Conductive member, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

Abstract

To provide a conductive member, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that make it easy to ensure cell performance.SOLUTION: A conductive member includes a first portion and a second portion extending in a first direction and a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes a first strip extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a first intermediate portion located between the first strip and the connecting portion. The second portion includes a second strip extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first strip in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and a second intermediate portion located between the second strip and the connecting portion. The second intermediate portion is more flexible than the first intermediate portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrically conductive member, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell stack devices having multiple fuel cell units have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell unit is a type of electrochemical cell that can generate 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-135195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional fuel cell stack devices, there is room for improvement in the structure of the conductive members connecting adjacent fuel cell units in order to ensure high power generation performance.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a conductive member, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that can easily ensure cell performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the conductive member includes a first portion and a second portion aligned in a first direction, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a first band side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first intermediate portion located between the first band side and the connecting portion. The second portion has a second band side extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first band side in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and a second intermediate portion located between the second band side and the connecting portion. The second intermediate portion is more flexible than the first intermediate portion.

[0007] The electrochemical cell device of the present disclosure includes the conductive member described above, a first cell facing the first strip side, and a second cell facing the second strip side.

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

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

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide a conductive member, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that can easily ensure cell performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of an example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the interconnector side. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a top view showing an example of the electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the conductive member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of the conductive member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive member that connects the electrochemical cells according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the conductive member that connects the electrochemical cells according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an external perspective view illustrating an example of the module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive member that connects electrochemical cells according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the conductive member, electrochemical cell 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 disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

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

[0015] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the interconnector side. Note that FIGS. 1A to 1C show enlarged views of parts of each component of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may also be simply referred to as a cell.

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

[0017] 1A, the cell 1 includes a conductive support substrate 2, an element section 3, and an interconnector 4. The support substrate 2 is columnar, having a pair of opposing first and second surfaces n1 and n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting the first and second surfaces n1 and n2.

[0018] The element section 3 is located on a first surface n1 of the support substrate 2. The element section 3 has an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an cathode 8. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, an interconnector 4 is located on a second surface n2 of the cell 1. The cell 1 may also include an intermediate layer 7 between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the cathode 8.

[0019] 1B, the air electrode 8 does not extend to the lower end of the cell 1. At the lower end of the cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of the first face n1. As shown in FIG. 1C, 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, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of a pair of arc-shaped side faces m of the cell 1. The interconnector 4 does not have to extend to the lower end of the cell 1.

[0020] Each of the components that make up the cell 1 will be described below.

[0021] The support substrate 2 has gas flow channels 2a therein through which gas flows. The example of the support substrate 2 shown in FIG. 1A has six gas flow channels 2a. The support substrate 2 is gas permeable, and allows the gas flowing in the gas flow channels 2a to pass through to the anode 5. The support substrate 2 may be conductive. The conductive support substrate 2 collects electricity generated in the element section 3 to the interconnector 4.

[0022] The material of the support substrate 2 includes, for example, an iron group metal component and an inorganic oxide. The iron group metal component may be, for example, Ni (nickel) and / or NiO. The inorganic oxide may be, for example, a specific rare earth element oxide. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb.

[0023] The anode 5 may be made of a generally known material. The anode 5 may be made of a porous conductive ceramic containing an electronically conductive material and an ionically conductive material. Examples of the conductive ceramic include ceramics containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 solid-solubilized with a rare earth element oxide, and Ni and / or NiO. The rare earth element oxide may contain a plurality of rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 solid-solubilized with a rare earth element oxide is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. Stabilized zirconia may also include partially stabilized zirconia.

[0024] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and transfers ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties and makes it difficult for leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0025] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO2 with 3 mol % to 15 mol % of a rare earth element oxide dissolved therein. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may include, for example, ZrO2 with Yb, Sc, or Gd dissolved therein, CeO2 with La, Nd, or Yb dissolved therein, BaZrO3 with Sc or Yb dissolved therein, or BaCeO3 with Sc or Yb dissolved therein.

[0026] The air electrode 8 is gas permeable. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, in the range of 20% to 50%, and particularly 30% to 50%. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may also be referred to as the void ratio of the air electrode 8.

[0027] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the air electrode 8 as long as it is one that 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.

[0028] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. 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. Note that x is 0 <x<1、yは0<y<1である。

[0029] Furthermore, when the element section 3 has an intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 functions as a diffusion suppression layer. When Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, a resistive layer of SrZrO3 is formed in the solid electrolyte layer 6. The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for Sr to diffuse, thereby making it difficult for SrZrO3 to be formed.

[0030] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it generally prevents diffusion of elements between the air electrode 8 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. The material of the intermediate layer 7 may contain, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which a rare earth element other than Ce (cerium) is dissolved. Examples of such rare earth elements that may be used include Gd (gadolinium) and Sm (samarium).

[0031] Furthermore, the interconnector 4 is dense and makes it difficult for leakage of the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow channel 2a located inside the support substrate 2 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2 to occur. The interconnector 4 may have a relative density of 93% or more, particularly 95% or more.

[0032] Lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxides (LaCrO3-based oxides), lanthanum strontium titanium-based perovskite oxides (LaSrTiO3-based oxides), etc. may be used as the material for the interconnector 4. These materials are conductive and are resistant to reduction and oxidation even when in contact with fuel gases such as hydrogen-containing gases and oxygen-containing gases such as air.

[0033] <Configuration of electrochemical cell device> Next, a cell stack device 10 according to this embodiment using the above-described cell 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2C. Fig. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 2C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in a thickness direction T of the cells 1 (see FIG. 1A), and a fixing member 12.

[0035] The fixing member 12 has a fixing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The fixing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also has a support 15 and a gas tank 16. The support 15 and gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, are made of metal and are electrically conductive.

[0036] 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 with a fixing material 13.

[0037] The gas tank 16 has an opening for supplying a reaction gas to the cells 1 through the insertion holes 15a, and a recessed groove 16a located around the opening. The outer peripheral edge of the support 15 is joined to the gas tank 16 by a bonding material 21 filled in the recessed groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 (see FIG. 2B) formed by a support 15, which is the support member 14, and a gas tank 16. A gas circulation pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas circulation pipe 20, and is supplied from the gas tank 16 to a gas flow path 2a (see FIG. 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated in a reformer 102 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later.

[0039] The hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming the raw fuel, etc. When the fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0040] The example shown in FIG. 2A includes two rows of cell stacks 11, two supports 15, and a gas tank 16. Each of the two rows of cell stacks 11 has a plurality of cells 1. Each cell stack 11 is fixed to a corresponding support 15. The gas tank 16 has two through-holes on its top surface. A support 15 is disposed in each through-hole. An internal space 22 is formed by one gas tank 16 and two supports 15. The cell stack device 10 may include only one cell stack 11, or may include three or more cell stacks 11.

[0041] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, an oval shape when viewed from above. For example, the length of the insertion hole 15a in the arrangement direction of the cells 1, i.e., the thickness direction T, is greater than the distance between the two end current collecting members 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. For example, the width of the insertion hole 15a is greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction W (see FIG. 1A).

[0042] 2B, a fixing material 13 is filled and solidified in the joints between the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a and the lower ends of the cells 1. This bonds and fixes the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a to the lower ends of the multiple cells 1, respectively, and also bonds and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The gas flow path 2a of each cell 1 communicates with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at its lower end.

[0043] A material with low conductivity, such as glass, can be used for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21. Specific materials for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass.

[0044] As the crystallized glass, for example, any of materials such as SiO2-CaO, MgO-B2O3, La2O3-B2O3-MgO, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO, and SiO2-CaO-ZnO may be used, and in particular, SiO2-MgO materials may be used.

[0045] 2B, a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the plurality of cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects the anode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 to the cathode 8 of the other cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive member 18 connects the interconnector 4 electrically connected to the anode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 to the cathode 8 of the other cell 1. Details of the conductive member 18 connecting adjacent cells 1 will be described later.

[0046] 2B, an end current collecting member 17 is electrically connected to the cell 1 located at the outermost position in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collecting member 17 is connected to a conductive part 19 that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive part 19 collects electricity generated by power generation in the cells 1 and extracts it to the outside. Note that the end current collecting member 17 is not shown in FIG. 2A.

[0047] 2C, the cell stack device 10 has two cell stacks 11A and 11B connected in series to function as a single battery. Therefore, the conductive part 19 of the cell stack device 10 is divided into a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0048] The positive electrode terminal 19A is a positive electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode side end current collecting member 17 of the cell stack 11A. The negative electrode terminal 19B is a negative electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the negative electrode side end current collecting member 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0049] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11A and the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0050] <Conductive materials> Next, the conductive member according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the conductive member according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the conductive member according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the conductive member for connecting electrochemical cells according to the first embodiment.

[0051] For ease of understanding, Figures 3 to 5 show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z axis, with the vertical upward direction as the positive direction and the vertical downward direction as the negative direction. This Cartesian coordinate system may also be shown in other drawings used in the following description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the conductive members shown in Figures 3 to 5, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conductive member 18 includes a first portion 181 and a second portion 182 aligned in the Z-axis direction, and a connecting portion 183.

[0053] The first portion 181 has a first strip 181a and a first intermediate portion 181b. The first strip 181a extends in the X-axis direction, which intersects with the Z-axis direction. In other words, the first strip 181a extends in a second direction, which intersects with the first direction. The first intermediate portion 181b is located between the first strip 181a and the connecting portion 183.

[0054] The second portion 182 has a second strip 182a and a second intermediate portion 182b. The second strip 182a extends in the X-axis direction, which intersects with the Z-axis direction. In other words, the second strip 182a extends in a second direction, which intersects with the first direction. The second strip 182a is spaced apart from the first intermediate portion 181b in the Y-axis direction, which intersects with the Z-axis and X-axis directions. In other words, the second strip 182a is spaced apart from the first intermediate portion 181b in a third direction, which intersects with the first and second directions. The second intermediate portion 182b is located between the second strip 182a and the connecting portion 183.

[0055] The connection portion 183 extends along the Z-axis direction. In other words, the connection portion 183 extends along the first direction. The connection portion 183 may have a first connection portion 183a and a second connection portion 183b. The first connection portion 183a is located at the end of the conductive member 18 on the negative side in the X-axis direction. The second connection portion 183b is located at the end of the conductive member 18 on the positive side in the X-axis direction. In other words, the connection portion 183 may include the first connection portion 183a located at a first end in the first direction and the second connection portion 183b located at a second end opposite the first end. The connection portion 183 may include, for example, only the first connection portion 183a and not have the second connection portion 183b at the end of the conductive member 18 on the positive side in the X-axis direction.

[0056] When connecting portion 183 has first connecting portion 183a and second connecting portion 183b, first intermediate portion 181b may be located between first strip 181a and first connecting portion 183a, and between first strip 181a and second connecting portion 183b. Also, second intermediate portion 182b may be located between second strip 182a and first connecting portion 183a, and between second strip 182a and second connecting portion 183b.

[0057] Conductive member 18 has first surface 18a and second surface 18b. First surface 18a is the surface of first strip 181a. Second surface 18b is the surface of second strip 182a. Conductive member 18 may also have connecting portions 18c that connect adjacent first strips 181a and / or adjacent second strips 182a.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the cell stack device 10 has cells 1A and 1B adjacent to each other in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell 1. A conductive member 18 is located between the cells 1A and 1B. A first surface 18a of the conductive member 18 is electrically connected to the cell 1A. A second surface 18b of the conductive member 18 is electrically connected to the cell 1B. As a result, the cells 1A and 1B are electrically connected via the conductive member 18. The shape of the conductive member 18 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to a cross section of the conductive member 18 shown in FIG. 4 taken along line AA.

[0059] The second intermediate portion 182b is more flexible than the first intermediate portion 181b. Therefore, the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18 functions as a leaf spring in which the second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the first portion 181 and / or the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18, for example, in a direction that presses the first surface 18a and / or the second surface 18b, the second intermediate portion 182b of the conductive member 18 elastically deforms so that the distance between the first surface 18a and the second surface 18b decreases, and the relative position of the second strip 182a with respect to the first strip 181a moves. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 across the conductive member 18 due to, for example, an assembly error, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easier to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure the desired cell performance of the cell 1. The number of first portions 181 and second portions 182 that the conductive member 18 has can be changed depending on the shape and size of the cell 1 that faces the conductive member 18. The number of first portions 181 and second portions 182 that the conductive member 18 has may be the same or different.

[0060] The second intermediate portion 182b may have a folded portion 182c. This allows the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18 to function as a leaf spring in which the second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the first portion 181 and / or the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18, for example, in a direction that presses the first surface 18a and / or the second surface 18b, the second intermediate portion 182b of the conductive member 18 is likely to elastically deform so that the distance between the first surface 18a and the second surface 18b decreases, and the relative position of the second strip 182a with respect to the first strip 181a tends to move. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 across the conductive member 18, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easier to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, with the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment, it becomes easy to ensure that the cells 1 have the desired cell performance.

[0061] Furthermore, the distance between the connecting portion 183 and the second strip 182a may be smaller than the distance between the connecting portion 183 and the first strip 181a. This makes it easier to widen the gap between the first strip 181a and the second strip 182a, thereby increasing the flow rate of gas, such as oxygen-containing gas, flowing between adjacent cells 1, and making it easier to take the oxygen-containing gas into the cells 1. This makes it easier to ensure the desired cell performance of the cells 1.

[0062] Furthermore, the second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion with a thickness smaller than the minimum thickness of the first intermediate portion 181b. This allows the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18 to function as a leaf spring in which the second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the first portion 181 and / or the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18, for example, in a direction that presses the first surface 18a and / or the second surface 18b, the second intermediate portion 182b of the conductive member 18 is likely to elastically deform so that the distance between the first surface 18a and the second surface 18b decreases, thereby making it easier for the relative position of the second strip 182a to move with respect to the first strip 181a. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 across the conductive member 18, the conductive member 18 can buffer this variation, making it easier to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure the desired cell performance of the cell 1. The second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion whose thickness is smaller than the minimum thickness of the second strip 182a.

[0063] Furthermore, second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion whose length along the Z-axis direction is shorter than the minimum length along the Z-axis direction (the first direction) of first intermediate portion 181b. This makes second portion 182 of conductive member 18 more likely to function as a leaf spring in which second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to first portion 181 and / or second portion 182 of conductive member 18 in a direction that presses first surface 18a and / or second surface 18b, second intermediate portion 182b of conductive member 18 is more likely to elastically deform so that the distance between first surface 18a and second surface 18b decreases, and therefore the relative position of second strip 182a with respect to first strip 181a is more likely to move. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 sandwiching the conductive member 18, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easy to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure the desired cell performance of the cells 1. Note that the second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion whose length along the Z-axis direction is shorter than the minimum length along the Z-axis direction of the second strip 182a.

[0064] Furthermore, the second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion with a cross-sectional area smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first intermediate portion 181b. This allows the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18 to function more easily as a leaf spring, in which the second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the first portion 181 and / or the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18, for example, in a direction that presses the first surface 18a and / or the second surface 18b, the second intermediate portion 182b of the conductive member 18 is more likely to elastically deform so that the distance between the first surface 18a and the second surface 18b decreases, and the relative position of the second strip 182a with respect to the first strip 181a is more likely to move. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 across the conductive member 18, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easier to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure the desired cell performance of the cell 1. The second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion with a cross-sectional area smaller than the smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the second strip 182a.

[0065] Furthermore, the material of the second intermediate portion 182b may have a smaller Young's modulus than the material of the first intermediate portion 181b. This allows the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18 to function as a leaf spring, where the second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the first portion 181 and / or the second portion 182 of the conductive member 18, for example, in a direction that presses the first surface 18a and / or the second surface 18b, the second intermediate portion 182b of the conductive member 18 is likely to elastically deform so that the distance between the first surface 18a and the second surface 18b decreases, which makes it easier for the relative position of the second strip 182a to move with respect to the first strip 181a. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 across the conductive member 18, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easier to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, with the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment, it becomes easy to ensure that the cells 1 have the desired cell performance.

[0066] Here, the material of the conductive member 18 may be, for example, stainless steel. The conductive member 18 may have, for example, a base material containing Cr and a coating of a conductive oxide covering the base material. For example, the first intermediate portion 181b and the second intermediate portion 182b may be made of different materials by using different coating materials.

[0067] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a conductive member connecting electrochemical cells according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, at least a portion of the second intermediate portion 182b may have a portion located outside the connection portion 183 when viewed from the first surface 18a of the first portion 181. Configuring the second portion 182 in this manner increases the contact area between the second surface 18b and the cell 1B, thereby improving the power generation performance of the cell stack device 10. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the first portion 181 and the second portion 182 are aligned in the Z-axis direction and the first strip 181a and the second strip 182a extend in the X-axis direction, the first portion 181 and the second portion 182 may also be aligned in the X-axis direction and the first strip 181a and the second strip 182a may extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0068] <module> Next, a module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the above-described cell stack device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are part of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside has been pulled out to the rear.

[0069] 7, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed in the storage container 101. A reformer 102 is disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0070] The reformer 102 reforms raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate fuel gas, which is then supplied to the cell 1. The raw fuel is supplied to the reformer 102 through a raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may also include a vaporizer 102a that vaporizes water, and a reformer 102b. The reformer 102b includes a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuel into fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, a highly efficient reforming reaction.

[0071] The fuel gas produced in the reformer 102 is supplied to the gas flow channel 2a of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1A) through the gas distribution pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0072] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation becomes approximately 500°C to 1000°C due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of the cells 1.

[0073] In such a module 100, as described above, the module 100 is configured to house a cell stack device 10 that makes it easy to ensure cell performance, thereby making it possible to make the module 100 easy to ensure cell performance.

[0074] <Module storage device> Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. The module housing device 110 according to this embodiment includes an outer case 111, the module 100 shown in Fig. 7, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the outer case 111. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 8.

[0075] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Fig. 8 has support columns 112 and an exterior plate 113. A partition plate 114 divides the interior of the exterior case 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is a module accommodating chamber 115 that accommodates the module 100, and the space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an accessory accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates accessories that operate the module 100. Note that in Fig. 8, the accessories accommodated in the accessory accommodating chamber 116 are omitted from the illustration.

[0076] The partition plate 114 also has an air flow port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 to flow toward the module housing chamber 115. The exterior plate 113 that constitutes the module housing chamber 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting air from within the module housing chamber 115.

[0077] In such a module accommodating device 110, as described above, the module 100 that makes it easy to ensure cell performance is provided in the module accommodating chamber 115, thereby making it possible to make the module accommodating device 110 that makes it easy to ensure cell performance.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a case where a hollow flat plate-type support substrate is used is exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to a cell stack device that uses a cylindrical support substrate.

[0079] [Second embodiment] Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the cell 1 includes an element section 3 including a stack of an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, an intermediate layer 7, and a cathode 8, and a support substrate 2. The support substrate 2 has through-holes or pores in a portion in contact with the element section 3, and also includes a member 120 located outside the gas flow path 2a. The support substrate 2 allows gas to flow between the gas flow path 2a and the element section 3. The support substrate 2 may be composed of, for example, one or more metal plates. The material of the metal plate may contain chromium. The metal plate may have a conductive coating layer. The support substrate 2 electrically connects adjacent cells 1. The element section 3 may be formed directly on the support substrate 2, or may be bonded to the support substrate 2 with a bonding material.

[0081] In the example shown in Fig. 9A, the side surface of the anode 5 is covered with a solid electrolyte layer 6, which airtightly seals a gas flow channel 2a through which the fuel gas flows. As shown in Fig. 9B, the side surface of the anode 5 may be covered and sealed with a sealant 9 made of dense glass or ceramic. The sealant 9 covering the side surface of the anode 5 may have electrical insulating properties.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive member that connects electrochemical cells according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, a cell stack device 10 has a cell 1A and a cell 1B that are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell 1. A conductive member 18 is located between the cell 1A and the cell 1B. A first surface 18a of the conductive member 18 is electrically connected to the cell 1A. A second surface 18b of the conductive member 18 is electrically connected to the cell 1B. As a result, the cell 1A and the cell 1B are electrically connected via the conductive member 18. The shape of the conductive member 18 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to a cross-section of the conductive member 18 shown in FIG. 4 taken along line AA.

[0083] Second intermediate portion 182b (see FIG. 3) of second portion 182 is more flexible than first intermediate portion 181b (see FIG. 3) of first portion 181. Therefore, second portion 182 of conductive member 18 functions as a leaf spring in which second intermediate portion 182b deforms in response to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to first portion 181 and / or second portion 182 of conductive member 18 in a direction that presses first surface 18a and / or second surface 18b, second intermediate portion 182b of conductive member 18 elastically deforms so that the distance between first surface 18a and second surface 18b decreases, and the relative position of second strip 182a (see FIG. 3) with respect to first strip 181a (see FIG. 3) moves. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between adjacent cells 1 sandwiching the conductive member 18 due to, for example, an assembly error, the conductive member 18 buffers this variation, making it easy to ensure appropriate electrical connection between the cells 1. Therefore, the cell stack device 10 including the conductive member 18 according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure the desired cell performance of the cells 1.

[0084] [Other embodiments] Next, electrochemical cell devices according to other embodiments will be described.

[0085] In the above-described embodiments, a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device are shown as examples of an "electrochemical cell," "electrochemical cell device," "module," and "module housing device." However, other examples may be an electrolytic cell, an electrolytic cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device, respectively. The electrolytic cell has a first electrode and a second electrode, and decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen, or decomposes carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen, when supplied with electric power. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an oxide ion conductor or a hydrogen ion conductor is shown as an example of the electrolyte material of the electrochemical cell, but a hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. Such an electrolytic cell, an electrolytic cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device make it easy to ensure desired electrolysis performance.

[0086] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0087] In one embodiment, (1) the conductive member has a first portion and a second portion aligned in a first direction, a connection portion that connects the first portion and the second portion; Equipped with the first portion has a first strip extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first intermediate portion located between the first strip and the connection portion; the second portion includes a second strip extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first strip in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and a second intermediate portion located between the second strip and the connecting portion; The second intermediate section is more flexible than the first intermediate section.

[0088] (2) In the conductive member of (1) above, the second intermediate portion may have a folded portion.

[0089] (3) In the conductive member of (1) or (2) above, the distance between the connection portion and the second strip may be smaller than the distance between the connection portion and the first strip.

[0090] (4) In the conductive member according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the second intermediate portion may have a portion whose thickness is smaller than the minimum thickness of the first intermediate portion.

[0091] (5) In any one of the conductive members (1) to (3) above, the second intermediate portion may have a portion whose length along the first direction is shorter than the minimum length along the first direction of the first intermediate portion.

[0092] (6) In the conductive member according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the second intermediate portion may have a portion with a cross-sectional area smaller than the smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the first intermediate portion.

[0093] (7) In the conductive member of any one of (1) to (6) above, the material of the second intermediate portion may have a smaller Young's modulus than the material of the first intermediate portion.

[0094] (8) In any one of the conductive members (1) to (7) above, the connection portion may include a first connection portion located at a first end in the first direction and a second connection portion located at a second end opposite the first end.

[0095] In one embodiment, (9) an electrochemical cell device includes: any one of the conductive members (1) to (8) above; a first cell facing the first strip; and a second cell facing the second strip.

[0096] In one embodiment, the module (10) comprises the electrochemical cell device (9) described above, and a container for housing the electrochemical cell device.

[0097] In one embodiment, the module storage device (11) includes the module (10) and Auxiliary equipment for operating the module; and an exterior case that houses the module and the auxiliary equipment.

[0098] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 cell 2 Support substrate 3. Element section 4 Interconnector 5 Fuel electrode 6 Solid electrolyte layer 7. Middle class 8 Air electrode 10 Cell stack device 11 Cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Fixing material 14 Support member 15 Support 16 Gas Tank 17 End current collecting member 18 Conductive material 18a 1st page 18b Side 2 100 modules 110 Module storage device 181 Part 1 181a 1st strip 181b 1st intermediate part 182 Part 2 182a 2nd strip 182b 2nd intermediate part 182c Folded section 183 Connection 183a First connection part 183b Second connection part

Claims

1. a first portion and a second portion aligned in a first direction; a connection portion that connects the first portion and the second portion; Equipped with the first portion has a first strip extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first intermediate portion located between the first strip and the connection portion; the second portion includes a second strip extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first strip in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a second intermediate portion located between the second strip and the connecting portion; The second intermediate section is more flexible than the first intermediate section. Conductive material.

2. The second intermediate portion has a folded portion. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

3. The distance between the connecting portion and the second strip is smaller than the distance between the connecting portion and the first strip. The conductive member according to claim 2 .

4. The second intermediate portion has a portion whose thickness is smaller than the minimum thickness of the first intermediate portion. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

5. The second intermediate portion has a portion whose length along the first direction is shorter than the minimum length along the first direction of the first intermediate portion. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

6. The second intermediate portion has a portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first intermediate portion. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

7. The material of the second intermediate portion has a smaller Young's modulus than the material of the first intermediate portion. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

8. The connection portion includes a first connection portion located at a first end in the first direction and a second connection portion located at a second end opposite to the first end. The conductive member according to claim 1 .

9. The conductive member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a first cell facing the first strip; a second cell facing the second strip; An electrochemical cell device comprising:

10. The electrochemical cell device according to claim 9 ; a container for housing the electrochemical cell device; A module comprising:

11. A module according to claim 10; Auxiliary equipment for operating the module; an exterior case that houses the module and the auxiliary equipment; A module housing device comprising:

Images