Cell, cell stack device, module, and module housing device

Abstract

To provide a cell, a cell stack device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve battery performance.SOLUTION: A cell includes an element part. The element part has a first electrode and a second electrode. The element part has a concave outer surface on a surface of the second electrode located on the opposite side of the first electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cells, cell stack devices, modules, and module housing devices.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described cell stack device, there is room for improvement in improving battery performance.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a cell, a cell stack device, a module, and a module housing device capable of improving battery performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes an element portion. The element portion has a first electrode and a second electrode. The element portion has a concave outer surface on a surface of the second electrode opposite to the first electrode.

[0007] In addition, the cell stack device of the present disclosure has a cell stack in which a plurality of cells are arranged, and at least one of the plurality of cells is the cell described above.

[0008] In addition, the module of the present disclosure includes the cell stack device described above and a storage container for storing the cell stack device.

[0009] Further, the module housing device of the present disclosure includes the module described above, auxiliary equipment for operating the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the auxiliary equipment.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide a cell, a cell stack device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve battery performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

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

[0013] Also, note that the drawings are schematic, and it is necessary to be aware that the dimensional relationships between elements, the ratios of the elements, etc. may differ from reality. Furthermore, there may be portions where the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings are different from each other.

[0014] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of Cell> First, with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, as an example of a cell according to the first embodiment, an example of a solid oxide fuel cell is used for explanation.

[0015] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell 1 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a plan view of the cell 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the air electrode 8 side, and FIG. 1C is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the cell according to the first embodiment. Note that FIGS. 1A to 1C show a part of each configuration of the cell 1 in an enlarged manner.

[0016] In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the cell 1 is a hollow flat plate type and is an elongated plate shape. As shown in FIG. 1B, the shape of the entire cell 1 as viewed from the side is, for example, a rectangle with the length of the side in the length direction L being 5 cm to 50 cm and the length in the width direction W orthogonal to this length direction L being 1 cm to 10 cm. The thickness in the thickness direction T of the entire cell 1 is 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1A, the cell 1 includes a conductive support substrate 2, an element portion 3, and an interconnector 4. The support substrate 2 is columnar and has a pair of opposing surfaces n1, n2, and a pair of arcuate side surfaces m connecting such surfaces n1, n2.

[0018] The element portion 3 is provided on the surface n1 of the support substrate 2. Such an element portion 3 has a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8. The air electrode 8 has an outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 exposed to the outside. The fuel electrode 5 is an example of a first electrode, and the air electrode 8 is an example of a second electrode. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1A, the interconnector 4 is provided on the other surface n2 of the cell 1. Note that the cell 1 may include an intermediate layer 7 between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 1B, the air electrode 8 does not extend to the upper and lower ends of the cell 1. At the lower end portion of the cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface. The detailed shape of the element portion 3 including the air electrode 8 will be described later.

[0020] On the one hand, the interconnector 4 may extend to the lower end of the cell 1. At the lower end of the cell 1, the interconnector 4 and the solid electrolyte layer 6 are exposed on the surface. As shown in FIG. 1A, on the surface of the pair of arcuate side surfaces m of the cell 1, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed. The interconnector 4 may not extend to the lower end of the cell 1.

[0021] Hereinafter, each component constituting the cell 1 will be described.

[0022] The support substrate 2 has a gas flow path 2a inside through which gas flows. The example of the support substrate 2 shown in FIG. 1A has six gas flow paths 2a. The support substrate 2 has gas permeability and permeates the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow path 2a to the fuel electrode 5. The support substrate 2 may have conductivity. The support substrate 2 having conductivity collects the electricity generated in the power generation element to the interconnector 4.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 1C, the element portion 3 has a concave outer surface 3a located on the outermost air electrode 8. The outer surface 3a has portions 31 to 33. The portion 31 is located at the central portion in the length direction L. The portion 32 is located on the upper end side in the length direction L of the outer periphery of the air electrode 8 in a plan view of the air electrode 8, and the portion 33 is located on the lower end side in the length direction L of the outer periphery of the air electrode 8 in a plan view of the air electrode 8. The portions 31 to 33 each have predetermined thicknesses t1 to t3 in the thickness direction T. The portions 31 to 33 are examples of the first portion to the third portion.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 1C, the fuel gas, which is the reaction gas, flows through the gas flow path 2a (see FIG. 1A) located along the length direction L from the lower end side to the upper end side of the cell 1. Also, the oxygen-containing gas, which is the reaction gas, flows along the length direction L outside the cell 1 from the lower end side to the upper end side of the cell 1. That is, the portion 32 is located on the downstream side where the oxygen-containing gas flows, and the portion 33 is located on the upstream side where the oxygen-containing gas flows.

[0025] The thickness t2 of the element portion 3 in the portion 32 located on the downstream side of the oxygen-containing gas with respect to the portion 31 is greater than the thickness t1 of the element portion 3 in the portion 31. Therefore, it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas flowing from the lower end side to the upper end side of the cell 1 around the element portion 3 into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity on the upper end side of the element portion 3 is improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0026] Also, the thickness t3 of the element portion 3 in the portion 33 located on the upstream side of the oxygen-containing gas with respect to the portion 31 is greater than the thickness t1 of the element portion 3 in the portion 31. Therefore, the contact area between the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 and the oxygen-containing gas increases, and it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity on the lower end side of the element portion 3 is improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0027] Note that the element portion 3 shown in FIG. 1C has a concave outer surface 3a by varying the thickness of the air electrode 8, but the thickness of one or more of the elements other than the air electrode 8, that is, the fuel electrode 5, the solid electrolyte layer 6, and the intermediate layer 7 may be varied.

[0028] The material of the support substrate 2 includes, for example, an iron group metal component and an inorganic oxide. For example, the iron group metal component may be Ni (nickel) and / or NiO. The inorganic oxide may be, for example, a specific rare earth element oxide.

[0029] As the material of the fuel electrode 5, generally known materials can be used. The fuel electrode 5 may be made of a porous conductive ceramic, for example, ZrO2 in which calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved, and a ceramic containing Ni and / or NiO. As this rare earth element oxide, for example, Y2O3 or the like is used. ZrO2 in which calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. Stabilized zirconia includes partially stabilized zirconia.

[0030] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte that bridges ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties, making it difficult for fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to leak.

[0031] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO2 in which 3 mol% to 15 mol% of rare earth element oxides are dissolved. As such rare earth element oxides, for example, Y2O3 etc. are used. Note that as long as the above characteristics are satisfied, other materials etc. may be used for the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0032] The material of the air electrode 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for air electrodes. The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3-type perovskite oxide.

[0033] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr and La coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La x Sr 1-x Co y Fe 1-y O3, La x Sr 1-x MnO3, La x Sr 1-x FeO3, La x Sr 1-x CoO3 etc. may be mentioned. Note that x is 0 < x < 1 and y is 0 < y < 1.

[0034] Also, the air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, 20% or more, particularly in the range of 30% to 50%.

[0035] Also, when the element part 3 has the intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 may be a diffusion suppression layer. The intermediate layer 7 prevents Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 from diffusing into the solid electrolyte layer 6, making it difficult for a resistance layer of SrZrO3 to be formed in such a solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0036] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for the Sr diffusion suppression layer. The material of the intermediate layer 7 includes, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which rare earth elements excluding Ce (cerium) are solid-solved. As such rare earth elements, Gd (gadolinium), Sm (samarium), etc. are used.

[0037] Further, the interconnector 4 is dense and hardly causes leakage of the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow path 2a located inside the support substrate 2 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2. The interconnector 4 may have a relative density of 93% or more, particularly 95% or more.

[0038] For the material of the interconnector 4, a lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxide (LaCrO3-based oxide), a lanthanum strontium titanium-based perovskite oxide (LaSrTiO3-based oxide), etc. may be used. These materials have conductivity and are not reduced or oxidized even when they come into contact with fuel gases such as hydrogen-containing gases and oxygen-containing gases such as air.

[0039] <Configuration of the cell stack device> Next, the cell stack device 10 according to the present embodiment using the cell 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the cell stack device 10 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is a top view showing an example of the cell stack device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction T (see FIG. 1A) of the cell 1, and a fixing member 12.

[0041] The fixing member 12 has a bonding material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The bonding material 13 bonds the cell 1 and the support member 14. Further, the support member 14 has a support body 15 and a gas tank 16. The support body 15 and the gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, are made of metal and have conductivity.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2B, the support body 15 has insertion holes 15a into which the lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion holes 15a are joined by the bonding material 13.

[0043] The gas tank 16 has an opening for supplying reaction gas to the plurality of cells 1 through the insertion holes 15a, and a concave groove 16a located around such an opening. The end of the outer periphery of the support body 15 is fixed to the gas tank 16 by a fixing material 21 filled in the concave groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 formed by the support body 15 and the gas tank 16, which are the support member 14. A gas flow pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas flow pipe 20, and is supplied from the gas tank 16 to the gas flow path 2a (see FIG. 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated by a reformer 102 (see FIG. 8) described later.

[0045] A hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be generated by steam reforming or the like of a raw fuel. When generating a fuel gas by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains steam.

[0046] The example shown in FIG. 2A includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1, two rows of cell stacks 11, two support bodies 15, and a gas tank 16. The two rows of cell stacks 11 are fixed to each support body 15. The gas tank 16 has two through holes on the upper surface. Each support body 15 is disposed in each through hole. The internal space 22 is formed by one gas tank 16 and two support bodies 15.

[0047] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, oval in top view. The insertion hole 15a has, for example, a length in the arrangement direction of the cells 1, that is, the thickness direction T, which is larger than the distance between the two end current collecting members 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. The width of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, larger than the length in the width direction W (see FIG. 1A) of the cell 1. Note that the shape of the insertion hole 15a may be a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the arrangement direction of the cells 1.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2B, at the joint between the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end portion of the cell 1, the joining material 13 is filled and solidified. As a result, the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end portions of the plurality of cells 1 are joined and fixed respectively, and the lower end portions of the cells 1 are joined and fixed to each other. The gas flow path 2a of each cell 1 communicates with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at the lower end portion.

[0049] As the joining material 13 and the fixing material 21, those with low conductivity such as glass can be used. As specific materials for the joining material 13 and the fixing material 21, amorphous glass or the like may be used, and particularly, crystallized glass or the like may be used.

[0050] As the crystallized glass, for example, any of materials such as SiO2-CaO-based, MgO-B2O3-based, La2O3-B2O3-MgO-based, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO-based, SiO2-CaO-ZnO-based may be used, and particularly, an SiO2-MgO-based material may be used.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 2B, between adjacent cells 1 among the plurality of cells 1, a conductive member 18 is interposed. The conductive member 18 electrically connects the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 and the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1 in series. More specifically, it connects an interconnector 4 electrically connected to the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 and the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1.

[0052] Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, an end current collecting member 17 is electrically connected to the outermost cell 1 in the array direction of the plurality of cells 1. The end current collecting member 17 is connected to a conductive portion 19 that protrudes outside the cell stack 11. The conductive portion 19 collects the electricity generated by the power generation of the cell 1 and draws it out to the outside. In FIG. 2A, the illustration of the end current collecting member 17 is omitted.

[0053] Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, in the cell stack device 10, two cell stacks 11A and 11B are connected in series and function as one battery. Therefore, the conductive portion 19 of the cell stack device 10 is distinguished into a positive electrode terminal 19A, a negative electrode terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0054] The positive electrode terminal 19A is the positive electrode when the cell stack 11 outputs the generated power to the outside, and is electrically connected to the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side in the cell stack 11A. The negative electrode terminal 19B is the negative electrode when the cell stack 11 outputs the generated power to the outside, and is electrically connected to the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side in the cell stack 11B.

[0055] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side in the cell stack 11A and the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side in the cell stack 11B.

[0056] <First Modified Example> FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. The element portion 3 shown in FIG. 3 is different from the element portion 3 shown in FIG. 1A in that the outer surface 3a having a concave shape has a greater length in the thickness direction T in the portions 35 and 36 located at both ends in the width direction W than in the portion 34 located at the center in the width direction W.

[0057] Thus, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave as viewed from the length direction L (see FIG. 1C for example) orthogonal to the width direction W, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a further increases, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. For this reason, the reactivity in the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1 is further improved.

[0058] <Second Modified Example> FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. The cell 1 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the cell 1 shown in FIG. 1C in that both ends of the support substrate 2 located at both ends in the length direction L are bent in the thickness direction T toward the element portion 3 side. In FIG. 4, the illustration of the interconnector 4 located on the surface n2 of the support substrate 2 is omitted.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. For this reason, the outer surface 3a can be made concave without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 over the entire length direction L. Further, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a increases, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, so that the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0060] <Third Modified Example> FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. The cell 1 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the cells 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 3 in that the side surfaces m of the support substrate 2 located at both ends in the width direction W are bent in the thickness direction T toward the element portion 3 side.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. Therefore, without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 over the entire length direction L, the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 as viewed from the length direction L (for example, see FIG. 1C) orthogonal to the width direction W can be made concave. Further, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a further increases, and it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, so that the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0062] <Fourth Modified Example> FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. The cell 1 shown in FIG. 6 is different from each of the above-described cells 1 in that the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the surface n1 of the support substrate 2 facing the element portion 3 has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3. Therefore, without adjusting the thickness of the element portion 3 over the entire length direction L, the outer surface 3a can be made concave. Further, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a increases, and it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8, so that the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0064] <Fifth Modified Example> FIG. 7A is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. The outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 of the cell 1 shown in FIG. 7A has a concave curved surface 37 that inclines concavely and a flat surface 38 that is located on the upstream side of the concave curved surface 37 with respect to the oxygen-containing gas.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7A, the concave curved surface 37 is positioned such that the thickness of the element portion 3 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the oxygen-containing gas. On the other hand, in the flat surface 38, the thickness of the element portion 3 is positioned to be uniform from the upstream side to the downstream side of the oxygen-containing gas.

[0066] Thus, since the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 has the concave curved surface 37 and the flat surface 38, the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 from the flat surface 38 toward the concave curved surface 37 side is less likely to be interfered with by the element portion 3 near the flat surface 38 and moves quickly. On the other hand, at the concave curved surface 37, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around and the outer surface 3a increases, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. For this reason, the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0067] Next, a configuration example of a cell stack having a plurality of cells 1 shown in FIG. 7A will be described. FIG. 7B is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a cell stack including the cell shown in FIG. 7A.

[0068] On the left side of FIG. 7B, a cell stack 11 is shown in which the length direction L (see FIG. 7A) of the cell 1 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells 1, and one end of the support substrate 2 is fixed with the bonding material 13. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7B, the plurality of cells 1 may be a cell stack 11a fixed obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction.

[0069] Thus, by fixing the plurality of cells 1 obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a (see FIG. 7A) increases, making it easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8 (see FIG. 7A). For this reason, the battery performance of the cell 1 is improved.

[0070] In addition, in FIG. 7B, the cell stacks 11 and 11a including the cell 1 shown in FIG. 7A are shown, but the cell stacks 11 and 11a to which the cell 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modification examples is applied may also be used. Further, the cell stacks 11 and 11a may have at least one cell 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modification examples among the arranged plurality of cells.

[0071] <Module> Next, the module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure using the above-described cell stack device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing the module according to the embodiment, and shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are part of the storage container 101, are removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside is taken out backward.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 stored in the storage container 101. Further, a reformer 102 is disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0073] Such a reformer 102 reforms a raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate a fuel gas and supplies it to the cell 1. The raw fuel is supplied to the reformer 102 through the raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may include a vaporization unit 102a that vaporizes water and a reforming unit 102b. The reforming unit 102b includes a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuel into a fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction.

[0074] Then, the fuel gas generated by the reformer 102 is supplied to the gas flow path 2a (see FIG. 1A) of the cell 1 through the gas flow pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0075] In addition, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation becomes about 500 to 1000°C due to the combustion of the gas and the power generation of the cell 1.

[0076] In such a module 100, as described above, by configuring it to house the cell stack device 10 that improves the battery performance, the module 100 that improves the battery performance can be obtained.

[0077] <Module housing device> FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a module housing device according to an embodiment. The module housing device 110 according to the embodiment includes an exterior case 111, the module 100 shown in FIG. 8, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the exterior case 111. Note that some components are omitted in FIG. 9.

[0078] The exterior case 111 of the module housing device 110 shown in FIG. 9 has a support column 112 and an exterior plate 113. A partition plate 114 divides the interior of the exterior case 111 vertically. The space above the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is a module housing chamber 115 for housing the module 100, and the space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 for housing the auxiliary equipment that operates the module 100. Note that in FIG. 9, the auxiliary equipment housed in the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 is omitted.

[0079] Further, the partition plate 114 has an air flow port 117 for flowing the air in the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 to the module housing chamber 115 side. The exterior plate 113 constituting the module housing chamber 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting the air in the module housing chamber 115.

[0080] In such a module housing device 110, as described above, by providing the module 100 for improving battery performance in the module housing chamber 115, a module housing device 110 for improving battery performance can be obtained.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] Next, a cell stack device and a cell according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell stack including the cell shown in FIG. 10A.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10A, the cell 1A according to the second embodiment includes a support substrate 2, a pair of element portions 3, and a sealing portion 9. The support substrate 2 has a columnar shape having a pair of opposing surfaces n1, n2, and a pair of arcuate side surfaces m connecting the surfaces n1, n2.

[0083] The pair of element portions 3 are positioned on the surfaces n1, n2 of the support substrate 2 so as to face each other. Further, the sealing portion 9 is positioned so as to cover the side surface m of the support substrate 2.

[0084] Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the cell stack device 10A, a plurality of support substrates 2 each supporting a plurality of element portions 3 extend in the length direction L from a pipe 22a through which fuel gas flows, and each element portion 3 and the corresponding support substrate 2 constitute a cell 1A. Inside the support substrate 2, a gas flow path 2a through which gas from the pipe 22a flows is provided. Each cell 1A is connected in series via a conductive member (not shown).

[0085] Also, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, each element portion 3 has a concave outer surface 3a located at the outermost air electrode 8. For this reason, it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas flowing from the lower end side to the upper end side of the support substrate 2 around each element portion 3 into the air electrode 8. As a result, the reactivity in the element portion 3 is improved, the battery performance of the cell 1A is improved, and thus the battery performance of the cell stack device 10A is improved.

[0086] <Modification example> FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell according to a modification of the second embodiment. The element portion 3 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the element portion 3 shown in FIG. 10A in that it has a pair of concave outer surfaces 3a having a greater length in the thickness direction T at both ends in the width direction W than at the central portion in the width direction W.

[0087] In this way, by making the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 concave as viewed from the length direction L orthogonal to the width direction W (see, for example, FIG. 10B), the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing around the element portion 3 and the outer surface 3a further increases, and it becomes easier to take in the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. For this reason, the reactivity in the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1 is further improved.

[0088] Note that, in the element portion 3 shown in FIGS. 10A and 11, the outer surface 3a is made concave by varying the thickness of the air electrode 8, but the thickness of one or more of the elements other than the air electrode 8, that is, the fuel electrode 5, the solid electrolyte layer 6, and the intermediate layer 7 may be varied. Further, by making the surfaces n1, n2 of the support substrate 2 concave, it may be configured to have a concave outer surface 3a corresponding to the surfaces n1, n2.

[0089] Further, in FIG. 10B, a cell stack device 10A in which a plurality of cells 1A each having a plurality of the element portions 3 shown in FIG. 10A are arranged is shown, but it is sufficient if at least one of the cells 1A according to the above-described embodiment and modification example is included among the plurality of arranged cells. Further, it is sufficient if at least one of the element portions 3 according to the above-described embodiment and modification example is included among the plurality of element portions each cell 1A has. Furthermore, instead of the element portion 3 according to the above-described embodiment and modification example, for example, the element portion 3 included in the cell 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and / or 7A may be applied.

[0090] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing a flat plate type cell according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z shown in FIG. 12B.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the cell 1C has an element portion 3 in which a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8 are laminated. In a cell stack device in which a plurality of flat cells are laminated, for example, a plurality of cells 1C are electrically connected by conductive members 91 and 92 which are metal layers adjacent to each other. The conductive members 91 and 92 electrically connect adjacent cells 1C to each other and have gas flow paths for supplying gas to the fuel electrode 5 or the air electrode 8.

[0092] In this modification, the conductive member 92 has a plurality of gas flow paths 93 for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the air electrode 8. The plurality of gas flow paths 93 each extend along a first direction D1, and each gas flow path 93 is positioned at a predetermined interval in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

[0093] The conductive member 92 is joined to the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 (air electrode 8) via a joining material 94. In this way, since the outer surface 3a of the element portion 3 faces the gas flow path 93, the contact area between the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the gas flow path 93 and the outer surface 3a increases, and it becomes easier to take the oxygen-containing gas into the air electrode 8. For this reason, the reactivity in the element portion 3 is further improved, and the battery performance of the cell 1C is improved.

[0094] <Other Modifications> Next, a cell stack device according to another modification of the embodiment will be described.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the case where a hollow flat support substrate is used is exemplified, but it can also be applied to a cell stack device using a cylindrical support substrate.

[0096] Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which a fuel electrode is provided on the support substrate and an air electrode is disposed on the surface of the cell is shown, but it can also be applied to a cell stack device in which the reverse arrangement, that is, an air electrode is provided on the support substrate and a fuel electrode is disposed on the surface of the cell.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, fuel cell, fuel cell stack device, fuel cell module, and fuel cell device are shown as examples of "cell", "cell stack device", "module", and "module housing device", respectively. However, as other examples, electrolytic cell, electrolytic cell stack device, electrolytic module, and electrolytic device may be used, respectively.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0099] As described above, the cell 1 according to the embodiment includes the element part 3. The element part 3 has a first electrode (fuel electrode 5) and a second electrode (air electrode 8). The element part 3 has a concave outer surface 3a on the surface located on the side opposite to the first electrode of the second electrode. Thereby, the battery performance can be improved.

[0100] Further, the module 100 according to the embodiment includes the cell stack device 10 described above and a storage container 101 that stores the cell stack device 10. Thereby, the module 100 that improves the battery performance can be obtained.

[0101] Further, the module housing device 110 according to the embodiment includes the module 100 described above, auxiliary equipment for operating the module 100, and an exterior case 111 that houses the module 100 and the auxiliary equipment. Thereby, the module housing device 110 that improves the battery performance can be obtained.

[0102] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments can be embodied in various forms. Further, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or changed in various forms without departing from the scope and gist of the appended claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1 Cell 10 Cell Stack Device 11 Cell Stack 12 Fixing Member 13 Bonding Material 14 Supporting Member 15 Support 16 Gas Tank 17 End Collector Member 18 Conductive Member 100 Module 110 Module Housing Device

Claims

1. An element unit having a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the element unit has a concave outer surface on a surface of the second electrode located on the side opposite to the first electrode. Cell.

2. The outer surface has a first portion and a second portion that is located closer to at least a part of the outer periphery of the second electrode than the first portion in a plan view of the second electrode, and the thickness of the element unit is larger than that of the first portion. The cell according to claim 1.

3. The second electrode has a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery that face each other in a plan view, and the outer surface has a concave curved surface that slopes in a concave shape and a flat surface that is located closer to the second outer periphery than the concave curved surface. The cell according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first gas flow path through which a first reaction gas flows, and further comprising a support substrate that supports the first electrode side of the element unit, wherein a first surface of the support substrate facing the element unit has a concave curved surface corresponding to the outer surface. The cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A cell stack having a plurality of cells arranged, wherein at least one of the plurality of cells is the cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Cell stack device.

6. A cell stack having a plurality of cells arranged and a second gas flow path through which a second reaction gas flows between the plurality of cells, wherein at least one of the plurality of cells is the cell according to claim 2, and the second portion is located on the downstream side of the second gas flow path with respect to the first portion. Cell stack device.

7. The outer surface has a third portion that is located on the upstream side of the second gas flow path with respect to the first portion, and the thickness of the element unit is larger than that of the first portion. The cell stack device according to claim 6.

8. The second reaction gas is an oxygen-containing gas. The cell stack device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The plurality of cells are fixed obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction of the cells. The cell stack device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The cell stack device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, and a storage container for storing the cell stack device. Module comprising.

11. The module according to claim 10, auxiliary equipment for operating the module, and an outer case for housing the module and the auxiliary equipment. Module housing device comprising.

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