Hydrogen and oxygen generation apparatus

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen and oxygen generation apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in electrolysis efficiency and damage to apparatus members even when the capacity is increased.SOLUTION: A hydrogen and oxygen generation apparatus 1 comprises a pair of electrode plates 10, a solid electrolyte membrane 20 disposed between the pair of electrode plates 10, and a pair of current collectors 12 disposed on one surface side and the other surface side of the solid electrolyte membrane 20 so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane 20, wherein each of the pair of electrode plates 10 is provided, on opposing surfaces thereof, with a plurality of protrusions 121, the plurality of protrusions 121 provided on one electrode plate 10 and the plurality of protrusions 121 provided on the other electrode plate 10 are arranged in a staggered manner in a width direction of the electrode plates 10, and each of the pair of current collectors 12 is in contact with the plurality of protrusions 121 of the opposing electrode plates 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen / oxygen generating device that generates hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by electrolyzing water. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional hydrogen and oxygen generation device that generates hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water is described in Patent Document 1. This device is configured by stacking multiple electrolytic cells, each of which includes a pair of electrode plates, a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the pair of electrode plates, an anode-side power supply disposed between one of the electrode plates and the solid electrolyte membrane, and a cathode-side power supply disposed between the other electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane, in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plate surfaces. The electrode plates are bipolar, and when multiple electrolytic cells are stacked and a voltage is applied across the stack, one side functions as an anode and the other side functions as a cathode. The electrode plates also include a water supply port for supplying water to be electrolyzed, an oxygen output port for extracting oxygen generated by the electrolysis of water together with excess water, and a hydrogen output port for extracting hydrogen generated by the electrolysis of water. In the hydrogen / oxygen generation device described in Patent Document 1, two water supply ports are arranged at each corner on one end of an electrode plate, and an oxygen extraction port and a hydrogen extraction port are arranged at each corner on the other end of the electrode plate. The water supply port and the oxygen extraction port are configured to communicate with the oxygen generation chamber of the electrolysis cell, and the hydrogen extraction port is configured to communicate with the hydrogen generation chamber of the electrolysis cell.

[0003] With this configuration, in the hydrogen / oxygen generator described in Patent Document 1, water is supplied to the oxygen generation chamber of the electrolysis cell from two water supply ports formed on one end of the electrode plate, and oxygen generated by electrolysis of water in the oxygen generation chamber and excess water are extracted through one oxygen extraction port formed on the other end of the electrode plate. Furthermore, hydrogen ions generated by electrolysis migrate through the solid electrolyte membrane to the hydrogen generation chamber, where they become hydrogen, which is extracted through one hydrogen extraction port formed on the other end of the electrode plate.

[0004] However, the hydrogen / oxygen generation device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the supplied water does not easily diffuse throughout the entire electrolysis cell, and the electrolysis efficiency tends to decrease as the area of ​​the electrolysis cell increases.

[0005] Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 discloses a hydrogen / oxygen generation device including spacers arranged to sandwich the electrode plates in the end regions of the electrolysis cell. Specifically, in the hydrogen / oxygen generation device disclosed in Patent Document 2, a pair of spacers is arranged at each end of the oxygen generation chamber and at each end of the hydrogen generation chamber. In other words, four spacers are provided for one electrolysis cell, and the spacers are arranged at both ends of the electrode plates to sandwich the electrode plates. Each spacer has a through-hole corresponding to a water supply port, an oxygen extraction port, and a hydrogen extraction port, depending on its location. The spacer arranged in the oxygen generation chamber has a flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the oxygen generation chamber with two through-holes corresponding to two water supply ports, and a flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the oxygen generation chamber with one through-hole corresponding to one oxygen extraction port. The spacer arranged in the hydrogen generation chamber also has a flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the hydrogen generation chamber with one through-hole corresponding to one hydrogen extraction port.

[0006] In this way, in the hydrogen / oxygen generation device disclosed in Patent Document 2, spacers are placed at both ends of the oxygen generation chamber and at both ends of the hydrogen generation chamber, which smooths the flow of fluid between each port and the oxygen generation chamber or the hydrogen generation chamber, allowing the electrolysis reaction to occur efficiently over a relatively wide area of ​​the electrolysis cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-292946 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In recent years, as efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen-based society have accelerated, there is a demand for hydrogen and oxygen generators with a large hydrogen and oxygen generation capacity, i.e., large-capacity devices. Increasing the capacity of a hydrogen and oxygen generator requires increasing the area of ​​the electrolytic cell or the number of stacked electrolytic cells. However, increasing the area of ​​the electrolytic cell can cause uneven clamping pressure on the electrolysis area, which can reduce electrolysis efficiency and damage the solid polymer membrane or power supply.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen / oxygen generating device that prevents a decrease in electrolysis efficiency and damage to device components even when the device is increased in capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrogen / oxygen generating device comprises: A pair of electrode plates; a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the pair of electrode plates; a pair of power feeders arranged on one side and the other side of the solid electrolyte membrane so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane; a plurality of protrusions are provided on opposing surfaces of the pair of electrode plates, and the plurality of protrusions provided on one electrode plate and the plurality of protrusions provided on the other electrode plate are arranged so as to be alternately staggered in a cross section of the electrode plates in the width direction; Each of the pair of power feeders is in contact with a plurality of ridges on the opposing electrode plates.

[0011] With this configuration, when a pair of power supply bodies and a solid electrolyte membrane placed between them are placed between two electrode plates and pressurized, the contact areas between the electrode plates and the power supply bodies alternate between one side and the other side, dispersing stress and thereby preventing damage to the power supply bodies and the solid electrolyte membrane.

[0012] In one embodiment of the hydrogen / oxygen generation device, the multiple convex strips are formed so as to have an angle of 45° or less with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate, and concave strips are formed between the convex strips, and the concave strips may form a water flow path.

[0013] With this configuration, the supplied water can easily flow in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate through the multiple grooves, allowing the water to be efficiently supplied to the electrolysis cell, and thereby allowing oxygen and hydrogen to be efficiently produced.

[0014] In the hydrogen / oxygen generating device of this embodiment, a plurality of convex stripes and a plurality of concave stripes may be formed alternately and continuously across the entire width of the electrode plate.

[0015] According to this configuration, water can be supplied to the entire width of the electrode plate, and the entire electrode plate can be utilized without waste, thereby generating highly pure and highly efficient hydrogen and oxygen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrode plate for a highly efficient hydrogen / oxygen generation device that can suppress a decrease in electrolysis efficiency and an increase in size even when the capacity is increased, and a highly efficient hydrogen / oxygen generation device using the electrode plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrolysis cell constituting an embodiment of a hydrogen / oxygen generation device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an exploded schematic view of a hydrogen / oxygen generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an electrode plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a widthwise cross section of the electrolysis region of a partially extracted stacked electrolysis cell in a hydrogen / oxygen generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross section in the width direction across the first opening and the second opening of the electrode plate, in which a part of the stacked electrolysis cells is extracted from the hydrogen / oxygen generation device of one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view showing a part of a longitudinal cross section of a stacked electrolytic cell in a hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus according to one embodiment, the cross section crossing the first opening of the electrode plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing a part of a longitudinal cross section of a stacked electrolytic cell in a hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus according to one embodiment, the cross section crossing the second opening of the electrode plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water and generated oxygen in the oxygen generating chamber in the hydrogen / oxygen generating device of one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation chamber in the hydrogen / oxygen generation device of one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] In the description of this embodiment, the direction in which the electrode plates of the hydrogen / oxygen generation device are stacked is referred to as the stacking direction, the direction connecting the water inlet and outlet sides of the electrolysis cell in a plan view seen from the stacking direction is referred to as the longitudinal or vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or vertical direction is referred to as the width or horizontal direction. For example, if the electrolysis cell is rectangular in a plan view seen from the stacking direction and has a water inlet (water supply port) at one end and a water outlet (oxygen extraction port) at the other end opposite the latter, the direction connecting the water inlet end and the water outlet end at the shortest distance is referred to as the longitudinal or vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or vertical direction is referred to as the width or horizontal direction.

[0020] 1 and 2 , a hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus 1 according to one embodiment has, as a basic structural unit, an electrolytic cell 2 including a pair of electrode plates 10, 10, a solid electrolyte membrane 20 disposed between the pair of electrode plates 10, 10, and a pair of power feeders 12, 12 disposed on one side and the other side of the solid electrolyte membrane 20 so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane 20. A plurality of the electrolytic cells 2 are stacked in the stacking direction, and for example, 10 to 200 electrolytic cells 2 are stacked to constitute an electrolysis unit of the hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus 1. In the hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus of this embodiment, a pair of end electrode plates 10′, 10′ to which a voltage is applied is disposed at both ends of the stacked electrolytic cells 2, and end plates 5, 5 are disposed on the outer sides thereof via insulating spacers 11.

[0021] Each electrolysis cell 2 has an oxygen generating chamber A and a hydrogen generating chamber B on either side of the solid electrolyte membrane 20. Specifically, the oxygen generating chamber A is located between the anode surface 10a of the electrode plate 10, which functions as the anode, and the solid electrolyte membrane 20, and the hydrogen generating chamber B is located between the cathode surface 10b of the electrode plate 10, which functions as the cathode, and the solid electrolyte membrane 20. An anode-side power supply 12a is disposed in the oxygen generating chamber A, and a cathode-side power supply 12b is disposed in the hydrogen generating chamber B.

[0022] One of the pair of electrode plates 10 functions as an anode and the other as a cathode in one electrolytic cell 2. In this embodiment, each electrode plate 10 is of a bipolar type. That is, two electrolytic cells 2 are adjacent to each other via one electrode plate 10, and when a voltage is applied to the end electrode plates 10' arranged at both ends of the multiple stacked electrolytic cells 2, one surface of each electrode plate 10 functions as an anode and the other surface, which is the opposite surface to the one surface, functions as a cathode.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , each electrode plate 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a plurality of first openings 101 are formed on both one end and the other end of each electrode plate 10 in the longitudinal direction. The lengths of each electrode plate 10 in the longitudinal and width directions are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the longitudinal direction be longer than the width direction. The first openings 101 function as water supply ports or oxygen extraction ports. In this embodiment, two first openings 101 are formed on each of one end and the other end of the electrode plate 10. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , two first openings 101 are formed at each of one end and the other end, spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the first openings 101 are formed near the corners of the electrode plate 10, and each has a substantially rectangular shape. The first openings 101 form a flow path that communicates in the stacking direction when the electrode plates 10 are stacked. With this configuration, for example, water required for electrolysis is supplied to a flow path (water inlet path) formed by the first opening 101 on one end side via the end plate 5, and oxygen produced by electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 2 and excess water flow into a flow path (oxygen outlet path) formed by the first opening 101 on the other end side, and are discharged via the end plate 5. Note that a rectangular shape means a quadrangle in which all corners are right angles, and includes shapes such as a rectangle and a square.

[0024] 3 and 4, the electrode plate 10 in this embodiment has second openings 102 formed at both one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction. The second openings 102 function as hydrogen outflow channels. Specifically, the second opening 102 is formed between the two first openings 101. Each second opening 102 has a substantially rectangular shape. When the electrode plates 10 are stacked, the second openings 102 form channels (hydrogen outflow channels) that communicate in the stacking direction, and hydrogen generated by electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 2 flows into the second openings 102 and is discharged via the end plates 5.

[0025] 3, the electrode plate 10 of this embodiment is provided with a rectifying section 110 in a region adjacent to the first opening 101, which diffuses the fluid flowing along the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate so that it spreads in the width direction or converges it so that it gathers in the width direction. In this embodiment, the rectifying section 110 is provided with an uneven shape, and the uneven shape forms a flow path that allows the fluid to diffuse or converge in the width direction. In this embodiment, the rectifying section 110 is provided with a plurality of truncated cone-shaped protrusions 111 that protrude from both the front and back surfaces of the electrode plate 10.

[0026] The central portion of the electrode plate 10, i.e., the region sandwiched between the two rectifier sections 110, is an electrolysis section 120 for electrolyzing water. The power supply 12 is arranged in contact with the electrolysis section 120, and the electrolysis reaction of water occurs at the interface between the power supply 12 and the solid electrolyte membrane 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the electrolysis section 120 of the electrode plate 10 is formed with a plurality of ridges 121, and recesses 122 are formed between the ridges 121. The ridges 121 and the recesses 122 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10. More specifically, each of the plurality of ridges 121 and the plurality of recesses 122 is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10 over the entire length of the electrolysis section 120, and the plurality of ridges 121 and the plurality of recesses 122 are formed alternately and continuously across the entire width of the electrolysis section 120.

[0027] In this embodiment, the ridges 121 and grooves 122 of each electrode plate 10 are formed by press-molding the electrode plate, with the backside of the ridges 121 being grooves 122 and the backside of the grooves 122 being ridges 121. This allows water on the oxygen generating chamber A side and hydrogen on the hydrogen generating chamber side to flow along the grooves 122 of the electrode plate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate. The distance between the center lines of adjacent ridges 121 (ridge pitch) is preferably 3 to 20 mm, and more preferably 3 to 10 mm.

[0028] 3 and 4, the electrode plate 10 in this embodiment is formed with a first recess 130 surrounding the first opening 101 and a second recess 140 surrounding the second opening 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the first recess 130 is recessed from one surface side (the bottom surface side in FIG. 4) of the electrode plate 10 toward the other surface side (the top surface side in FIG. 4) opposite to the one surface side, and the second recess 140 is recessed conversely from the other surface side of the electrode plate 10 toward the one surface side. In other words, the first recess 130 and the second recess 140 are recessed in opposite directions when viewed from the side of the electrode plate 10. In this embodiment, since the first openings 101 are formed at the four corners of the electrode plate 10, the first recesses 130 are also formed at the four corners of the electrode plate 10. In addition, in this embodiment, since the second opening 102 is formed between the first openings 101 at both longitudinal ends of the electrode plate 10, the second recess 140 is also formed between the first recesses 130 at both longitudinal ends of the electrode plate 10.

[0029] Incidentally, when a plurality of electrolysis cells 2 are stacked to form a hydrogen / oxygen generation device, a so-called honeycomb structure may be employed in which unevenness is formed on the peripheral edge of the electrode plate 10, and adjacent electrode plates support each other via the unevenness. When such a honeycomb structure is employed, the distance from the rear surface of the first recess 130 to the rear surface of the second recess 140 (the thickness of the electrode plate in the stacking direction) is configured to be equal to the height of the unevenness formed on the peripheral edge of the electrode plate 10. In other words, the distance from the rear surface of the first recess 130 to the rear surface of the second recess 140 is configured to be the maximum value of the unevenness in the thickness direction of the electrode plate 10.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an annular seal groove 131 surrounding the first opening 101 is formed on the back surface of the first recess 130 as shown in Fig. 4, and similarly, an annular seal groove 141 surrounding the second opening 102 is formed on the back surface of the second recess 140. An annular seal member 150 is disposed in each of the annular seal grooves 131, 141.

[0031] In this embodiment, the seal grooves 131, 141 of the electrode plate are formed by press molding, and corresponding raised portions are formed on the back surfaces of the seal grooves. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, an annular seal groove 131 surrounding the first opening 101 is formed on the back surface of the first recess 130 (i.e., the upper surface of the electrode plate 10 in Fig. 4), and accordingly, an annular raised portion 132 protruding downward is formed on the inner surface of the first recess 130 (i.e., the lower surface of the electrode plate 10 in Fig. 4). Similarly, an annular seal groove 141 surrounding the second opening 102 is formed on the back surface of the second recess 140 (i.e., the lower surface of the electrode plate 10 in Fig. 4), and accordingly, an annular raised portion 142 protruding upward is formed on the inner surface of the second recess 140 (i.e., the upper surface of the electrode plate 10 in Fig. 4).

[0032] Although not shown, the hydrogen / oxygen generation apparatus of this embodiment further includes a first spacer arranged on the anode surface of the electrode plate 10 near the first opening 101 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10, and another first spacer arranged near the first opening 101 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The first spacer has a first through-hole formed at a position corresponding to the first opening 101 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10, and a first spacer flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the first through-hole to the oxygen generating chamber A of the electrolysis cell. The other first spacer has a first through-hole formed at a position corresponding to the first opening 101 at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10, and a first spacer flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the first through-hole to the oxygen generating chamber A of the electrolysis cell. Although not shown, the hydrogen and oxygen generation apparatus of this embodiment further includes second spacers disposed on the cathode surface of the electrode plate 10, respectively near the second opening 102 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 10 and near the second opening 102 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Each second spacer has a second through-hole formed at a position corresponding to the second opening 102 of the electrode plate 10, and a second spacer flow path formed therein that fluidly connects the second through-hole with the hydrogen generation chamber B of the electrolysis cell.

[0033] A conventionally known power supply element can be used as the power supply element 12. Specifically, the anode-side power supply element 12a preferably allows water to flow appropriately, has low electrical resistance at the contact surface with the electrode plate 10, and does not damage the solid electrolyte membrane 20. For example, sintered metal fibers, powder, or particles of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, or the like can be suitably used.

[0034] On the other hand, as the cathode side current collector 12b, carbon or metal fibers, powders, or particles of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, stainless steel, or the like can be suitably used.

[0035] A conventionally known solid electrolyte membrane can be used as the solid electrolyte membrane 20. Specifically, a so-called solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be suitably used, in which catalyst electrodes of porous layers made of a platinum group metal or the like are formed on both sides of an ion-conductive polymer membrane by chemical plating or hot pressing.

[0036] The electrolysis cell 2 in this embodiment includes the above-described electrode plate 10, a first spacer (not shown), another first spacer (not shown), a second spacer (not shown), an anode-side power supply 12a, a cathode-side power supply 12b, and a solid electrolyte membrane 20. The electrolysis cell 2 in this embodiment further includes a sealing member for isolating the water supply channel and the oxygen extraction channel from the hydrogen generation chamber, a sealing member for isolating the hydrogen extraction channel from the oxygen generation chamber, and a sealing member for isolating the oxygen generation chamber and the hydrogen generation chamber from the outside (atmosphere) of the electrolysis cell.

[0037] The electrolysis cell 2 in this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The plurality of ridges 121 as described above are continuously formed on the opposing surfaces of a pair of electrode plates 10 that constitute one electrolysis cell 2. As a result, the ridges 121 of the electrode plates 10 abut at alternate positions in the width direction on the anode side power supply 12a and the cathode side power supply 12b sandwiched between the pair of electrode plates 10. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6 , the plurality of downward ridges 121 formed on the electrode plate 10 abut at equal intervals on the anode side power supply 12a, and the plurality of upward ridges 121' formed on the electrode plate 10 abut at equal intervals on the cathode side power supply 12b. In one electrode plate 10, the downward ridges 121 are formed on the backside of the upward recesses 122' formed between the upward ridges 121', so that the downward ridges 121 on the anode side and the upward ridges 121' on the cathode side face each other at positions offset by 0.5 pitches in the width direction. In other words, the center line of the ridges 121 formed on one electrode plate 10 and projecting toward the power supply body is offset by 0.5 pitches from the center line of the ridges 121 formed on the other electrode plate 10, which is disposed opposite the one electrode plate 10 with the power supply body or the like interposed therebetween. Alternatively, the ridges 121 formed on one electrode plate 10 and the recesses 122 formed on the other electrode plate 10 disposed opposite each other are disposed opposite each other at the same position in the width direction. It is preferable that the portion of the downward ridges 121 that contact the anode-side power feeder 12a and the portion of the upward ridges 121' that contact the cathode-side power feeder 12b across a single film do not overlap when viewed from the stacking direction. To prevent damage to the power feeders, the downward ridges 121 and the upward ridges 121' preferably have curved surfaces when viewed from the longitudinal direction, where the ridges connect to the power feeder and extend obliquely from their contact points. The angle (indicated by α in FIG. 6 ) of the portion that extends obliquely from the contact points to the stacking direction with respect to the width direction is 55° to 85°, preferably 60° to 80°, and more preferably 65° to 75°.

[0039] 7, the electrolytic cell of this embodiment has, at both longitudinal ends of the electrolytic cell, a first recess 130 surrounding the first opening 101 recessed from one surface side of the electrode plate 10 toward the other surface side (i.e., upward in FIG. 7), and a second recess 140 surrounding the second opening 102 recessed from the other surface side of the electrode plate 10 toward one surface side (i.e., downward in FIG. 7). Furthermore, a first spacer and another first spacer (not shown) abut against the anode surface of the electrode plate 10 (i.e., the surface on the lower side in FIG. 7), and a second spacer (not shown) abuts against the cathode surface of the electrode plate 10 (i.e., the surface on the upper side in FIG. 7).

[0040] On the back surface side of the first recess 130 (i.e., the side opposite the first recess of the electrode plate 10 that is convex due to the first recess 130, the top surface side in FIG. 7), no spacer is interposed between the electrode plate 10 and the solid electrolyte membrane 20, and the seal member 150 arranged in the seal groove 131 of the electrode plate 10 is sandwiched (compressed) between the electrode plate 10 and the solid electrolyte membrane 20. Similarly, on the back surface side of the second recess 140 (i.e., the side opposite the second recess of the electrode plate 10 that is convex due to the second recess 140, the bottom surface side in FIG. 7), no spacer is interposed between the electrode plate 10 and the solid electrolyte membrane 20, and the seal member 150 arranged in the seal groove 141 of the electrode plate 10 is sandwiched (compressed) between the electrode plate 10 and the solid electrolyte membrane 20.

[0041] When the first spacer and another first spacer are arranged on the anode surface of the electrode plate 10, the first opening 101 and the first through-hole of the first spacer are connected in the stacking direction to form a water inlet channel at one longitudinal end of the electrode plate 10, as shown in FIG. 8 . The water inlet channel is fluidly connected to the oxygen generating chamber A of the electrolytic cell 2 via the first spacer channel of the first spacer. Although not shown, a similar configuration is formed at the opposite longitudinal end (other end) of the electrolytic cell 2, where the first opening 101 and the first through-hole of the other first spacer are connected in the stacking direction to form an oxygen extraction channel. The oxygen extraction channel is fluidly connected to the oxygen generating chamber A of the electrolytic cell 2 via the first spacer channel of the other first spacer.

[0042] Furthermore, when the second spacer is disposed on the cathode surface of the electrode plate 10, the second opening 102 and the second through-hole of the second spacer are connected in the stacking direction to form a hydrogen extraction flow path, as shown in Fig. 9. The hydrogen extraction flow path is placed in fluid communication with the hydrogen generation chamber B of the electrolysis cell 2 via the second spacer flow path of the second spacer.

[0043] In the hydrogen and oxygen generation device configured as described above, two first openings 101 are formed on each of one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of each electrode plate 10. With this configuration, water supplied from, for example, one end is likely to be supplied uniformly in the width direction of the electrolysis cell 2, and flows, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, making it easy to supply water uniformly throughout the entire electrolysis region. This makes it easier for the entire electrolysis region of the electrode plate to contribute to the electrolysis reaction, thereby increasing the efficiency of the electrolysis cell.

[0044] Furthermore, with the above configuration, hydrogen ions that have permeated the solid electrolyte membrane 20 are easily supplied to the entire electrolysis region on the hydrogen generation chamber B side as well, facilitating hydrogen generation over the entire cathode electrode catalyst surface on the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Furthermore, in the hydrogen and oxygen generation device 1 configured as above, second openings 102 that function as hydrogen extraction ports are formed on both ends of the electrode plate 10 in the longitudinal direction, so that hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation chamber B flows, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, and is efficiently discharged from both ends of the electrode plate in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in the hydrogen / oxygen generator 1 having the above configuration, multiple ridges 121 are provided on the opposing surfaces of two adjacent electrode plates 10, and the ridges 121 on one electrode plate 10 are offset by 0.5 pitches from the ridges 121 on the other electrode plate 10 so that they are staggered. With this configuration, when a pair of power feeders and a solid electrolyte membrane placed between them are placed between the two electrode plates 10 and pressurized, the contact areas between the electrode plates 10 and the power feeders alternate between the oxygen generating chamber A side and the hydrogen generating chamber B side, dispersing stress acting on the power feeders and solid electrolyte membrane. This has the effect of preventing damage to the power feeders and solid electrolyte membrane.

[0046] Furthermore, in the hydrogen / oxygen generation device of the above embodiment, when a first spacer and another first spacer are stacked on the electrode plate 10 to form an electrolysis cell, as shown in FIG. 8 , water supplied through a water inlet channel formed by the first opening 101 at one longitudinal end of the electrode plate 10 and the first through hole in the first spacer flows through the first spacer channel from one end of the electrolysis cell 2 to the oxygen generating chamber A. Furthermore, the water spreads in the width direction of the electrolysis cell 2 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 8 ) in the rectification section 110 at one end of the electrode plate 10 and is supplied to the electrolysis region of the electrolysis cell 2. Furthermore, oxygen and excess water generated in the electrolysis region of the electrolysis cell 2 flow to the other end of the electrolysis cell 2, converge in the width direction of the electrolysis cell 2 in the rectification section 110 at the other end of the electrode plate 10, flow into the first spacer channel in the other first spacer, flow from the first spacer channel in the other first spacer to the first through hole, and are discharged through an oxygen outlet channel formed by the first opening 101 at the other end of the electrode plate 10 and the first through hole in the other first spacer.

[0047] On the other hand, when the second spacer is stacked with the electrode plate 10 to form an electrolysis cell, as shown in FIG. 9 , hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation chamber B of the electrolysis cell 2 flows into the second spacer flow path, flows from the second spacer flow path to the second through hole, and is discharged via the hydrogen outflow path formed by the second opening 102 and the second through hole.

[0048] Thus, in the hydrogen / oxygen generation device of this embodiment, the flow paths formed in the spacer allow for smooth flow of water and oxygen between the water inlet and oxygen outlet paths and the oxygen generation chamber, and smooth flow of hydrogen between the hydrogen outlet path and the hydrogen generation chamber.

[0049] Furthermore, in the hydrogen and oxygen generation device 1 configured as described above, the first recess 130 surrounding the first opening 101 is recessed from one side of the electrode plate 10 toward the other side, and the second recess 140 surrounding the second opening 102 is recessed from the other side of the electrode plate 10 toward the one side. A first spacer is fitted into the first recess 130 from one side of the electrode plate 10, and a second spacer is fitted into the second recess 140 from the other side of the electrode plate 10. This configuration makes it easier to form the seal grooves 131 around the first opening 101 and the second opening 102 to a sufficient depth, compared to conventional hydrogen and oxygen generation devices in which two spacers are arranged opposite each other to sandwich the electrode plate. As a result, a seal member 150 having a sufficient cross-sectional area can be used to place in the seal groove 131, thereby improving the sealing performance around each port. Therefore, even when the electrolytic cell is made thinner and a spacer is provided, it is possible to provide a hydrogen / oxygen generating device that can generate high-purity hydrogen and oxygen.

[0050] The hydrogen / oxygen generating device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0051] For example, the number of first openings formed in the electrode plate may be three or more at one end in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the electrode plate may have one first opening at each end in the width direction of the electrode plate and one (i.e., three) first openings formed in the center in the width direction.

[0052] The same applies to the second openings, and two or more may be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, in the case where three first openings are formed as described above, one second opening may be formed between each of the first openings, and three first openings and two second openings may be arranged alternately, i.e., an electrode plate having five openings at one end.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the center line of the convex stripes formed on one electrode plate constituting one electrolytic cell and the center line of the convex stripes formed on the other electrode plate are positioned at positions shifted by 0.5 pitches, but the shift in the center lines may be in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 pitches.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the protrusions and recesses of the electrode plate are formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate, but they may be formed at an angle of 45° or less to the longitudinal direction, preferably at an angle of 30° or less to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the protrusions and recesses of the electrode plate are preferably linear along the longitudinal direction, but they may also be formed in a wavy or broken line shape along the longitudinal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...hydrogen / oxygen generator, 2...electrolysis cell, 5...end plate, 10...electrode plate, 10'...end electrode plate, 11...insulating spacer, 12...power supply body, 20...solid electrolyte membrane, 101...first opening, 102...second opening, 110...rectification section, 111...projection, 120...electrolysis section, 121...projection strip, 122...recess, 130...first recess, 131...seal groove, 132...raised portion, 140...second recess, 141...seal groove, 142...raised portion, 150...sealing member, A: Oxygen generation chamber, B: Hydrogen generation chamber

Claims

1. A pair of electrode plates; a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the pair of electrode plates; a pair of power feeders arranged on one side and the other side of the solid electrolyte membrane so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane; a plurality of protrusions are provided on opposing surfaces of the pair of electrode plates, and the plurality of protrusions provided on one electrode plate and the plurality of protrusions provided on the other electrode plate are arranged so as to be alternately staggered in a cross section of the electrode plates in the width direction; A hydrogen and oxygen generating device characterized in that each of the pair of power supply bodies is in contact with a plurality of ridges on the opposing electrode plates.

2. 2. The hydrogen and oxygen generation device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are formed so as to have an angle of 45° or less with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate, and a recess is formed between each of the ridges, and the recess forms a water flow path.

3. 2. The hydrogen and oxygen generating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves are alternately and continuously formed across the entire width of the electrode plate.

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