Flow-type metal-air battery cells and flow-type metal-air battery stacks

Abstract

The present invention provides a flow-type metal-air battery cell and a flow-type metal-air battery stack that can suppress the deposition of negative electrode active material particles. [Solution] The flow-type metal-air battery cell has an inlet, a first flow path, a negative electrode chamber, a second flow path, and an outlet, and a slurry containing active material particles and electrolyte is guided from the inlet through the first flow path, the negative electrode chamber, and the second flow path in sequence to the outlet, and the negative electrode chamber has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is connected to the first flow path and the outlet is connected to the second flow path layer, and the negative electrode has a negative electrode surface positioned vertically below the negative electrode chamber, the negative electrode surface and the first lower surface positioned vertically below the first flow path are arranged along a first coplane at the inlet, and the negative electrode surface and the second lower surface positioned vertically below the second flow path are arranged along a second coplane at the outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to flow-type metal-air battery cells and flow-type metal-air battery stacks. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a redox flow battery. In this redox flow battery, a negative electrode chamber, an inflow channel, and an outflow channel are formed in a cell stack. The negative electrode electrolyte flows into the negative electrode chamber from the inflow channel and flows out from the negative electrode chamber into the outflow channel. The surface of the bipolar plate constitutes the wall surface of the negative electrode chamber. The wall surface of the negative electrode chamber and the wall surface of the inflow channel form a step. The wall surface of the negative electrode chamber and the wall surface of the outflow channel form a step (paragraphs 0021-0022 and 0024-0027 and Figure 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-215948 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The negative electrode liquid used in a flow-type metal-air battery contains negative electrode active material particles and an electrolyte, and has a slurry-like consistency.

[0005] If a structure similar to that of the redox flow battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 is adopted in a flow-type metal-air battery, negative electrode active material particles will accumulate on the step formed on the wall surface of the negative electrode chamber. This problem is particularly pronounced when a step is formed on the wall surface located vertically below the negative electrode chamber.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure has been made in view of this problem. One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide, for example, a flow-type metal-air battery cell and a flow-type metal-air battery stack that can suppress the deposition of negative electrode active material particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to a first aspect of the present disclosure has an inlet, a first flow path, a negative electrode chamber, a second flow path, and an outlet, through which a slurry containing active material particles and an electrolyte is guided from the inlet through the first flow path, the negative electrode chamber, and the second flow path in sequence to the outlet, and comprises a negative electrode flow path layer having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the first flow path and the outlet being connected to the second flow path, and a negative electrode having a negative electrode surface positioned vertically below the negative electrode chamber, wherein the negative electrode surface and the first lower surface positioned vertically below the first flow path are arranged along a first coplane at the inlet, and the negative electrode surface and the second lower surface positioned vertically below the second flow path are arranged along a second coplane at the outlet.

[0008] A flow-type metal-air battery stack according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a flow-type metal-air battery cell according to a first aspect of the present disclosure and an adjacent flow-type metal-air battery cell adjacent to the flow-type metal-air battery cell, wherein the negative electrode has a back surface on the side opposite to the side with the negative electrode surface, the flow-type metal-air battery cell comprises an insulating member having a first lower surface and a second lower surface, and a sealing portion disposed on the back surface that seals the space between the negative electrode and the insulating member, the adjacent flow-type metal-air battery cell comprises a positive electrode adjacent to the negative electrode, and the sealing portion blocks the flow path of the slurry from the negative electrode surface to the positive electrode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates a flow-type metal-air battery according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode fluid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the positive electrode fluid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a charging stack, a negative electrode liquid, and a positive electrode liquid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a frame member, a sealing portion, a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a positive electrode provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a frame member, a sealing portion, a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a positive electrode provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view schematically showing a negative electrode and a negative electrode flow path layer provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a first sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a second sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a first sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a negative electrode, a negative electrode flow path layer, and a second sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a discharge cell and a negative electrode liquid provided in a discharge stack provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a charging stack, a negative electrode liquid, and a positive electrode liquid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an insulating member, a sealing portion, a negative electrode, a sealing portion, and a negative electrode flow path layer provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an insulating member, a sealing portion, a negative electrode, a sealing portion, and a negative electrode flow path layer provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of a discharge cell provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Flow-Type Metal-Air Battery FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0012] The flow-type metal-air battery 1 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 absorbs oxygen gas OG1 from the air around the flow-type metal-air battery 1 when discharging. The flow-type metal-air battery 1 releases oxygen gas OG2 into the air around the flow-type metal-air battery 1 when being charged.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the flow-type metal-air battery 1 is a flow-type zinc-air battery. Therefore, the negative electrode active material in the flow-type metal-air battery 1 is a zinc species. However, the flow-type metal-air battery 1 may be a flow-type metal-air battery other than the flow-type zinc-air battery. Therefore, the negative electrode active material in the flow-type metal-air battery 1 may be a metal species other than the zinc species. The metal species other than the zinc species are, for example, cadmium species, lithium species, sodium species, magnesium species, lead species, tin species, aluminum species or iron species. The metal constituting the metal species may be composed only of the main component metal, or may be composed of an alloy of the main component metal and a subcomponent. The metal species can be either a metal or an oxide. Which of the metal and the oxide the metal species becomes depends on the progress of the discharge reaction or the charge reaction.

[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flow-type metal-air battery 1 includes a storage unit 11, a discharge unit 12, a charging unit 13, a negative electrode liquid 14 and a positive electrode liquid 15.

[0015] 1.2 Discharge section Oxygen gas OG1 contained in the air surrounding the discharge section 12 flows into the discharge section 12. Negative electrode liquid 14 flows into the discharge section 12 from the storage section 11. The discharge section 12 involves the incoming oxygen gas OG1 and negative electrode liquid 14 in a discharge reaction that generates discharge power, and then discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has been involved in the discharge reaction back to the storage section 11. The discharge section 12 involves the reduced negative electrode active material particles contained in the oxygen gas OG1 and negative electrode liquid 14 in the discharge reaction, oxidizing the reduced negative electrode active material particles and generating active material ions.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the discharge unit 12 includes piping 21, a pump 22, piping 23, a discharge stack 24, and piping 25.

[0017] The piping 21 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the outlet 11a of the storage unit 11 to the inlet 22a of the pump 22. In this way, the piping 21 allows the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 11a to flow into the inlet 22a.

[0018] Pump 22 discharges the negative electrode fluid 14 that has flowed into its inlet 22a from its outlet 22b. In doing so, pump 22 generates a flow of negative electrode fluid 14. As a result, pump 22 sends the negative electrode fluid 14 from the storage unit 11 to the discharge stack 24.

[0019] The piping 23 guides the negative electrode fluid 14 from the outlet 22b of the pump 22 to the inlet 24a of the discharge stack 24. In this way, the piping 23 allows the negative electrode fluid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 22b to flow into the inlet 24a.

[0020] The discharge stack 24 discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed into the inlet 24a of the discharge stack 24 from the outlet 24b of the discharge stack 24. The discharge stack 24 draws in air from around the discharge section 12 through the intake port 24c of the discharge stack 24, absorbs the oxygen gas OG1 contained in the drawn-in air, and exhausts the air that has absorbed the oxygen gas OG1 through the exhaust port 24d of the discharge stack 24. At the same time, the discharge stack 24 involves the absorbed oxygen gas OG1 and the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed into the inlet 24a of the discharge stack 24 in the discharge reaction, and discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has been involved in the discharge reaction from the outlet 24b. The discharge stack 24 outputs the discharge power generated by the discharge reaction.

[0021] The piping 25 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the outlet 24b of the discharge stack 24 to the inlet 11b of the storage unit 11. In this way, the piping 25 allows the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 24b to flow into the inlet 11b.

[0022] 1.3 Live parts The negative electrode liquid 14 flows into the charging unit 13 from the storage unit 11. The charging unit 13 involves the incoming negative electrode liquid 14 in a charging reaction that regenerates the negative electrode liquid 14, and then discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has been involved in the charging reaction back into the storage unit 11. The charging unit 13 involves the active material ions contained in the negative electrode liquid 14 in the charging reaction, reducing the active material ions to generate reduced negative electrode active material particles and produce oxygen gas OG2. The charging unit 13 exhausts the generated oxygen gas OG2 into the air surrounding the charging unit 13.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the charging unit 13 includes piping 31, pump 32, piping 33, piping 34, pump 35, piping 36, power supply 37, charging stack 38, piping 39, and piping 40.

[0024] The piping 31 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the outlet 11c of the storage unit 11 to the inlet 32a of the pump 32. In this way, the piping 31 allows the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 11c to flow into the inlet 32a.

[0025] Pump 32 causes the negative electrode fluid 14 that has flowed into the inlet 32a of pump 32 to flow out through the outlet 32b of pump 32. In doing so, pump 32 generates a flow of negative electrode fluid 14. As a result, pump 32 sends the negative electrode fluid 14 from the storage unit 11 to the charging stack 38.

[0026] The piping 33 guides the negative electrode fluid 14 from the outlet 32b of the pump 32 to the inlet 38a of the charging stack 38. In this way, the piping 33 allows the negative electrode fluid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 32b to flow into the inlet 38a.

[0027] The piping 34 guides the cathode fluid 15 from a supply source (not shown) to the inlet 35a of the pump 35. In this way, the piping 34 allows the cathode fluid 15 that has flowed out of the supply source to flow into the inlet 35a.

[0028] Pump 35 causes the positive electrode liquid 15 that has flowed into the inlet 35a of pump 35 to flow out through the outlet 35b of pump 35. In doing so, pump 35 generates a flow of positive electrode liquid 15. As a result, pump 35 sends the positive electrode liquid 15 from its supply source to the charging stack 38.

[0029] The piping 36 guides the cathode liquid 15 from the outlet 35b of the pump 35 to the inlet 38c of the charging stack 38. In this way, the piping 36 allows the cathode liquid 15 that has flowed out from the outlet 35b to flow into the inlet 38c.

[0030] The power supply 37 inputs charging power to the charging stack 38.

[0031] The charging stack 38 discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has flowed into the inlet 38a of the charging stack 38 from the outlet 38b of the charging stack 38, and discharges the positive electrode liquid 15 that has flowed into the inlet 38c of the charging stack 38 from the outlet 38d of the charging stack 38. At the same time, the charging stack 38 involves the incoming negative electrode liquid 14 and positive electrode liquid 15 in a charging reaction caused by the charging power, discharges the negative electrode liquid 14 that has participated in the charging reaction from the outlet 38b, discharges the positive electrode liquid 15 that has participated in the charging reaction from the outlet 38d, and exhausts the oxygen gas OG2 generated by the charging reaction from the outlet 38d.

[0032] The piping 39 guides the negative electrode fluid 14 from the outlet 38b of the charging stack 38 to the inlet 11d of the storage unit 11. In this way, the piping 39 allows the negative electrode fluid 14 that has flowed out from the outlet 38b to flow into the inlet 11d.

[0033] The piping 40 guides the cathode liquid 15 from the outlet 38d of the charging stack 38 to the source of the cathode liquid 15. In this way, the piping 40 allows the cathode liquid 15 that has flowed out from the outlet 38d to flow into the source of the cathode liquid 15.

[0034] 1.4 Negative electrode solution Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode fluid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the negative electrode solution 14 contains reduced negative electrode active material particles 51, oxidized negative electrode active material particles 52, active material ions 53, and an electrolyte 54. The reduced negative electrode active material particles 51 and the oxidized negative electrode active material particles 52 are solid negative electrode active materials.

[0036] As described above, in the first embodiment, the flow-type metal-air battery 1 is a flow-type zinc-air battery. Therefore, the negative electrode active material particles 51 in the reduced state, the negative electrode active material particles 52 in the oxidized state, and the active material ions 53 are zinc species. The negative electrode active material particles 51 in the reduced state are metallic zinc (Zn) particles. The negative electrode active material particles 52 in the oxidized state are zinc oxide (ZnO) particles. The negative electrode active material particles 51 in the reduced state and the negative electrode active material particles 52 in the oxidized state are dispersed in the electrolyte 54. Therefore, the negative electrode liquid 14 is a slurry. The negative electrode active material particles 51 in the reduced state have a particle size of, for example, several μm. The negative electrode active material particles 52 in the oxidized state have a particle size of, for example, several tens to several hundreds of nm. The active material ions 53 are zincate ions (Zn(OH)4) 2- The active material ions 53 are dissolved in the electrolyte 54.

[0037] The electrolyte 54 is an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The electrolyte 54 may be an aqueous solution other than an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, or an electrolyte other than an aqueous solution, but it is desirable to use an aqueous solution with relatively high ionic conductivity, especially an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution.

[0038] The active material ions 53 are reactants of the charging reaction that occurs in the charging stack 38 and are products of the discharge reaction that occurs in the discharge module. The reduced negative electrode active material particles 51 are products of the charging reaction that occurs in the charging stack 38 and are reactants of the discharge reaction that occurs in the discharge module.

[0039] 1.5 Positive electrode solution Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the cathode solution provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the positive electrode solution 15 contains the electrolyte solution 61.

[0041] The electrolyte 61 is an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide. The electrolyte 61 may be an aqueous solution other than an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, or an electrolyte other than an aqueous solution.

[0042] 1.6 Discharge reaction At the negative electrode of the discharge stack 24, the negative electrode reactions represented by Formula (1) and Formula (2) occur.

[0043] Zn + 4OH - →Zn(OH)4 2- + 2e - (1) Zn(OH)4 2- →ZnO + H2O + 2OH - (2)<00002​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Due to the negative electrode reactions represented by equations (5) and (6), and the positive electrode reaction represented by equation (7), a charging reaction represented by equation (8) occurs in the charging stack 38.

[0052] 2ZnO → 2Zn + O2(8)

[0053] 1.8 Charging Stack Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the charging stack, negative electrode liquid, and positive electrode liquid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the charging stack 38 includes charging cells 71 and 72. The number of charging cells in the charging stack 38 may be increased or decreased from two.

[0055] 1.9 rechargeable cells Figures 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views schematically illustrating the frame member, sealing portion, negative electrode, negative electrode flow channel layer, and positive electrode provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, each charging cell 81 included in charging cells 71 and 72 comprises a frame member 91, a sealing portion 92, a negative electrode 93, a negative electrode flow channel layer 94, a sealing portion 95, a separator 101, a sealing portion 111, a positive electrode flow channel layer 112, a sealing portion 113, and a positive electrode 114.

[0057] The frame member 91, sealing portion 92, negative electrode 93, negative electrode flow channel layer 94, sealing portion 95, separator 101, sealing portion 111, positive electrode flow channel layer 112, sealing portion 113, and positive electrode 114 are stacked in the order described, from the bottom vertically to the top vertically.

[0058] The frame member 91 has a frame-like shape. An opening 91a is formed in the frame member 91. The opening 91a penetrates the frame member 91 in the thickness direction. The opening 91a has a planar shape smaller than the planar shape of the negative electrode 93 and larger than the planar shape of the positive electrode 114. The negative electrode 93 cannot enter the opening 91a, but the positive electrode 114 can enter the opening 91a.

[0059] Holes 91p and 91q are formed in the frame member 91. Holes 91p and 91q penetrate the frame member 91 in the thickness direction of the frame member 91.

[0060] The frame member 91 is made of an insulator.

[0061] The sealing portion 92 has a frame-like shape. An opening 92a is formed in the sealing portion 92. The opening 92a penetrates the sealing portion 92 in the thickness direction. The opening 92a has a planar shape smaller than the planar shape of the negative electrode 93 and larger than the planar shape of the positive electrode 114. The negative electrode 93 can enter the opening 92a, and the positive electrode 114 can enter the opening 92a.

[0062] Holes 92p and 92q are formed in the sealing portion 92. Holes 92p and 92q penetrate the sealing portion 92 in the thickness direction of the sealing portion 92.

[0063] The sealing portion 92 has the same planar shape as the frame member 91.

[0064] The sealing portion 92 is sandwiched between the frame member 91 and the composite of the negative electrode 93 and the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. The sealing portion 92 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 92 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 92 seals the space between the frame member 91 and the composite of the negative electrode 93 and the negative electrode flow channel layer 94.

[0065] The sealing portion 92 is made of an insulator.

[0066] The negative electrode 93 has a plate-like shape. The negative electrode 93 has a negative electrode surface 93i and a back surface 93j. The negative electrode surface 93i and the back surface 93j are main surfaces located on opposite sides of each other.

[0067] The negative electrode 93 is made of a conductor, such as a magnesium alloy or carbon.

[0068] The negative electrode channel layer 94 has a perforated plate shape. The negative electrode channel layer 94 has a first main surface 94i and a second main surface 94j. The first main surface 94i and the second main surface 94j are on opposite sides to each other.

[0069] The negative electrode channel layer 94 has a recess 94a, a first channel 94b, a negative electrode chamber 94c, and a second channel 94d. The recess 94a is formed on the side of the first main surface 94i of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The first channel 94b, the negative electrode chamber 95c, and the second channel 94d are formed on the side of the second main surface 94j of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The negative electrode chamber 94c is located between the negative electrode 93 and the separator 101. The recess 94a and the negative electrode chamber 94c are connected to each other between the first main surface 94i and the second main surface 94j. The first channel 94b and the second channel 94d do not penetrate the negative electrode channel layer 94 in the thickness direction of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The negative electrode channel layer 94 has a first lower surface 121a and a second lower surface 122a, which are located vertically below the first channel 94b and the second channel 94d, respectively. The negative electrode flow channel layer 94 comprises a first insulating portion 121 and a second insulating portion 122, each having a first lower surface 121a and a second lower surface 122a, respectively. The recess 94a has a shape that conforms to the shape of the negative electrode 93. The negative electrode 93 is fitted into the recess 94a. The negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 is positioned vertically below the negative electrode chamber 94c. The first lower surface 121a, the second lower surface 122a, and the negative electrode surface 93i face the first flow channel 94b, the second flow channel 94d, and the negative electrode chamber 94c, respectively. The first insulating portion 121, the negative electrode 93, and the second insulating portion 122 are in contact with the negative electrode liquid 14 flowing through the first flow channel 94b, the second flow channel 94d, and the negative electrode chamber 94c, respectively.

[0070] The first main surface 94i of the negative electrode channel layer 94 and the back surface 93j of the negative electrode 93 form the same plane. The sealing portion 92 abuts against the edges of the first main surface 94i and the back surface 93j. The sealing portion 92 seals the space between the frame member 91 and the composite of the negative electrode 93 and the negative electrode channel layer 94, thereby preventing components of the negative electrode liquid 14 flowing through the negative electrode channel layer 94 from leaking to the positive electrode 114 located on the back surface 93j side of the negative electrode 93.

[0071] An inlet 94p and an outlet 94q are formed in the negative electrode channel layer 94. The inlet 94p and the outlet 94q penetrate the negative electrode channel layer 94 in the thickness direction of the negative electrode channel layer 94.

[0072] The negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode channel layer 94 has an inlet 94k and an outlet 94m. One end of the first channel 94b of the negative electrode channel layer 94 is connected to the inlet 94p of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The other end of the first channel 94b is connected to the inlet 94k. One end of the second channel 94d of the negative electrode channel layer 94 is connected to the outlet 94m. The other end of the second channel 94d is connected to the outlet 94q of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The inlet 94p, the first channel 94b, the negative electrode chamber 94c, the second channel 94d, and the outlet 94q are in communication with each other. The negative electrode channel layer 94 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the inlet 94p through the first channel 94b, the negative electrode chamber 94c, and the second channel 94d in sequence to the outlet 94q.

[0073] The negative electrode active material particles (hereinafter simply referred to as "negative electrode active material particles"), consisting of reduced negative electrode active material particles 51 and oxidized negative electrode active material particles 52, settle vertically downward due to gravity. Therefore, the flow of the negative electrode liquid 14 through the first channel 94b becomes a sliding flow in which the negative electrode active material particles crawl along the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode channel layer 94. The flow of the negative electrode liquid 14 through the negative electrode chamber 94c becomes a sliding flow in which the negative electrode active material particles crawl along the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93. This makes it possible to increase the contact efficiency between the negative electrode active material particles and the negative electrode 93. The flow of the negative electrode liquid 14 through the second channel 94d becomes a sliding flow in which the negative electrode active material particles crawl along the second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode channel layer 94.

[0074] The negative electrode flow channel layer 94 is made of an insulator. The first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 are made of an insulator.

[0075] The sealing portion 95 is sandwiched between the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 and the separator 101. The sealing portion 95 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 95 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 95 seals the space between the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 and the separator 101.

[0076] The sealing portion 95 is made of an insulator.

[0077] The separator 101 has a sheet-like shape. The separator 101 is sandwiched between the sealing portion 95 and the sealing portion 111 and is positioned between the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 and the positive electrode flow channel layer 112. The separator 101 separates the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 from the positive electrode chamber 112c of the positive electrode flow channel layer 112. The separator 101 faces the negative electrode 93 across the negative electrode chamber 94c and faces the positive electrode 114 across the positive electrode chamber 112c.

[0078] The separator 101 suppresses the permeation of reduced negative electrode active material particles 51, oxidized negative electrode active material particles 52, and active material ions 53. As a result, the separator 101 suppresses the movement of reduced negative electrode active material particles 51, oxidized negative electrode active material particles 52, and active material ions 53 from the negative electrode liquid 14 to the positive electrode liquid 15.

[0079] Separator 101 contains hydroxide ions OH - It allows the hydroxide ions OH to pass through. As a result, separator 101 is able to pass them through. - This allows the liquid to move from the negative electrode liquid 14 to the positive electrode liquid 15.

[0080] The sealing portion 111 is sandwiched between the separator 101 and the positive electrode flow channel layer 112. The sealing portion 111 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 111 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 111 seals the space between the separator 101 and the negative electrode flow channel layer 94.

[0081] The sealing portion 111 is made of an insulator.

[0082] The positive electrode channel layer 112 has a perforated plate-like shape.

[0083] A positive electrode chamber 112c is formed in the positive electrode channel layer 112. The positive electrode chamber 112c is located between the positive electrode 114 and the separator 101.

[0084] The positive electrode channel layer 112 is made of an insulator.

[0085] The sealing portion 113 is sandwiched between the positive electrode flow channel layer 112 and the positive electrode 114. The sealing portion 113 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 113 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 113 seals the space between the positive electrode flow channel layer 112 and the positive electrode 114.

[0086] The sealing portion 113 is made of an insulator.

[0087] The positive electrode 114 has a plate-like shape.

[0088] The positive electrode 114 is made of a conductor, such as carbon or nickel.

[0089] The positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 is positioned across the space formed by the opening 91a of the frame member 91 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 adjacent to the charging cell 71 and the opening 92a of the sealing portion 92 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72.

[0090] The positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 and the negative electrode 93 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other. The charging cells 71 and 72 are electrically connected in series. If the positive electrode 114 and the negative electrode 93 that are electrically connected to each other are made of the same material, the positive electrode 114 and the negative electrode 93 that are electrically connected to each other may be a single unit.

[0091] 1.10 Charging Stack Manifold Holes 91p, 92p, and inlet 94p extend along the same straight line, have the same hole shape, and constitute a first manifold through which the negative electrode liquid 14 flows.

[0092] Holes 91q, 92q, and outlet 94q extend along the same straight line, have the same hole shape, and constitute a second manifold through which the negative electrode liquid 14 flows.

[0093] The charging stack 38 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the first manifold through the first channel 94b, the negative electrode chamber 94c, and the second channel 94d to the second manifold.

[0094] 1.11 Step in the negative electrode chamber Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the negative electrode and negative electrode flow channel layer provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode, negative electrode flow channel layer and first sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode, negative electrode flow channel layer and second sealing portion provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0095] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 are arranged along a first coplane 141 at the inlet 94k of the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94, and preferably along the first coplane 141 at both the inlet 94k and other locations. The negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 are arranged along a second coplane 142 at the outlet 94m of the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94, and preferably along the second coplane 142 at both the outlet 94m and other locations. This prevents the formation of steps at the inlet 94k and the outlet 94m. This prevents negative electrode active material particles crawling on the first lower surface 121a, the negative electrode surface 93i, and the second lower surface 122a from being blocked and accumulating due to the formed steps. This prevents the first channel 94b, the negative electrode chamber 94c, and the second channel 94d of the negative electrode channel layer 94 from being blocked by the accumulated negative electrode active material particles. This prevents a decrease in the performance of the flow-type metal-air battery 1. It also prevents the long-term operation of the flow-type metal-air battery 1 from being hindered.

[0096] Preferably, the entire negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the entire first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 are aligned along a first coplane 141. The entire negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the entire second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 are aligned along a second coplane 142. The first coplane 141 and the second coplane 142 coincide. Thus, the negative electrode surface 93i, the first lower surface 121a, and the second lower surface 122a are aligned along the same plane.

[0097] The arrangement of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode channel layer 94 along a first coplane 141 means that the difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a is small enough not to hinder the movement of negative electrode active material particles from the first lower surface 121a onto the negative electrode surface 93i. The arrangement of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode channel layer 94 along a second coplane 142 means that the difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a is small enough not to hinder the movement of negative electrode active material particles from the negative electrode surface 93i onto the second lower surface 122a.

[0098] The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a is less than or equal to the average particle diameter of the negative electrode active material particles at the inlet 94k of the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94, and preferably less than or equal to half the average particle diameter of the negative electrode active material particles. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a is less than or equal to the average particle diameter of the negative electrode active material particles at the outlet 94m of the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94, and preferably less than or equal to half the average particle diameter of the negative electrode active material particles. The average particle diameter can be measured by a particle size distribution analyzer. The particle size distribution analyzer measures the particle size distribution by, for example, laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering, and calculates the median diameter D50 as the average particle diameter from the measured particle size distribution. Since the average particle size of the negative electrode active material particles is about 100 μm, the difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a is 100 μm or less, preferably 50 μm or less, at the inlet 94k. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a is 100 μm or less, preferably 50 μm or less, at the outlet 94m of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. As a result, the negative electrode active material particles can overcome the step formed by these differences through the action of the flow of the negative electrode liquid 14. This prevents the negative electrode active material particles from being blocked and accumulating at the step.

[0099] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, each charging cell 81 may further include a first sealing portion 151 and a second sealing portion 152.

[0100] The first sealing portion 151 is positioned between the negative electrode 93 and the first insulating portion 121, sealing the space between the negative electrode 93 and the first insulating portion 121. The second sealing portion 152 is positioned between the negative electrode 93 and the second insulating portion 122, sealing the space between the negative electrode 93 and the second insulating portion 122.

[0101] As described above, the negative electrode 93 is made of a conductor. The first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 are made of insulators as described above. By making the first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 facing the first flow path 94b and the second flow path 94d of the negative electrode flow path layer 94 out of insulators, it is possible to suppress electrical short circuits between adjacent charging cells 71 and 72. When the negative electrode 93 is made of a conductor and the first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 are made out of insulators, the material constituting the negative electrode 93 and the material constituting the first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 are different from each other. For this reason, an interface or gap is formed between the negative electrode 93 and the first insulating portion 121, and an interface or gap is formed between the negative electrode 93 and the second insulating portion 122. If the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 are not provided, components of the negative electrode fluid 14 may leak through the formed interface or gap. In contrast, if the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 are provided, leakage of components of the negative electrode fluid 14 through the formed interface or gap can be suppressed.

[0102] The vertical position of the upper end of the first sealing portion 151 is the same as or lower than the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93, and the same as or lower than the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. This prevents the first sealing portion 151 from protruding vertically upward from the negative electrode surface 93i or the first lower surface 121a and forming a protrusion. This prevents the negative electrode active material from accumulating near the formed protrusion. The vertical position of the upper end of the second sealing portion 152 is the same as or lower than the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i, and the same as or lower than the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. This prevents the second insulating portion 122 from protruding vertically upward from the negative electrode surface 93i or the second lower surface 122a, thereby preventing the formation of a protrusion. This prevents the negative electrode active material from accumulating near the formed protrusion.

[0103] Preferably, the vertical position of the upper end of the first sealing portion 151 is the same as the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 and the same as the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. This prevents the first sealing portion 151 from recessing vertically downward from the negative electrode surface 93i or the first lower surface 121a to form a recess. This prevents the negative electrode active material from accumulating in the formed recess. Preferably, the vertical position of the upper end of the second sealing portion 152 is the same as the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i and the same as the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a. This prevents the second sealing portion 152 from recessing vertically downward from the negative electrode surface 93i or the second lower surface 122a to form a recess. This prevents the negative electrode active material from accumulating in the formed recess.

[0104] The first sealing portion 151 is formed by welding, fusing, or bonding the negative electrode 93 and the first insulating portion 121 to each other. The second sealing portion 152 is formed by welding, fusing, or bonding the negative electrode 93 and the second insulating portion 122 to each other.

[0105] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode, negative electrode flow channel layer, and first sealing portion provided in the first modified flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the negative electrode, negative electrode flow channel layer, and second sealing portion provided in the first modified flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0106] In the first modification of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93 is lower than the vertical position of the first lower surface 121a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the vertical position of the second lower surface 122a of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 is lower than the vertical position of the negative electrode surface 93i of the negative electrode 93. As a result, the vertical position of the surface on which the negative electrode active material particles crawl becomes lower as they move downstream in the flow of the negative electrode liquid 14. This makes it possible to suppress the accumulation of negative electrode active material particles.

[0107] 1.12 Discharge Stack Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each discharge cell and negative electrode fluid provided in the discharge stack of the flow-type metal-air battery of the first embodiment.

[0108] The discharge stack 24 comprises multiple discharge cells.

[0109] As shown in Figure 12, each discharge cell 161 included in the plurality of discharge cells has a structure in which the sealing portion 111, positive electrode flow channel layer 112, sealing portion 113, and positive electrode 114 provided in each charging cell 81 are replaced with a positive electrode 181, sealing portion 182, and positive electrode flow channel layer 183. The positive electrode flow channel layer 112 may be placed in the opening 91a of the frame member 91 provided in the adjacent discharge cell 161.

[0110] Each discharge cell 161 is provided with a negative electrode 93 made of a conductor, such as carbon, titanium, or nickel.

[0111] The positive electrode 181 has a plate-like shape.

[0112] The positive electrode 181 faces the negative electrode chamber 94c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 94 via the separator 101.

[0113] The positive electrode 181 includes a catalytic material such as manganese dioxide to promote the oxygen reduction reaction, and a conductive material such as carbon.

[0114] The sealing portion 182 is sandwiched between the composite of the separator 101 and the positive electrode 114 and the positive electrode flow channel layer 112. The sealing portion 111 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 182 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 182 seals the space between the composite of the separator 101 and the positive electrode 114 and the positive electrode flow channel layer 112.

[0115] The sealing portion 182 is made of an insulator.

[0116] The positive electrode channel layer 183 has a plate-like shape.

[0117] A positive electrode chamber 183c is formed in the positive electrode channel layer 183.

[0118] The positive electrode channel layer 183 is made of a conductor.

[0119] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For aspects not described, the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment is used in the second embodiment.

[0120] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the charging stack, negative electrode fluid, and positive electrode fluid provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment. Figures 14 and 15 are exploded perspective views illustrating the insulating member, sealing portion, negative electrode, sealing portion, and negative electrode flow channel layer provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment.

[0121] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, each charging cell 81 is equipped with an insulating member 201, a sealing part 202, a negative electrode 203, a sealing part 204, and a negative electrode flow channel layer 205, instead of the frame member 91, sealing part 92, negative electrode 93, and negative electrode flow channel layer 94 in the first embodiment.

[0122] The insulating member 201 has a frame-like shape. Therefore, an opening 201a is formed in the insulating member 201. The opening 201a is formed in the center of the insulating member 201. The opening 201a has a first recess 201b, a second recess 201c, and a third recess 201d. The insulating member 201 has a first main surface 201i and a second main surface 201j. The first main surface 201i and the second main surface 201j are on opposite sides to each other. The first recess 201b is formed on the side of the first main surface 201i. The second recess 201c is formed on the side of the second main surface 201j. The first recess 201b and the second recess 201c are connected to each other between the first main surface 201i and the second main surface 201j. The first recess 201b has a planar shape smaller than the planar shape of the second recess 201c. The insulating member 201 has a facing surface 201k on the outer edge of the first recess 201b. The facing surface 201k faces the edge of the back surface 203j of the negative electrode 203. The third recess 201d is formed on the facing surface 201k. The first recess 201b has a shape that conforms to the shape of the positive electrode 114. The second recess 201c has a shape that conforms to the shape of the negative electrode 203. The third recess 201d has a shape that conforms to the shape of the sealing portion 202. The third recess 201d is a groove with an annular shape. The first flow path 205b and the second flow path 205d of the negative electrode flow path layer 205 penetrate the negative electrode flow path layer 205 in the thickness direction of the negative electrode flow path layer 205. The insulating member 201 has a first lower surface 121a and a second lower surface 122a, which are positioned vertically below the first flow path 205b and the second flow path 205d, respectively.

[0123] Holes 201p and 201q are formed in the insulating member 201. Holes 201p and 201q penetrate the insulating member 201 in the thickness direction.

[0124] The sealing portion 202 has an annular shape. The sealing portion 202 fits into the third recess 201d. The sealing portion 202 is positioned on the back surface 203j and the opposing surface 201k, and is sandwiched between the back surface 203j and the opposing surface 201k, by fitting into the third recess 201d formed on the opposing surface 201k of the insulating member 201 that faces the edge of the back surface 203j of the negative electrode 203. The sealing portion 202 may use an elastic material such as rubber, or it may be a part formed by welding, fusing, or bonding the insulating member 201 and the negative electrode 203 to each other. From the viewpoint of maintainability, it is desirable to use an elastic material such as rubber for the sealing portion 202 so that it can be disassembled even after assembly. The sealing portion 202 seals the space between the negative electrode 203 and the insulating member 201. As a result, the sealing portion 202 provided on the charging cell 72 blocks the flow path of the negative electrode fluid 14 from the negative electrode surface 203i of the negative electrode 203 provided on the charging cell 72 to the positive electrode 114 provided on the adjacent charging cell 71 adjacent to the charging cell 72. By positioning the sealing portion 202 on the back surface 203j, it is possible to suppress the formation of a step on the negative electrode surface 203i side of the negative electrode 203 for sealing purposes.

[0125] The negative electrode 203 is fitted into the second recess 201c of the insulating member 201. The negative electrode 203 is positioned in the opening 201a of the insulating member 201. The second main surface 201j of the insulating member 201 and the negative electrode surface 203i of the negative electrode 203 form the same plane.

[0126] The positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 is positioned in the first recess 201b of the insulating member 201 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 adjacent to the charging cell 71. The positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 is positioned in the opening 201a of the insulating member 201 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72. By positioning the positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 and the negative electrode 203 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 in the first recess 201b and the second recess 201c, which are connected to each other, the positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 and the negative electrode 203 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 can be brought into contact with each other. This allows the positive electrode 114 provided in the charging cell 71 and the negative electrode 203 provided in the adjacent charging cell 72 to be electrically connected to each other.

[0127] The negative electrode 203 has a smaller shape than the planar shape of the positive electrode 114. The back surface 203j of the negative electrode 203 provided in the charging cell 72 includes a first region 203m facing the positive electrode 114 provided in the adjacent charging cell 71 and a second region 203n that does not face the positive electrode 114 provided in the adjacent charging cell 71. The sealing portion 202 provided in the charging cell 72 is positioned on the second region 203n. This allows the negative electrode 203 provided in the charging cell 72 and the positive electrode 114 provided in the adjacent charging cell 71 to be electrically connected to each other, while blocking the flow path of the negative electrode liquid 14 from the negative electrode surface 203i of the negative electrode 203 provided in the charging cell 72 to the positive electrode 114 provided in the adjacent charging cell 71.

[0128] The sealing portion 204 has the same planar shape as the negative electrode flow channel layer 205.

[0129] The sealing portion 204 is sandwiched between the composite of the insulating member 201, the sealing portion 202, and the negative electrode 203, and the negative electrode flow channel layer 205. The sealing portion 204 has a sheet-like shape. The sealing portion 204 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The sealing portion 204 seals the space between the composite of the insulating member 201, the sealing portion 202, and the negative electrode 203, and the negative electrode flow channel layer 205.

[0130] The negative electrode chamber 205c of the negative electrode flow channel layer 205 is a flow channel with a zigzag planar shape. Therefore, the negative electrode chamber 205c has a plurality of parallel sections 205x and a plurality of corner sections 205y. The negative electrode flow channel layer 205 is also provided with partition walls 211 that separate the plurality of parallel sections 205x from each other. The plurality of parallel sections 205x are parallel to each other. Each corner section 205y included in the plurality of corner sections 205y connects one end of two adjacent parallel sections 205x to each other. As a result, the negative electrode flow channel layer 205 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the parallel section 205x through the corner section 205y to the parallel section 205x downstream of the parallel section 205x.

[0131] Between the partition wall 211 and the negative electrode 203, there is a partition-negative electrode sealing portion 221 that seals the space between the partition wall 211 and the negative electrode 203. The partition-negative electrode sealing portion 221 is part of the sealing portion 204. This prevents a portion of the negative electrode liquid 14, which is to be guided from the parallel section 205x through the corner section 205y to the parallel section 205x downstream of the parallel section 205x, from flowing between the partition wall 211 and the negative electrode 203. This prevents a portion of the negative electrode liquid 14 from bypassing a portion of the negative electrode chamber 205c. This prevents the flow velocity of the negative electrode liquid 14 flowing through the negative electrode chamber 205c from slowing down. This prevents negative electrode active material particles from accumulating in the negative electrode chamber 205c.

[0132] An inlet 205p and an outlet 205q are formed in the negative electrode channel layer 205. The inlet 205p and the outlet 205q penetrate the negative electrode channel layer 205 in the thickness direction of the negative electrode channel layer 205.

[0133] The holes 201p and 205p extend along the same straight line, have the same hole shape, and constitute a first manifold through which the negative electrode liquid 14 flows.

[0134] The holes 201q and 205q extend along the same straight line, have the same hole shape, and constitute a second manifold through which the negative electrode liquid 14 flows.

[0135] The charging stack 38 guides the negative electrode liquid 14 from the first manifold through the first flow path 205b, the negative electrode chamber 205c, and the second flow path 205d to the second manifold.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the discharge cell 161 has a structure in which the sealing portion 111, positive electrode flow channel layer 112, sealing portion 113, and positive electrode 114 provided in each charging cell 81 are replaced with a positive electrode 181, sealing portion 182, and positive electrode flow channel layer 183 as shown in Figure 12. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a discharge cell provided in the flow-type metal-air battery of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the discharge cell 161 has a structure in which the sealing portion 111, positive electrode flow channel layer 112, sealing portion 113, and positive electrode 114 provided in each charging cell 81 are replaced with a positive electrode 181, sealing portion 182, and positive electrode flow channel layer 183. In the charging cell 71 shown in Figure 13, the positive electrode 114 is positioned in the opening 201a of the insulating member 201, whereas in the charging cell 71 shown in Figure 16, the positive electrode flow channel layer 183 is positioned in the opening 201a of the insulating member 201.

[0137] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1. Flow-type metal-air battery 11 Storage section 11a Outlet 11b Inlet 11c Outlet 11d Inlet 12 Discharge section 13 Live parts 14. Negative electrode solution 15 Positive electrode solution 21 Piping 22 pumps 22a Inlet 22b Outlet 23 Piping 24 discharge stacks 24a Inlet 24b Outlet 24c air intake 24d Exhaust port 25 Piping 31 Piping 32 pumps 32a Inlet 32b Outlet 33 Piping 34 Piping 35 pumps 35a Inlet 35b Outlet 36 Piping 37 Power supply 38 charging stacks 38a Inlet 38b Outlet 38c inlet 38d Outlet 39 Piping 40 Piping 51 Reduced state negative electrode active material particles 52. Anode active material particles in an oxidized state 53 Active material ions 54 Electrolyte 61 Electrolyte 71 rechargeable cells 72 rechargeable cells 81 rechargeable cells 91 Frame member 91a aperture 91p hole 91q hole 92 Sealing part 92a aperture 92p hole 92q hole 93 Negative electrode 93i negative side 93j Reverse side 94 Negative electrode channel layer 94a Recess 94b First channel 94c negative electrode chamber 94d Second channel 94i First main surface 94j Second main surface 94k entrance 94m exit 94p inlet 94q outlet 95 Sealing part 101 Separator 111 Sealing part 112 Positive electrode channel layer 112c Positive electrode chamber 113 Sealing part 114 Positive electrode 121 First insulating part 121a First lower surface 122 Second insulating section 122a Second lower surface 141 The first coplanar 142 The second coplanar 151 First sealing section 152 Second sealing section 161 Discharge Cells 162 discharge cells 171 Discharge Cell 181 Positive electrode 182 Sealing part 183 Positive electrode channel layer 183c Positive electrode chamber 201 Insulating material 201a aperture 201b First recess 201c Second recess 201d Third recess 201i First main surface 201j Second main surface 201p hole 201q hole 201k Opposite side 202 Sealing section 202p hole 202q hole 203 Negative electrode 203i negative side 203j back side 203m, Area 1 203n Second Region 204 Sealing section 205 Negative electrode channel layer 205c Negative electrode chamber 205p inlet 205q Outlet 205x Parallel section 205y Corner section 211 Bulkhead 221 Seal between partition wall and negative electrode OG1 Oxygen Gas OG2 Oxygen Gas

Claims

1. An inlet, a first channel, a negative electrode chamber, a second channel, and an outlet are formed, and a slurry containing active material particles and electrolyte is guided from the inlet through the first channel, the negative electrode chamber, and the second channel in sequence to the outlet, and the negative electrode chamber has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is connected to the first channel, and the outlet is connected to the second channel, and the negative electrode channel layer A negative electrode having a negative electrode surface positioned vertically below the negative electrode chamber, Equipped with, The negative electrode surface and the first lower surface positioned vertically below the first flow path are arranged along the first coplane at the inlet. The negative electrode surface and the second lower surface positioned vertically below the second flow path are arranged along the second coplane at the outlet. Flow-type metal-air battery cell.

2. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the first lower surface is less than or equal to the average particle diameter of the active material particles at the inlet. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the second lower surface is less than or equal to the average particle diameter at the outlet. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1.

3. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the first lower surface is 100 μm or less at the inlet. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the second lower surface is 100 μm or less at the outlet. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the first lower surface is 50 μm or less at the inlet. The difference between the vertical position of the negative electrode surface and the vertical position of the second lower surface is 50 μm or less at the outlet. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The vertical position of the negative electrode surface is lower than the vertical position of the first lower surface. The vertical position of the second lower surface is lower than the vertical position of the negative pole surface. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The negative electrode surface, the first lower surface, and the second lower surface are arranged along the same plane. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A first insulating portion made of an insulator and having the first lower surface, A second insulating part made of an insulator and having the second lower surface, A first sealing portion that seals the space between the negative electrode and the first insulating portion, A second sealing portion that seals the space between the negative electrode and the second insulating portion, Equipped with, The vertical position of the upper end of the first insulating portion is the same as or lower than the vertical position of the negative electrode surface, and the same as or lower than the vertical position of the lower surface of the first insulating portion. The vertical position of the upper end of the second insulating portion is the same as or lower than the vertical position of the negative electrode surface, and the same as or lower than the vertical position of the lower surface of the second insulating portion. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1.

8. The first sealing portion is a portion formed by welding, fusing, or bonding the negative electrode and the first insulating portion to each other. The second sealing portion is formed by welding, fusing, or bonding the negative electrode and the second insulating portion to each other. The flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 7.

9. The negative electrode has a back surface on the side opposite to the side with the negative electrode surface, The device comprises an insulating member having the first lower surface and the second lower surface, and a sealing portion disposed on the back surface that seals the space between the negative electrode and the insulating member. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1.

10. The insulating member has a facing surface that faces the back surface, The sealing portion is arranged on the opposing surface. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 9.

11. The sealing portion has an annular shape. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 9.

12. The insulating member has a recess formed in which the negative electrode fits. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The negative electrode chamber has a plurality of sections, The negative electrode channel layer is provided with partitions that separate the plurality of sections from each other. The partition wall and the negative electrode are provided with a partition wall-negative electrode sealing portion that seals the space between the partition wall and the negative electrode. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A recess is formed in the negative electrode channel layer into which the negative electrode is fitted. The negative electrode channel layer has the first lower surface and the second lower surface A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A frame member having an opening having a planar shape smaller than the planar shape of the negative electrode, A sealing portion having the same planar shape as the frame member and sealing the space between the frame member and the composite of the negative electrode flow channel layer and the negative electrode, Equipped with A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 14.

16. A flow-type metal-air battery cell according to claim 9, An adjacent flow-type metal-air battery cell to the aforementioned flow-type metal-air battery cell, Equipped with, The adjacent flow type metal-air battery cell comprises a positive electrode adjacent to the negative electrode, The sealing portion blocks the flow path of the slurry from the negative electrode surface to the positive electrode. Flow-type metal-air battery stack.

17. The insulating member is formed with openings in which the negative electrode and the positive electrode are arranged. The flow-type metal-air battery stack according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned back surface has a first region facing the positive electrode and a second region that does not face the positive electrode and surrounds the first region. The sealing portion is positioned on the second region. The flow-type metal-air battery stack according to claim 16 or 17.

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