Separators, electrochemical cells, stacks, electrolytic devices, and fuel cells

Abstract

The embodiment provides a separator with low pressure loss. [Solution] The separator of the embodiment includes a flow path including flow path walls and flow path grooves provided between the flow path walls, a supply manifold, a discharge manifold, a supply connecting passage connecting one end of the flow path to the supply manifold, and a discharge connecting passage connecting the other end of the flow path to the discharge manifold. The supply connecting passage and / or the discharge connecting passage has one or more first convex wall groups including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more second convex wall groups including a plurality of second convex walls. The first convex walls are aligned in a first direction parallel to the flow path groove at the end of the flow path and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second convex walls are aligned in the second direction. The first convex wall groups and the second convex wall groups are aligned in the first direction. The second convex wall groups are offset in the second direction from the first convex wall groups.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a separator, an electrochemical cell, a stack, an electrolyzer, and a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, expectations for renewable energy have been increasing. Examples of renewable energy include solar power generation, hydroelectric power generation, wind power generation, and geothermal power generation.

[0003] Furthermore, as an attempt to achieve decarbonization, power generation by fuel cells and energy conversion by electrolysis have attracted attention.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Embodiments provide a separator with low pressure loss.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The separator of the embodiment includes a flow path including a flow path wall and a flow path groove provided between the flow path walls, a supply manifold, a discharge manifold, a supply connection path connecting between one end of the flow path and the supply manifold, and a discharge connection path connecting between the other end of the flow path and the discharge manifold. The supply connection path or / and the discharge connection path has one or more first convex wall groups including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more second convex wall groups including a plurality of second convex walls. The first convex walls are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction parallel to the flow path groove at the end of the flow path. The second convex walls are arranged in the second direction. The first convex wall group and the second convex wall group are arranged in the first direction. The second convex wall group is arranged so as to be displaced in the second direction with respect to the first convex wall group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 2] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 4] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 5] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 6] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 7] A partial schematic diagram of the separator in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of the stack in the embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and explanations of components that have already been described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] The physical properties in the specification are those obtained at a temperature of 25°C and a pressure of 1 atm. The thickness of each component is the average value over the distance in the lamination direction.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment relates to a separator 100. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the separator 100 of the embodiment. Figures 2 to 4 show partial schematic diagrams of the separator 100. The separator 100 has a flow path 10, a supply manifold 4, a discharge manifold 6, a supply connecting passage 3, and a discharge connecting passage 5. The flow path 10, the supply manifold 4, the discharge manifold 6, the supply connecting passage 3, and the discharge connecting passage 5 are provided on the frame 7 of the separator 100.

[0011] The separator 100 of the first embodiment is used, for example, in an electrochemical cell for fuel cells or electrolysis. The separator 100 supplies fluid used for the electrode reaction and discharges fluid containing the products of the electrode reaction. The fluid is gas and / or liquid. When the fluid discharged from the discharge manifold 6 contains both gas and liquid, the pressure loss of the separator 100 can be effectively suppressed.

[0012] The separator 100 has a flow path 10 including a flow path wall 1 and a flow path groove 2 provided between the flow path walls 1. The flow path wall 1 may also surround the supply manifold 4, the discharge manifold 6, the supply connecting passage 3, and the discharge connecting passage 5.

[0013] The region sandwiched between the flow path walls 1 is the flow path groove 2. The flow path walls 1 may be, for example, a protrusion of a metal member provided on the frame 7, or the flow path groove 2 may be a recess of a metal member provided on the frame 7. Fluid flows through the flow path 10. The flow path 10 has a plurality of flow path grooves 2, and it is preferable that the fluid flows through the plurality of flow path grooves 2. To ensure that the fluid flows through the entire porous layer of the electrode in contact with the separator 100 with minimal separation, it is preferable that the flow path 10 has a serpentine flow path shape, for example, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 1.

[0014] The frame 7 is preferably made of an insulating material, such as a resin material.

[0015] The pitch of the flow channel groove 2 is preferably, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0016] The supply connection path 3 is provided between the supply manifold 4 and the flow path 10. The supply connection path 3 is a flow path that connects the supply manifold 4 and the flow path 10. The fluid that passes through the supply connection path 3 in the first direction X flows through the flow path 10. The supply connection path 3 may be the concavity and convexity of the frame 7, or may be composed of a separate member from the frame 7. The first direction X is the direction along the bottom surface A of the supply connection path 3 and is parallel to the flow path groove 2 at the end where the supply connection path 3 of the flow path 10 is connected. The first direction X is also the direction in which the fluid connects the supply connection path 3 and the supply manifold 4.

[0017] The supply manifold 4 is an opening of the separator 100. Fluid is supplied from the supply manifold 4. Other manifolds not shown may be provided in the separator 100.

[0018] The discharge connection path 5 is provided between the discharge manifold 6 and the flow path 10. The discharge connection path 5 is a flow path that connects the discharge manifold 6 and the flow path 10. The fluid that passes through the discharge connection path 5 in the first direction X after passing through the flow path 10 is discharged from the discharge manifold 6. The discharge connection path 5 may be the concavity and convexity of the frame 7, or may be composed of a separate member from the frame 7. The first direction X is the direction along the bottom surface A of the discharge connection path 5 and is parallel to the flow path groove 2 at the end where the discharge connection path 5 of the flow path 10 is connected. The first direction X is also the direction in which the fluid connects the discharge connection path 5 and the discharge manifold 6.

[0019] The discharge manifold 6 is an opening of the separator 100. Fluid is discharged from the discharge manifold 6.

[0020] Referring to the partial schematic diagrams of the separator 100 in FIGS. 2 to 4, the supply connection path 3 and the discharge connection path 5 will be described.

[0021] The supply passage 3 and / or the discharge passage 5 is provided with one or more first convex wall groups including a plurality of first convex walls B and one or more second convex wall groups including a plurality of second convex walls C. In the supply passage 3 or the discharge passage 5 that is not provided with one or more first convex wall groups including a plurality of first convex walls B and one or more second convex wall groups including a plurality of second convex walls C, for example, a groove parallel to the flow channel groove 2 at the end of the flow channel 10 is provided.

[0022] The first convex wall B and the second convex wall C are provided on the bottom surface A (for example, the surface of the frame 7) of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5. The first convex wall B and the second convex wall C may be integral with the bottom surface A of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5, or they may be bonded to the bottom surface A of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5 via an adhesive layer.

[0023] The heights of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C are preferably 80% to 120% of the height of the flow channel wall 1. If the heights of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C are too low, the substrate of the electrode in contact with the separator 100 will be easily deformed. Also, if the heights of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C are too high, it may be difficult to apply clamping force to the substrate of the electrode in contact with the separator 100.

[0024] The first convex wall B is preferably arranged in a second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. The first convex walls B of one group of first convex walls are arranged in a single row in the second direction Y. The second direction Y is the direction along the bottom surface A of the supply communication passage 3 and the discharge communication passage 5.

[0025] The first convex walls B are arranged in the second direction Y with a gap P1 between them. The gap P1 is the distance between adjacent first convex walls B. It is preferable that the first convex walls B are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals. The distance between a first convex wall B located at the end of the second direction Y and not in contact with the flow channel wall 1 and the flow channel wall 1 may also be considered as part of the gap P1.

[0026] The average value of the interval P1 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0027] The second convex walls C are preferably arranged in a second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X, which is parallel to the flow channel groove 2 at the end of the flow channel 10. The second convex walls C of one group of second convex walls are arranged in a single row in the second direction Y.

[0028] The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The heights of the flow channel wall 1, the first convex wall B, and the second convex wall C are the lengths of the flow channel wall 1, the first convex wall B, and the second convex wall C in the third direction. The Young's modulus of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C in the third direction is preferably 2.5 [GPa] or higher. The Young's modulus can be determined, for example, by the resonance method. If the Young's modulus of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C in the third direction is low, the strength of the separator 100 may be low, and the supply communication channel 3 or the discharge communication channel 5 may be damaged when the electrochemical cell is tightened and fixed. Therefore, the Young's modulus of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C in the third direction is preferably 2.5 [GPa] or higher, more preferably 5 [GPa] or higher, and even more preferably 50 [GPa] or higher.

[0029] The materials for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, which have a Young's modulus of elasticity of 2.5 [GPa] or more in the third direction, are preferably metal, resin, fiber-reinforced metal, or fiber-reinforced resin. As the metal for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel are preferred. As the resin for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, POM (polyoxometalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or PEEK (polyether ether ketone) are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced metal for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, a combination of alumina-silica (A1203-SiO2) fibers as reinforcing fibers on an aluminum substrate, boron fiber-reinforced aluminum, or silicon carbide fiber-reinforced aluminum are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced resin for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, glass epoxy resin, glass fiber-reinforced plastic other than glass epoxy resin, or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic are preferred. When conductive materials are used for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, it is preferable to insulate them from the flow path 10.

[0030] The Young's modulus in the third direction of the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C is preferably 125% to 10000% of the Young's modulus in the third direction of the channel wall 1. To satisfy the above relationship, the material of the channel wall 1 is preferably metal, resin, fiber-reinforced metal, or fiber-reinforced resin. As the metal of the channel wall 1, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel are preferred. As the resin of the channel wall 1, POM, PPS, or PEEK are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced metal of the channel wall 1, a combination of alumina-silica (A1203-SiO2) fibers as reinforcing fibers on an aluminum substrate, boron fiber-reinforced aluminum, or silicon carbide fiber-reinforced aluminum are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced resin of the channel wall 1, glass epoxy resin, glass fiber-reinforced plastic other than glass epoxy resin, or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic are preferred.

[0031] The second convex walls C are arranged in the second direction Y with a gap P2 between them. The gap P2 is the distance between adjacent second convex walls C. It is preferable that the second convex walls C are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals. The distance between a second convex wall C located at the end of the second direction Y and not in contact with the flow channel wall 1 may also be considered as part of the gap P2.

[0032] The average value of the interval P2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0033] It is preferable that the second group of convex walls is offset in the second direction Y relative to the first group of convex walls. It is preferable that the second group of convex walls and the first group of convex walls, which are aligned in the first direction X, are offset in the second direction Y. When the second group of convex walls and the first group of convex walls are offset in the second direction Y, the fluid that passes between the first convex walls B branches into two directions and passes between the second convex walls C.

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 show the displacement of the second convex wall group relative to the first convex wall group, represented by S1 in the second direction Y. The displacement of the second convex wall group relative to the first convex wall group, S1, is the average value of the distance in the second direction Y from the center of the first convex wall B to the center of the second convex wall C adjacent to the first convex wall B.

[0035] The amount of displacement S1 of the second convex wall group relative to the first convex wall group in the second direction Y is preferably 0.1 times or more and 1 time or less of the spacing P1, more preferably 0.3 times or more and 1 time or less, and even more preferably 0.6 times or more and 1 time or less.

[0036] For example, when gas passes between the convex walls of the supply and / or discharge communication passage 5, even if the convex walls are blocked by the gas, there are multiple paths beyond a given convex wall, making it easier for fluid to flow from other paths. By suppressing the unevenness of fluid flow, the pressure loss from the supply manifold 4 to the discharge manifold 6 can be reduced.

[0037] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P1 of the first convex walls B is small. The first convex walls B are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction Y, and the maximum value of the spacing P1 is preferably 1.05 times or more and 2 times or less than the average value of the spacing P1, more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.3 times or less, and even more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0038] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P1 of the first convex walls B is small. The first convex walls B are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction Y, and the minimum value of the spacing P1 is preferably 0.5 times or more and 0.95 times or less of the average value of the spacing P1, more preferably 0.7 times or more and 0.95 times or less, and even more preferably 0.9 times or more and 0.95 times or less.

[0039] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the average value of the spacing P1 is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0040] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the first convex wall B in the second direction Y is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0041] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P2 of the second convex walls C is small. The second convex walls C are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction Y, and the maximum value of the spacing P2 is preferably 1.05 times or more and 2 times or less of the average value of the spacing P2, more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.3 times or less, and even more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0042] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P1 of the second convex walls C is small. The second convex walls C are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction Y, and the minimum value of the spacing P2 is preferably 0.5 times or more and 0.95 times or less of the average value of the spacing P2, more preferably 0.7 times or more and 0.95 times or less, and even more preferably 0.9 times or more and 0.95 times or less.

[0043] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the average value of the spacing P2 is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0044] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the second convex wall C in the second direction Y is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0045] The length of the first convex wall B in the second direction Y is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the interval P1, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0046] In the schematic diagram of Figure 2, the first convex wall B is preferably oriented longitudinally in the first direction X. The length of the first convex wall B in the second direction Y is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the length of the first convex wall B in the first direction X, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0047] The first convex wall B shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 3 is cylindrical. The length of the first convex wall B in the second direction Y is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the length of the first convex wall B in the first direction X, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0048] The length of the second convex wall C in the second direction Y is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the interval P2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0049] In the schematic diagram of Figure 2, the second convex wall C is preferably oriented longitudinally in the first direction X. The length of the second convex wall C in the second direction Y is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the length of the second convex wall C in the first direction X, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0050] The second convex wall C shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 3 is cylindrical. The length of the second convex wall C in the second direction Y is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the length of the second convex wall C in the first direction X, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0051] The mean value of interval P1 is preferably 0.3 times or more and 2 times or less than the mean value of interval P2, more preferably 0.5 times or more and 1.5 times or less, and even more preferably 0.9 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0052] It is preferable that there is a gap P3 where the flow channels of the first group of convex walls and the flow channels of the second group of convex walls merge. In other words, it is preferable that the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are spaced apart.

[0053] The average value of the gap P3 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P1, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0054] The average value of the gap P3 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P2, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0055] It is preferable that a gap P4 exists between the flow channel 10 and the first group of convex walls located closest to the flow channel 10. The gap P4 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P1, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0056] A gap P5 may exist between the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6 and the first group of convex walls or the second group of convex walls located closest to the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6, or it may not exist as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 4. The gap P5 is preferably 2 times or less the average value of the interval P1, more preferably 1.5 times or less, and even more preferably 1.1 times or less.

[0057] It is preferable that the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are arranged alternately in the first direction X. It is preferable that the first group of convex walls or the second group of convex walls are arranged alternately rather than continuously. As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 3, it is preferable that the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are arranged alternately and repeatedly in the first direction.

[0058] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 4, when multiple groups of first convex walls are included in the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5, or when a number of first convex wall groups are included in the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5, the shape, spacing, and gaps of each first convex wall group and / or the second convex wall group may be the same or different.

[0059] As shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 4, the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C may have different shapes.

[0060] In the schematic diagram of Figure 2, a portion of the first convex wall B and a portion of the second convex wall C are in contact with the flow channel wall 1. However, depending on the configuration of the flow channel wall 1 and the flow channel groove 2, whether or not a portion of the first convex wall B and a portion of the second convex wall C are in contact with the flow channel wall 1 can be arbitrarily designed.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment relates to the separator 100. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The explanation of the contents common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Figures 5 to 7 show a partial schematic diagram of the separator 100 of the second embodiment.

[0062] The supply passage 3 and / or the discharge passage 5 is provided with one or more groups of third convex walls including multiple third convex walls D and one or more groups of fourth convex walls including multiple fourth convex walls E. In the supply passage 3 or the discharge passage 5 that is not provided with one or more groups of third convex walls including multiple third convex walls D and one or more groups of fourth convex walls including multiple fourth convex walls E, for example, a groove parallel to the flow channel groove 2 of the flow channel 10 is provided. The third convex wall group and the fourth convex wall group are provided on the flow channel 10 side.

[0063] The third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E are provided on the bottom surface A (for example, the surface of the frame 7) of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5. The third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E may be integral with the bottom surface A of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5, or they may be bonded to the bottom surface A of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5 via an adhesive layer.

[0064] It is preferable that the third convex walls D are aligned in the first direction X. The third convex walls D of one group of third convex walls are aligned in a single row in the first direction X.

[0065] The third convex walls D are arranged in the first direction X with a gap P6 between them. The gap P6 is the distance between adjacent third convex walls D. It is preferable that the third convex walls D are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals.

[0066] The average value of the interval P6 is preferably 0.1 [mm] or more and 5 [mm] or less, more preferably 0.3 [mm] or more and 3 [mm] or less, and even more preferably 0.5 [mm] or more and 2.5 [mm] or less.

[0067] It is preferable that the fourth convex wall E is aligned in the first direction X. The fourth convex walls E of one group of fourth convex walls are aligned in a single row in the first direction X.

[0068] The fourth convex walls E are arranged in the first direction X with a gap P7 between them. The gap P7 is the distance between adjacent fourth convex walls E. It is preferable that the fourth convex walls E are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals.

[0069] The average value of the interval P7 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0070] The third and fourth convex wall groups are preferably aligned in the second direction Y.

[0071] The heights of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E are the lengths of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E in the third direction. The Young's modulus of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E in the third direction is preferably 2.5 [GPa] or higher. If the Young's modulus of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E in the third direction is low, the strength of the separator 100 may be low, and the supply communication passage 3 or the discharge communication passage 5 may be damaged when the electrochemical cell is tightened and fixed. Therefore, the Young's modulus of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E in the third direction is preferably 2.5 [GPa] or higher, more preferably 5 [GPa] or higher, and even more preferably 50 [GPa] or higher.

[0072] The materials for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, which have a Young's modulus of elasticity of 2.5 [GPa] or more in the third direction, are preferably metal, resin, fiber-reinforced metal, or fiber-reinforced resin. As the metal for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel are preferred. As the resin for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, POM, PPS, or PEEK are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced metal for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, a combination of alumina-silica (A1203-SiO2) fibers as reinforcing fibers on an aluminum substrate, boron fiber-reinforced aluminum, or silicon carbide fiber-reinforced aluminum are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced resin for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, glass epoxy resin, glass fiber-reinforced plastic other than glass epoxy resin, or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic are preferred. When conductive materials are used for the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E, it is preferable to insulate them from the flow path 10.

[0073] The Young's modulus in the third direction of the third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E is preferably 125% to 10000% of the Young's modulus in the third direction of the channel wall 1. To satisfy the above relationship, the material of the channel wall 1 is preferably metal, resin, fiber-reinforced metal, or fiber-reinforced resin. As the metal of the channel wall 1, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel are preferred. As the resin of the channel wall 1, POM, PPS, or PEEK are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced metal of the channel wall 1, a combination of alumina-silica (A1203-SiO2) fibers as reinforcing fibers on an aluminum substrate, boron fiber-reinforced aluminum, or silicon carbide fiber-reinforced aluminum are preferred. As the fiber-reinforced resin of the channel wall 1, glass epoxy resin, glass fiber-reinforced plastic other than glass epoxy resin, or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic are preferred.

[0074] It is preferable that there is a gap P8 where the flow channels of the third convex wall group and the flow channels of the fourth convex wall group merge. In other words, it is preferable that the third convex wall group and the fourth convex wall group are spaced apart in the second direction Y.

[0075] It is preferable that the fourth group of convex walls is offset in the first direction X relative to the third group of convex walls. It is preferable that the fourth group of convex walls and the third group of convex walls, which are aligned in the first direction X, are offset in the first direction X. When the fourth group of convex walls and the third group of convex walls are offset in the first direction X, the fluid that passes between the third convex walls D can branch in multiple directions and pass between the fourth convex walls E.

[0076] Figures 5 and 6 show the displacement of the fourth convex wall group relative to the third convex wall group, represented by S2 in the first direction X. The displacement of the fourth convex wall group relative to the third convex wall group, S2, is the average value of the distance in the first direction X from the center of the third convex wall D to the center of the fourth convex wall E adjacent to the third convex wall D.

[0077] The amount of displacement S1 of the fourth convex wall group relative to the third convex wall group in the first direction X is preferably 0.1 to 1 times the spacing P6, more preferably 0.3 to 1 time, and even more preferably 0.6 to 1 time.

[0078] For example, when gas passes between the convex walls of the supply and / or discharge communication passage 5, even if the convex walls are blocked by the gas, there are multiple paths beyond a given convex wall, making it easier for fluid to flow from other paths. By suppressing the unevenness of fluid flow, the pressure loss from the supply manifold 4 to the discharge manifold 6 can be reduced.

[0079] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P6 of the third convex walls D is small. The third convex walls D are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the first direction X, and the maximum value of the spacing P6 is preferably 1.05 times or more and 2 times or less than the average value of the spacing P6, more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.3 times or less, and even more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0080] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P6 of the third convex walls D is small. The third convex walls D are preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the first direction X, and the minimum value of the spacing P6 is preferably 0.5 times or more and 0.95 times or less of the average value of the spacing P6, more preferably 0.7 times or more and 0.95 times or less, and even more preferably 0.9 times or more and 0.95 times or less.

[0081] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the average value of the spacing P6 is preferably 0.02 to 50 times the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 to 11 times, and even more preferably 1 to 1.1 times.

[0082] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the third convex wall D in the first direction X is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0083] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P7 of the fourth convex wall E is small. The fourth convex wall E is preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the first direction X, and the maximum value of the spacing P7 is preferably 1.05 times or more and 2 times or less than the average value of the spacing P7, more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.3 times or less, and even more preferably 1.05 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0084] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, it is preferable that the variation in the size of the spacing P7 of the fourth convex wall E is small. The fourth convex wall E is preferably arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the first direction X, and the minimum value of the spacing P7 is preferably 0.5 times or more and 0.95 times or less of the average value of the spacing P7, more preferably 0.7 times or more and 0.95 times or less, and even more preferably 0.9 times or more and 0.95 times or less.

[0085] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the average value of the spacing P7 is preferably 0.02 to 50 times the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 to 11 times, and even more preferably 1 to 1.1 times.

[0086] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the fourth convex wall E in the first direction X is preferably 0.02 times or more and 50 times or less the average value of the width W1 of the flow channel groove 2, more preferably 0.1 times or more and 11 times or less, and even more preferably 1 time or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0087] The length of the third convex wall D in the first direction X is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the average value of the interval P6, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0088] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the third convex wall D in the second direction Y is preferably 1.1 to 6 times the length of the third convex wall D in the first direction, more preferably 1.2 to 4 times, even more preferably 1.3 to 3.5 times, and even more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 times.

[0089] The length of the fourth convex wall E in the first direction X is preferably 0.01 to 10 times the average value of the interval P7, more preferably 0.1 to 2 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1 time.

[0090] From the viewpoint of suppressing uneven fluid flow, the length of the fourth convex wall E in the second direction Y is preferably 1.1 to 6 times the length of the fourth convex wall E in the first direction, more preferably 1.2 to 4 times, even more preferably 1.3 to 3.5 times, and even more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 times.

[0091] The mean value of interval P6 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the mean value of interval P7, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0092] The average value of the gap P8 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P6, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0093] The average value of the gap P8 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P7, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0094] It is preferable that a gap P9 exists between the flow path 10 and the third or fourth convex wall group located closest to the flow path 10. The gap P9 between the flow path 10 and the third convex wall group located closest to the flow path 10 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P6, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times. The gap P9 between the flow path 10 and the fourth convex wall group located closest to the flow path 10 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P7, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0095] A gap P10 may exist between the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6 and the third or fourth convex wall group located closest to the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6, or, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 6, a gap P10 may not exist between the third or fourth convex wall group. The gap P10 is preferably 2 times or less the average value of the spacing P6 of the third convex wall group located closest to the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6, more preferably 1.5 times or less, and even more preferably 1.1 times or less. The gap P10 is preferably 2 times or less the average value of the spacing P7 of the fourth convex wall group located closest to the supply manifold 4 and / or the discharge manifold 6, more preferably 1.5 times or less, and even more preferably 1.1 times or less.

[0096] It is preferable that the third and fourth convex wall groups are arranged alternately in the first direction X. It is preferable that the third or fourth convex wall groups are arranged alternately rather than continuously.

[0097] When multiple groups of third convex walls are included in the supply passage 3 and / or the discharge passage 5, or when a number of groups of third convex walls are included in the supply passage 3 and / or the discharge passage 5, the shape, spacing, and gaps of each of the third convex wall groups and / or the fourth convex wall groups may be the same or different.

[0098] The third convex wall D and the fourth convex wall E may have different shapes.

[0099] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 6, the third convex wall D and / or the fourth convex wall E may be inclined with respect to the second direction Y. The direction of inclination may be either the +X direction or the -X direction. The angle F in which the third convex wall D and / or the fourth convex wall E are inclined with respect to the second direction Y is preferably ±1[°] or more and ±89[°] or less, more preferably ±10[°] or more and ±60[°] or less, and even more preferably ±15[°] or more and ±45[°] or less.

[0100] It is preferable that a gap P11 exists between the third group of convex walls and the flow channel wall 1 that sandwiches the third group of convex walls in the second direction Y. The gap P11 is the distance in the second direction Y between the third group of convex walls and the flow channel wall 1 located on the side of the third group of convex walls that sandwiches the third group of convex walls in the second direction Y.

[0101] The gap P11 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P6, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0102] It is preferable that a gap P12 exists between the fourth convex wall group and the flow channel wall 1 that sandwiches the fourth convex wall group in the second direction Y. The gap P12 is the distance in the second direction Y between the fourth convex wall group and the flow channel wall 1 located on the side of the fourth convex wall group that sandwiches the fourth convex wall group in the second direction Y.

[0103] The gap P12 is preferably 0.3 to 2 times the average value of the interval P7, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 times, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times.

[0104] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 7, the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5 of the first embodiment can be combined with the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5 of the second embodiment. In Figure 7, the third group of convex walls of the supply communication passage 3 and / or the discharge communication passage 5 is aligned with the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls in the first direction X, and the fourth group of convex walls is aligned with the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls in the first direction.

[0105] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment relates to an electrochemical cell. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the electrochemical cell 200 of the third embodiment. The electrochemical cell 200 is for electrolysis or fuel cell use.

[0106] The electrochemical cell 200 has an anode 21, a cathode 22, an electrolyte membrane 23, a first separator 24, and a second separator 25.

[0107] The anode 21 has a substrate on the first separator 24 side and a catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane 23 side. The substrate and catalyst layer of the anode 21 are made of materials suitable for the reaction of the anode 21.

[0108] The cathode 22 has a substrate on the second separator 25 side and a catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane 23 side. The substrate and catalyst layer of the cathode 22 are made of materials suitable for the reaction of the cathode 22.

[0109] The electrolyte membrane 23 is provided between the anode 21 and the cathode 22. The electrolyte membrane 23 includes, for example, a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane.

[0110] The first separator 24 is supplied with the fluid used in the reaction of the anode 21, and the fluid containing the reactants is discharged from it. The first separator 24 is electrically connected to the anode 21. It is preferable that the separator 100 of the first or second embodiment is used for the first separator 24.

[0111] The second separator 25 is supplied with the fluid used for the reaction in the cathode 22, and the fluid containing the reactants is discharged from it. The second separator 25 is electrically connected to the cathode 22. It is preferable that the separator 100 of the first or second embodiment is used for the second separator 25.

[0112] The separator 100 of the first or second embodiment is preferably used in the first separator 24 and / or the second separator 25.

[0113] By using the separator 100 of the first or second embodiment, pressure loss is reduced and reaction efficiency at the anode 21 and / or cathode 22 is improved.

[0114] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment relates to a stack. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stack 300 of the fourth embodiment. The stack 300 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 9 consists of multiple electrochemical cells 200 connected in series. Clamping plates 31 and 32 are attached to both ends of the stack 300.

[0115] When performing electrolysis, the amount of carbon compounds such as H2 and CO produced by a single electrochemical cell 200 is small. Similarly, when generating electricity, the amount of electricity produced by a single electrochemical cell 200 is small. Therefore, by configuring a stack 300 with multiple electrochemical cells 200 connected in series, the amount of products and electricity generated increases.

[0116] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment relates to an electrolytic device and a fuel cell. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the device 400 of the fourth embodiment. The device 400 uses an electrochemical cell 200 or a stack 300. The device 400 illustrates a part of the configuration of an actual device.

[0117] The apparatus 400 includes an electrochemical cell 200, an anode current collector plate 41, a cathode current collector plate 42, and a power supply or load 43.

[0118] An anode current collector plate 41 is provided on the first separator 24 of the electrochemical cell 200. The first separator 24 is electrically connected to the anode current collector plate 41.

[0119] A cathode current collector plate 42 is provided on the second separator 25 of the electrochemical cell 200. The second separator 25 is electrically connected to the cathode current collector plate 42.

[0120] A power source or load 43 is connected between the anode current collector plate 41 and the cathode current collector plate 42.

[0121] If the device 400 is an electrolytic device, a power supply 43 is connected between the anode current collector plate 41 and the cathode current collector plate 42.

[0122] If the device 400 is a fuel cell, a load 43 is connected between the anode current collector plate 41 and the cathode current collector plate 42. The load 43 may also be a power converter, a storage battery, or the like.

[0123] The present invention will be described more specifically below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0124] (Example 1) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with a supply communication passage 3 and an discharge communication passage 5, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 2, were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25.

[0125] (Example 2) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with supply communication passages 3 and discharge communication passages 5 as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 3 were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25. As a result, by using PEEK material with a Young's modulus of 2.5 GPa or higher for the first convex wall B and the second convex wall C, the pressure loss was reduced by 23% compared to when a material with a Young's modulus of less than 2.5 GPa was used.

[0126] (Example 3) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with a supply communication passage 3 and an discharge communication passage 5, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 4, were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25.

[0127] (Example 4) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with a supply communication passage 3 and an discharge communication passage 5, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 5, were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25.

[0128] (Example 5) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with a supply communication passage 3 and an discharge communication passage 5, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 6, were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25.

[0129] (Example 6) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. Separators 100 equipped with a supply communication passage 3 and an discharge communication passage 5, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 7, were used for the first separator 24 and the second separator 25.

[0130] (Comparative Example 1) An electrochemical cell 200, whose configuration is shown in Figure 8, was fabricated. The second convex wall group in the schematic diagram of Figure 2 was omitted from the first separator 24 and the second separator 25, and separators were used in which one end of the first convex wall B of the first convex wall group was directly connected to the flow path 10, and the other end was directly connected to the supply manifold 4 or the discharge manifold 6.

[0131] Using the electrochemical cells of Examples 1 to 6 and the electrochemical cell of Comparative Example 1, electrolytic operations were performed to produce CO by electrolyzing CO2 under the same conditions. In all of Examples 1 to 6, the separator pressure loss was reduced compared to Comparative Example 1, and electrolytic operations could be performed at a lower cell voltage than in Comparative Example 1.

[0132] Fuel cell operation using H2 as fuel was performed under the same conditions using the electrochemical cells of Examples 1 to 6 and the electrochemical cell of Comparative Example 1. In all of Examples 1 to 6, the separator pressure loss was reduced compared to Comparative Example 1, and the IV characteristics were superior to those of Comparative Example 1.

[0133] The following is a technical proposal for an embodiment. Technical proposal 1 A flow path including a flow path wall and a flow path groove provided between the flow path wall, Supply manifold and Exhaust manifold and A supply communication path connecting one end of the flow path and the supply manifold, It has a discharge connecting passage that connects the other end of the flow path to the discharge manifold, The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path has one or more groups of first convex walls including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more groups of second convex walls including a plurality of second convex walls. The first convex wall is arranged in a first direction parallel to the flow channel groove at the end of the flow channel and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second convex wall is aligned in the second direction, The first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are aligned in the first direction, The second group of convex walls is a separator positioned offset from the first group of convex walls in the second direction. Technical proposal 2 The first convex wall and the second convex wall are cylindrical, or The first convex wall and the second convex wall are a separator according to technical proposal 1, with the first direction being the longitudinal direction. Technical proposal 3 The first convex wall and the second convex wall are cylindrical, or A separator according to Technical Proposal 1 or 2, wherein the lengths of the first and second convex walls in the second direction are 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the lengths of the first and second convex walls in the first direction. Technical proposal 4 The first convex walls are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction, The second convex wall is a separator according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 3, arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction. Technical proposal 5 A separator according to technical proposals 1 to 4, wherein a gap exists between the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls, where the flow channels of the first group of convex walls and the flow channels of the second group of convex walls merge. Technical proposal 6 A separator according to any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 5, wherein the average length of the displacement of the second group of convex walls relative to the first group of convex walls in the second direction is 0.1 times or more and 1 time or less than the average value of the spacing between the first convex walls aligned in the second direction. Technical proposal 7 The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. A separator according to any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 6, wherein the Young's modulus of the first and second convex walls in the third direction is 2.5 [GPa] or greater. Technical proposal 8 The separator according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 7, wherein the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are arranged alternately in the first direction. Technical proposal 9 The channel, including the channel wall and the channel groove, is a separator according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 8, having a serpentine channel shape. Technical proposal 10 A flow path including a flow path wall and a flow path groove provided between the flow path wall, Supply manifold and Exhaust manifold and A supply communication path connecting one end of the flow path and the supply manifold, It has a discharge connecting passage that connects the other end of the flow path to the discharge manifold, The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path has one or more groups of third convex walls including a plurality of third convex walls and one or more groups of fourth convex walls including a plurality of fourth convex walls. The third and fourth convex walls are aligned in a first direction parallel to the flow channel groove at the end of the flow channel, The length of the third convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 1.1 times or more and 6 times or less the length of the third convex wall in the first direction. The length of the fourth convex wall in the second direction is 1.1 times or more and 6 times or less the length of the fourth convex wall in the first direction. The third group of convex walls and the fourth group of convex walls are separators aligned in the second direction. Technical proposal 11 The separator according to technical proposal 10, wherein the third and fourth convex walls are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the first direction. Technical proposal 12 The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The separator according to technical proposal 10 or 11, wherein the Young's modulus of the third and fourth convex walls in the third direction is 2.5 [GPa] or more. Technical proposal 13 The separator according to any one of the technical proposals 10 to 12, wherein the third group of convex walls and the fourth group of convex walls are arranged alternately in the second direction. Technical proposal 14 The channel, including the channel wall and the channel groove, is a separator according to any one of the technical proposals 10 to 13, having a serpentine channel shape. Technical proposal 15 The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path further comprises one or more groups of first convex walls including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more groups of second convex walls including a plurality of second convex walls. The first convex wall and the second convex wall are aligned in the first direction in which the fluid flows at the end of the flow path. The length of the first convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the length of the first convex wall in the first direction. The length of the fourth convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the length of the second convex wall in the first direction. The third convex wall group is aligned with the first convex wall group and the second convex wall group in the first direction, The fourth group of convex walls is a separator according to any one of the technical proposals 10 to 14, which is aligned with the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls in the first direction. Technical proposal 16 The separator according to any one of the technical proposals 10 to 15, wherein the third convex wall and / or the fourth convex wall is inclined with respect to the second direction. Technical proposal 17 A-scatter, Cathode and, An electrolyte membrane is placed between the anode and the cathode. A first separator is provided on the side of the anode opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, The cathode has a second separator on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, An electrochemical cell in which the first separator and / or the second separator is a separator described in any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 16. Technical proposal 18 A stack having an electrochemical cell as described in Technical Proposal 17. Technical proposal 19 An electrolytic apparatus having an electrochemical cell as described in Technical Proposal 17. Technical proposal 20 A fuel cell having an electrochemical cell as described in Technical Proposal 17.

[0134] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments described above can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1: Flow channel wall 2: Flow channel groove 3: Supply communication channels 4: Supply Manifold 5: Discharge connection channel 6: Exhaust manifold 7: Frame 10: Flow path 21: Anode 22: Cathode 23: Electrolyte membrane 24: First separator 25: Second separator 31: Clamping plate 32: Clamping plate 41: Anode current collector plate 42: Cathode current collector plate 43: Load, power supply 100: Separator 200: Electrochemical cell 300: Stack 400: Equipment A: Bottom B: 1st convex wall C: 2nd convex wall D: Third convex wall E: Fourth convex wall

Claims

1. A flow path including a flow path wall and a flow path groove provided between the flow path wall, Supply manifold and Exhaust manifold and A supply communication path connecting one end of the flow path and the supply manifold, It has a discharge connecting passage that connects the other end of the flow path to the discharge manifold, The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path has one or more groups of first convex walls including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more groups of second convex walls including a plurality of second convex walls. The first convex wall is arranged in a first direction parallel to the flow channel groove at the end of the flow channel and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second convex wall is aligned in the second direction, The first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are aligned in the first direction, The second group of convex walls is a separator that is offset in the second direction from the first group of convex walls.

2. The first convex wall and the second convex wall are cylindrical, or The separator according to claim 1, wherein the first convex wall and the second convex wall have the first direction as the longitudinal direction.

3. The first convex wall and the second convex wall are cylindrical, or The separator according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first convex wall and the second convex wall in the second direction is 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the length of the first convex wall and the second convex wall in the first direction.

4. The first convex walls are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals in the second direction, The separator according to claim 1, wherein the second convex walls are arranged at equal or substantially equal intervals in the second direction.

5. The separator according to claim 1, wherein a gap exists between the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls, where the flow channels of the first group of convex walls and the flow channels of the second group of convex walls merge.

6. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the average length of the displacement of the second group of convex walls relative to the first group of convex walls in the second direction is 0.1 times or more and 1 time or less than the average value of the spacing between the first convex walls aligned in the second direction.

7. The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the Young's modulus of the first and second convex walls in the third direction is 2.5 [GPa] or more.

8. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls are arranged alternately in a first direction.

9. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel, including the flow channel wall and the flow channel groove, has a serpentine flow channel shape.

10. A flow path including a flow path wall and a flow path groove provided between the flow path wall, Supply manifold and Exhaust manifold and A supply communication path connecting one end of the flow path and the supply manifold, It has a discharge connecting passage that connects the other end of the flow path to the discharge manifold, The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path has one or more groups of third convex walls including a plurality of third convex walls and one or more groups of fourth convex walls including a plurality of fourth convex walls. The third and fourth convex walls are aligned in a first direction parallel to the flow channel groove at the end of the flow channel, The length of the third convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 1.1 times or more and 6 times or less the length of the third convex wall in the first direction. The length of the fourth convex wall in the second direction is 1.1 times or more and 6 times or less the length of the fourth convex wall in the first direction. The third group of convex walls and the fourth group of convex walls are separators aligned in the second direction.

11. The separator according to claim 10, wherein the third convex wall and the fourth convex wall are arranged at equal or substantially equal intervals in the first direction.

12. The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The separator according to claim 10, wherein the Young's modulus of the third convex wall and the fourth convex wall in the third direction is 2.5 [GPa] or more.

13. The separator according to claim 10, wherein the third group of convex walls and the fourth group of convex walls are arranged alternately in the second direction.

14. The separator according to claim 10, wherein the flow channel, including the flow channel wall and the flow channel groove, has a serpentine flow channel shape.

15. The supply communication path and / or the discharge communication path further comprises one or more groups of first convex walls including a plurality of first convex walls and one or more groups of second convex walls including a plurality of second convex walls, The first convex wall and the second convex wall are aligned in the first direction in which the fluid flows at the end of the flow path. The length of the first convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the length of the first convex wall in the first direction. The length of the fourth convex wall in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the length of the second convex wall in the first direction. The third convex wall group is aligned with the first convex wall group and the second convex wall group in the first direction, The separator according to claim 10, wherein the fourth group of convex walls is aligned with the first group of convex walls and the second group of convex walls in the first direction.

16. The separator according to claim 10, wherein the third convex wall and / or the fourth convex wall is inclined with respect to the second direction.

17. A-scatter, Cathode and, An electrolyte membrane is placed between the anode and the cathode. A first separator is provided on the side of the anode opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, The cathode has a second separator on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, An electrochemical cell in which the first separator and / or the second separator is the separator described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A stack having the electrochemical cell according to claim 17.

19. An electrolytic apparatus having the electrochemical cell described in claim 17.

20. A fuel cell having the electrochemical cell described in claim 17.

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