrogen is produced from the electrolytic solution Es. In this specification, "XX is produced" may also include the case where other substances are produced simultaneously with the production of XX. The hydroxide ions produced in the cathode chamber Sa pass through the electrolytic cell 12 and move from the cathode chamber Sa to the anode chamber Sb. 2H2O+2e - →H2+2OH - …(C1)

[0047] On the other hand, in the anode chamber Sb, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in the following (chemical formula 2) occurs, and oxygen is produced from the electrolyte Es. 2OH - →1 / 2O2+H2O+2e - …(Case 2)

[0048] As a result, when viewed as a whole in the electrolysis cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 3 below occurs. H2O→H2+1 / 2O2…(Chem.3)

[0049] The ion exchange membrane 120 may be an example of a membrane with high ion conductivity, which contains a polystyrene-based or tetraphenyl-based composition in the main chain and an imidazolium group or a quaternary ammonium group in the side chain. Alternatively, the ion exchange membrane 120 may be an example of a membrane with high oxidation resistance, which contains a polysulfone-based or bromobutylstyrene-based composition.

[0050] (cathode) The cathode 121 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is sandwiched between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11. The cathode 121 has, for example, a cathode catalyst layer 121a and a cathode power supplier 121b.

[0051] The cathode catalyst layer 121a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa described above. The cathode catalyst layer 121a has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The cathode catalyst layer 121a is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa and is fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface pressure bonding.

[0052] Specifically, the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the first electrolysis cell 12a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third electrolysis cell 12c are fixed, for example, by surface pressure bonding, to a first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120. The cathode catalyst layer 121a of the second electrolysis cell 12b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d are fixed, for example, by surface pressure bonding, to a second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120. A negative voltage is applied to each cathode catalyst layer 121a from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the cathode power supplier 121b.

[0053] The material of the cathode catalyst layer 121a may be any material that promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa described above, and various materials can be used. For example, the cathode catalyst layer 121a includes one or more of nickel, nickel alloy, cerium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and platinum. In this specification, the "XX oxide" may include other materials other than XX and oxygen. In addition to the above-mentioned materials, the cathode catalyst layer 121a may include other materials such as carbon. The outer size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a is smaller than the outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example.

[0054] The cathode power supplier 121b is an electrical connection part that transmits the voltage applied to the separator 11 to the cathode catalyst layer 121a. The cathode power supplier 121b is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa. The cathode power supplier 121b is located between the separator 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 121a.

[0055] Specifically, the cathode power supply 121b of the first electrolysis cell 12a is joined to the first inner surface 110a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the first separator 11a, and the cathode power supply 121b of the third electrolysis cell 12c is joined to the first inner surface 110a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third separator 11c. The cathode power supply 121b of the second electrolysis cell 12b is joined to the second inner surface 110b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third separator 11c, and the cathode power supply 121b of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d is joined to the second inner surface 110b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the fifth separator 11e.

[0056] The cathode power supply body 121b has a structure through which the electrolyte Es and gas can pass. The cathode power supply body 121b is formed of, for example, a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In this embodiment, the outer size of the cathode power supply body 121b is, for example, the same as the outer size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a.

[0057] (anode) The anode 122 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is sandwiched between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second separator 11b. The anode 122 includes, for example, an anode catalyst layer 122a and an anode power supplier 122b.

[0058] The anode catalyst layer 122a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb described above. The anode catalyst layer 122a is, for example, in the form of a rectangular sheet. The anode catalyst layer 122a is disposed in the anode chamber Sb and is fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface pressure bonding.

[0059] Specifically, the anode catalyst layer 122a of the first electrolysis cell 12a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the third electrolysis cell 12c are fixed, for example, by surface pressure bonding, to the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120. The anode catalyst layer 122a of the second electrolysis cell 12b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d are fixed, for example, by surface pressure bonding, to the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120. A positive voltage is applied to each anode catalyst layer 122a from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the anode power supply 122b.

[0060] The material of the anode catalyst layer 122a may be any material that promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb described above, and various materials can be used. For example, the anode catalyst layer 122a includes one or more of nickel, nickel alloy, nickel oxide, copper oxide, iridium oxide, niobium oxide, lead oxide, or bismuth oxide. As described above, the "XX oxide" in this specification may include other materials other than XX and oxygen. For example, the "nickel oxide" may include other materials such as iron and cobalt in addition to nickel and oxygen. Also, the "copper oxide" may include other materials such as cobalt in addition to copper and oxygen. The "iridium oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to iridium and oxygen. The "lead oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to lead and oxygen. The "bismuth oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to bismuth and oxygen.

[0061] The anode power supply 122b is an electrical connection part that transmits the voltage applied to the separator 11 to the anode catalyst layer 122a. The anode power supply 122b is disposed in the anode chamber Sb. The anode power supply 122b is located between the separator 11 and the anode catalyst layer 122a.

[0062] Specifically, the anode power supply 122b of the first electrolysis cell 12a is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the second separator 11b, and the anode power supply 122b of the third electrolysis cell 12c is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth separator 11d. The anode power supply 122b of the second electrolysis cell 12b is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the second separator 11b, and the anode power supply 122b of the fourth electrolysis cell 12d is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth separator 11d.

[0063] The anode power supply body 122b has a structure through which the electrolyte Es and gas can pass. The anode power supply body 122b is formed of, for example, a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In this embodiment, the external size of the anode power supply body 122b is, for example, the same as the external size of the anode catalyst layer 122a.

[0064] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the electrolysis cell stack 10. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the electrolysis cell stack 10 has, for example, a first current collector 41, a second current collector 42, a first insulator 43, a second insulator 44, a first end plate 45, and a second end plate 46. Note that Fig. 3 omits illustration of first flow path sections 13, 13' and second flow path sections 14, 14', which will be described later.

[0065] (First current collector) The first current collector 41 is an electrical connection part that transmits a negative voltage applied from the power supply unit 30 to the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e. That is, the first current collector 41 is electrically connected to each of the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e (detailed illustration of the connections is omitted). A negative voltage required for electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 12 is applied to the first current collector 41 from the power supply unit 30. The first current collector 41 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

[0066] (Second current collector) The second current collector 42 is an electrical connection part that transmits the positive voltage applied from the power supply unit 30 to the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d. That is, the second current collector 42 is electrically connected to each of the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d. A positive voltage required for electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 12 is applied to the second current collector 42 from the power supply unit 30. The second current collector 42 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

[0067] (First insulating material) The first insulating material 43 is located between the first current collector 41 and the first end plate 45. The outer size of the first insulating material 43 is, for example, the same as the outer size of the first current collector 41 or larger than the outer size of the first current collector 41.

[0068] (Second insulating material) The second insulating material 44 is located between the second current collector 42 and the second end plate 46. The outer size of the second insulating material 44 is the same as or larger than the outer size of the second current collector 42.

[0069] (First end plate) The first end plate 45 is located on the opposite side of the first insulating material 43 to the first current collector 41. The first end plate 45 is formed of, for example, a metal plate member (for example, a stainless steel plate). The outer size of the first end plate 45 is larger than the outer size of the first insulating material 43, for example.

[0070] (Second end plate) The second end plate 46 is located on the opposite side of the second insulating material 44 from the second current collector 42. The second end plate 46 is formed of, for example, a metal plate member (for example, a stainless steel plate). The outer size of the second end plate 46 is larger than the outer size of the second insulating material 44, for example.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrolysis cell stack 10 has, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a first insulator 47, a second insulator 48, a support portion 50, and a sealing portion 60, for example.

[0072] (First insulator) The first insulator 47 insulates between the outer periphery of the separator 11 on one side dl and the outer periphery of the separator 11 on the other side dr of two adjacent separators 11. The first insulator 47 is a frame-shaped sheet member that is slightly larger than the outer sizes of the cathode catalyst layer 121a and the anode catalyst layer 122a and the cathode power supply 121b and the anode power supply 122b.

[0073] The first insulator 47 is attached to the first inner surface 110a of each separator 11 except the fifth separator 11e among the multiple separators 11, and covers the end of the first inner surface 110a from the other side dr. The material of the first insulator 47 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, and is, for example, a sheet-shaped resin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). A hole 47h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the first insulator 47 close to the first end 111 of the separator 11, and a first flow path section 13 described later is inserted into the hole 47h1. A hole 47h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the first insulator 47 close to the second end 112 of the separator 11, and a second flow path section 14 described later is inserted into the hole 47h2.

[0074] (Second insulator) The second insulator 48, like the first insulator 47, insulates between the outer periphery of the separator 11 on the other side dr and the outer periphery of the separator 11 on one side dl of two adjacent separators 11. The second insulator 48 is a frame-shaped sheet member that is slightly larger than the outer sizes of the anode catalyst layer 122a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a and the anode power feeder 122b and the cathode power feeder 121b.

[0075] The second insulator 48 is attached to the second inner surface 110b of each separator 11 except the first separator 11a among the multiple separators 11, and covers the end of the second inner surface 110b from one side dl. The material of the second insulator 48 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, and is, for example, a sheet-shaped resin such as PTFE. A hole 48h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the second insulator 48 close to the first end 111 of the separator 11, and the first flow path section 13 described later is inserted into the hole 48h1. A hole 48h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the second insulator 48 close to the second end 112 of the separator 11, and the second flow path section 14 described later is inserted into the hole 48h2. The first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 can also be used as an integrated insulator.

[0076] (Support part) The support 50 is a member that supports the electrolysis cell 12 between two adjacent separators 11. The support 50 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11. The support 50 is located, for example, inside (on the inner periphery side) of the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120. In this specification, the "outer edge 120e" refers to an edge that is away from the center C of the electrolysis cell 12 in a direction (for example, the X direction or the Y direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the electrolysis cell 12. In addition, in this specification, the "inner side" or "inner periphery side" refers to the inner side (the side closer to the center C) as viewed from the center C of the electrolysis cell 12. In this embodiment, the support 50 includes, for example, a first support 51 and a second support 52.

[0077] (1st support part) The first support portion 51 is a support portion located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is disposed between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is located inside (inner circumference side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is sandwiched between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 (or the first insulator 47) and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position outside (outer circumference side) of the cathode 121 or the anode 122, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 against the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11. The first support portion 51 is formed in a ring shape (for example, frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is one size smaller than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0078] (Second support part) The second support portion 52 is a support portion located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is disposed between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is located inside (inner circumference side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is sandwiched between the second inner surface 110b (or the second insulator 48) of the separator 11 and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position outside (outer circumference side) of the anode 122 or the cathode 121, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 against the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b. The second support portion 52 is formed in a ring shape (for example, frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is one size smaller than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0079] (Sealing part) The sealing portion 60 is a member that closes the internal space S between two adjacent separators 11. The sealing portion 60 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11. The sealing portion 60 is located outside (on the outer periphery side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and seals the internal space S.

[0080] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 60 includes a first sealing portion 61 and a second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be integrally formed. That is, the first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be a single member. The sealing portion 60 may be integrally formed with at least one of the first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 described above.

[0081] (First sealing part) The first sealing portion 61 is a sealing portion located near the separator 11 on one side dl of two adjacent separators 11. The first sealing portion 61 is located outside (outer periphery side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first sealing portion 61 is sandwiched between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 located on the one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second sealing portion 62, and seals a part of the outer periphery side of the internal space S. In this embodiment, the first sealing portion 61 is sandwiched between the first insulator 47 attached to the first inner surface 110a and the second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 61 is formed in a ring shape (for example, a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and a ring shape one size larger than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0082] (Second sealing part) The second sealing portion 62 is a sealing portion located near the separator 11 on the other side dr of the two adjacent separators 11. The second sealing portion 62 is located outside the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second sealing portion 62 is sandwiched between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first sealing portion 61, and seals a part of the outer circumferential side of the internal space S. In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 62 is sandwiched between the second insulator 48 attached to the second inner surface 110b and the first sealing portion 61. The second sealing portion 62 is annular (for example, frame-shaped) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and is formed into an annular shape that is one size larger than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0083] (Action and effect) When the electrolytic solution Es is supplied to the electrolyte flow path portion FP provided in the separator 11, the electrolytic cell 12 arranged between two adjacent separators 11 electrolyzes the supplied electrolyte solution Es. The electrolyte solution Es flowing in the first direction D1 inside the tube portion 130 for supplying the electrolyte solution Es to the electrolyte flow path portion FP sequentially flows into the electrolyte flow path portions FP aligned in the first direction D1, so that the pressure may vary in the flow direction. Specifically, the pressure of the electrolyte solution Es may decrease toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolyte solution Es. Therefore, the amount of the electrolyte solution Es flowing into the electrolyte flow path portion FP decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction. If the electrolyte solution Es is not uniformly supplied to each electrolytic cell 12, the heat generated by electrolysis is not removed by the electrolyte solution Es in the electrolytic cell 12 with a small supply of the electrolyte solution Es, so that the temperature of the electrolytic cell 12 may rise and be damaged. One possible solution to this problem is to suppress the fluctuation in pressure of the electrolytic solution Es by increasing the diameter of the tube portion 130 or by reducing the distance between the electrolytic cells 12. However, these have the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the electrolytic solution Es, which poses the problem of increasing the stray current flowing between the electrolytic cells 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned configurations are adopted.

[0084] According to the above configuration, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 are provided with the first diffusion guide section 208 and the first convergence guide section 207, respectively. Furthermore, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 are trapezoidally divergent from the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, the fluid that flows into the first diffusion channel 206 from the first supply hole 203 flows toward the first groove section 204 while spreading in the width direction according to the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by the first diffusion guide section 208. As a result, the fluid flows toward the first groove section 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. Therefore, it is possible to stably cause the electrolysis reaction in the entire area of ​​the first groove section 204. In addition, the fluid after passing through the first groove section 204 is guided by the first convergence guide section 207 in the first convergence channel 205. As a result, the fluid can be circulated while converging smoothly toward the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time can be significantly increased compared to the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of hydrogen production by the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11.

[0085] According to the above configuration, a plurality of first diffusion guide portions 208 are arranged radially around the first supply hole 203. As a result, the fluid flowing out from the first supply hole 203 is uniformly dispersed in the width direction while moving toward the first groove portion 204. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the fluid evenly throughout the entire area of ​​the first groove portion 204. Similarly, the fluid after passing through the first groove portion 204 is guided by the first convergence guide portion 207 in the first convergence flow passage 205. As a result, it is possible to circulate the fluid while converging smoothly toward the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time compared to the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hydrogen production efficiency by the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11.

[0086] Here, hydrogen is generated in the first groove portion 204 by electrolysis of water, and thus an increase in volume occurs by the amount of this hydrogen in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from the first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, since the diameter dimension of the first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter dimension of the first supply hole 203, even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from the first discharge hole 202 without causing a pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid. This allows hydrogen generation by the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11 to proceed more isolatedly and smoothly.

[0087] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 with the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of generated molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. According to the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is larger than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time can be significantly increased compared to the conventional case. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the hydrogen production efficiency by the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11.

[0088] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included. For example, the number of first groove portions 204 and second groove portions 212 is an example, and can be appropriately changed according to the design and specifications. Similarly, the number and angles of first diffusion guide portions 208 and first convergence guide portions 207 can also be appropriately changed according to the design and specifications. In any case, the same action and effect as described above can be obtained.

[0089] <Additional Notes> The separator 11 and the electrolysis device 1 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0090] (1) A separator 11 according to a first embodiment includes a separator body 201 having a rectangular plate shape and having a first surface 201a facing one side in a thickness direction and a second surface 201b facing the other side, a first supply hole 203 and a first discharge hole 202 formed on one diagonal line of the separator body 201 on the first surface 201a and penetrating the separator body 201 from the first surface 201a toward the second surface 201b, a plurality of first groove portions 204 formed in a region between the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202, extending in the longitudinal direction of the separator body 201 and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of first groove portions 204 extending between the first supply hole 203 and the first groove portions 204 and recessed from the first surface 201a side toward the second surface 201b side, the first diffusion channel 206 having a trapezoidal shape whose dimension in the width direction gradually increases from the first supply hole 203 to the first groove portion 204 as viewed from the first surface 201a side; the first convergent channel 205 having a trapezoidal shape whose dimension in the width direction gradually decreases from the first groove portion 204 to the first discharge hole 202 as viewed from the first surface 201a side and whose dimension in the width direction gradually decreases from the first groove portion 204 to the first discharge hole 202 as viewed from the first surface 201a side; a first diffusion guide portion 208 provided in the first diffusion channel 206 and which guides the fluid from the first supply hole 203 to the first groove portion 204; and a first convergent guide portion 207 provided in the first convergent channel 205 and which guides the fluid from the first groove portion 204 to the first discharge hole 202.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergent channel 205 are provided with the first diffusion guide section 208 and the first convergent guide section 207, respectively. Furthermore, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergent channel 205 are spread out in a trapezoidal shape from the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, the fluid that flows into the first diffusion channel 206 from the first supply hole 203 flows toward the first groove section 204 while spreading in the width direction according to the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by the first diffusion guide section 208. As a result, the fluid flows toward the first groove section 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. Therefore, it is possible to stably cause an electrolysis reaction in the entire area of ​​the first groove section 204. In addition, the fluid after passing through the first groove section 204 is guided by the first convergent guide section 207 in the first convergent channel 205. As a result, the fluid can be circulated while converging smoothly toward the first discharge hole 202.

[0092] (2) The separator 11 according to the second aspect is the separator 11 of (1), wherein the first diffusion guide sections 208 are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first supply hole 203, and the first convergence guide sections 207 are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first discharge hole 202.

[0093] According to the above configuration, a plurality of first diffusion guide portions 208 are arranged radially around the first supply hole 203. As a result, the fluid flowing out from the first supply hole 203 is uniformly dispersed in the width direction while proceeding toward the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to distribute the fluid evenly throughout the entire area of ​​the first groove portion 204. Similarly, the fluid after passing through the first groove portion 204 is guided by the first convergence guide portion 207 in the first convergence flow path 205. This makes it possible to circulate the fluid while smoothly converging toward the first discharge hole 202.

[0094] (3) The separator 11 according to a third aspect is the separator 11 according to (1) or (2), in which the diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of the first supply hole 203.

[0095] Here, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water in first groove portion 204, and thus an increase in volume occurs by the amount of this hydrogen in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, since the diameter dimension of first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter dimension of first supply hole 203, even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from first discharge hole 202 without causing pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid.

[0096] (4) A separator 11 in a fourth aspect is a separator 11 in any one of the aspects (1) to (3), further comprising a second groove portion 212 formed on the second surface 201b, and the dimension of the second groove portion 212 in the width direction is larger than the dimension of the first groove portion 204 in the width direction.

[0097] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 with the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of generated molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. With the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is larger than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably.

[0098] (5) The separator 11 in a fifth aspect is a separator 11 in any one of the aspects (1) to (4), wherein the angle that the oblique side of the first diffusion channel 206 that faces the first supply hole 203 from the width direction makes with respect to the width direction is 24° or more and 50° or less.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the fluid that has flowed into first diffusion channel 206 from first supply hole 203 flows toward first channel 204 while spreading in the width direction according to the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by first diffusion guide 208. This allows the fluid to flow toward first channel 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. This makes it possible to cause a stable electrolysis reaction throughout the entire area of ​​first channel 204.

[0100] (6) The separator 11 according to the sixth aspect is the separator 11 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (5), wherein the diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is 1.4 to 5.5 times the diameter of the first supply hole 203.

[0101] Here, hydrogen is produced in first groove portion 204 by electrolysis of water, and thus an increase in volume occurs by the amount of this hydrogen in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, since the diameter of first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of first supply hole 203, even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from first discharge hole 202 without causing pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid.

[0102] (7) A separator 11 according to a seventh aspect is the separator 11 of (4), wherein the dimension of the second groove portion 212 in the width direction is equal to or less than half the dimension of the first groove portion 204 in the width direction.

[0103] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 with the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of generated molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. With the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is smaller than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably.

[0104] (8) The electrolysis device 1 according to the eighth aspect comprises an electrolysis cell stack 10, an electrolyte supply unit 20 that supplies an electrolyte to the electrolysis cell stack 10, and a power supply unit 30 that applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack 10, and the electrolysis cell stack 10 has separators 11 according to any one of aspects (1) to (7) arranged at intervals in the thickness direction, and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12 arranged one between each of two adjacent separators 11.

[0105] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to more efficiently produce a large amount of hydrogen stably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...Electrolysis device 10...Electrolysis cell stack 11...Separator 11a...First separator 11b...Second separator 11c...Third separator 11d...Fourth separator 11e...Fifth separator 11h1, 11h3...First insertion hole 11h2, 11h4...Second insertion hole 12...Electrolysis cell 12a...First electrolysis cell 12b...Second electrolysis cell 12c...Third electrolysis cell 12d...Fourth electrolysis cell 13, 13'...First flow path section 13o, 13o', 14o, 14o'...Outlet 14, 14'...Second flow path section 15...First structure 16...Second structure 20...Electrolyte supply section 21...Hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 22...First pump 23...Hydrogen recovery section 24...First electrolyte supply section 26...oxygen gas-liquid separation device 27...second pump 28...oxygen recovery section 29...second electrolyte supply section 30...power supply section 41...first current collector 42...second current collector 43...first insulating material 44...second insulating material 45...first end plate 46...second end plate 47...first insulator 47h1, 47h2, 48h1, 48h2...holes 48...second insulator 50...support section 51...first support section 52...second support section 60...sealing section 61...first sealing section 62...second sealing section 110a...first inner surface 110b...second inner surface 111...first end section 112...second end section 120...ion exchange membrane 120a...first surface 120b...second surface 120e...outer edge section 121...cathode 121a...cathode catalyst layer 121b...cathode power supply 122...anode 122a...anode catalyst layer 122b...anode power supply 130, 130', 140, 140'...tube portion 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 160...notch portion 151...mesh member 151a...first mesh member 151b...second mesh member 151c...third mesh member 151d...fourth mesh member 152, 153...conductive mesh 201...separator body 201a...first surface 201b...second surface 202...first discharge hole 203...first supply hole 204...first groove portion 205...first convergence flow path 206...first diffusion flow path 207...first convergence guide portion 208...First diffusion guide portion 209...Straight section 211...Second supply hole 210...Second discharge hole 212...Second groove portion C...Center portion D1...First direction dl...One side dr...Other side Es...Electrolyte L1, L1', L2, L2'...Pipe line S...Internal space S1...Gap Sa...Cathode chamber Sb...Anode chamber

Claims

1. a separator body having a rectangular plate shape and a first surface facing one side in a thickness direction and a second surface facing the other side; a first supply hole and a first discharge hole formed on one diagonal line of the separator body on the first surface and penetrating the separator body from the first surface to the second surface; a plurality of first groove portions formed in a region between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole, extending in a longitudinal direction of the separator body and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a first diffusion flow path having a trapezoidal shape that extends from the first supply hole to the first groove portion, is recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, and has a dimension in the width direction gradually increasing from the first supply hole toward the first groove portion as viewed from the first surface side; a first convergence flow path having a trapezoidal shape that spreads between the first groove portion and the first discharge hole, is recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, and the dimension in the width direction gradually decreases from the first groove portion toward the first discharge hole as viewed from the first surface side; a first diffusion guide portion provided in the first diffusion flow passage and configured to guide the fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove portion; a first convergent guide portion provided in the first convergent flow path and configured to guide the fluid from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole; A separator comprising:

2. The separator according to claim 1 , wherein the first diffusion guide portions are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first supply hole, and the first convergence guide portions are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first discharge hole.

3. The separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of the first discharge hole is larger than a diameter of the first supply hole.

4. 3 . The separator according to claim 1 , further comprising a second groove portion formed in the second surface, the dimension of the second groove portion in the width direction being larger than the dimension of the first groove portion in the width direction.

5. 3 . The separator according to claim 1 , wherein an angle formed by an oblique side of the first diffusion channel facing the first supply hole in the width direction and the width direction is equal to or greater than 24° and equal to or less than 50°.

6. 3. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge hole has a diameter dimension that is 1.4 to 5.5 times the diameter dimension of the first supply hole.

7. The separator according to claim 4 , wherein the dimension of the second groove portion in the width direction is equal to or smaller than half the dimension of the first groove portion in the width direction.

8. an electrolysis cell stack; an electrolyte supply unit that supplies an electrolyte to the electrolysis cell stack; A power supply unit that applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack; Equipped with The electrolysis cell stack comprises: The separators according to claim 1 or 2, which are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction; a plurality of electrolysis cells, each disposed between two adjacent separators; An electrolysis device having the above structure.

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