Electrochemical cell apparatus, modules, and module housings

Abstract

To provide highly durable electrochemical cell devices, modules, and module housings. [Solution] The electrochemical cell device comprises a first end current collector member and a second end current collector member, and a cell stack. The first end current collector member and the second end current collector member are located at both ends in the first direction. The cell stack is located between the first end current collector member and the second end current collector member and has a plurality of cells arranged in the first direction. Each of the plurality of cells is an electrochemical cell having a solid oxide type element part. The first end current collector member is a corrugated sheet member with a thickness t and a wave shape with a pitch P that is continuous in the second direction intersecting the first direction. The ratio of pitch P to thickness t, P / t, is 3.0 or more and 22.0 or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrochemical cell apparatus, a module, and a module housing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell cell stack devices, which have multiple fuel cell cells, have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell is a type of electrochemical cell that can generate electricity using a fuel gas such as hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air.

[0003] In such a fuel cell cell stack device, for example, end current collectors are provided at the ends of the cell stack in the direction of arrangement of the multiple fuel cell cells. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-162357 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, conventional fuel cell stack devices had room for improvement in terms of durability.

[0006] One embodiment aims to provide a highly durable electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrochemical cell device according to one embodiment comprises a first end current collector member and a second end current collector member and a cell stack. The first end current collector member and the second end current collector member are located at both ends in a first direction. The cell stack is located between the first end current collector member and the second end current collector member and has a plurality of cells arranged in the first direction. Each of the plurality of cells is an electrochemical cell having a solid oxide element portion. The first end current collector member is a corrugated sheet member with a thickness t and a wave shape with a pitch P that is continuous in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The ratio of the pitch P to the thickness t, P / t, is 3.0 or more and 22.0 or less.

[0008] Furthermore, the module of this disclosure comprises the electrochemical cell apparatus described above and a housing container for housing the electrochemical cell apparatus.

[0009] Furthermore, the module housing device of this disclosure comprises the module described above, an auxiliary device for operating the module, and an outer case for housing the module and the auxiliary device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, a highly durable electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a plan view showing an example of an electrochemical cell in the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the AA line shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the AA line shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a module housing device according to an embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

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

[0014] [Embodiment] <Configuration of Electrochemical Cell> First, with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the electrochemical cell included in the electrochemical cell device according to the embodiment will be described using an example of a solid oxide fuel cell. The electrochemical cell device includes a cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. An electrochemical cell device having a plurality of electrochemical cells is simply referred to as a cell stack device.

[0015] Figure 1A is a plan view showing an example of an electrochemical cell in the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of line AA shown in Figure 1A. Figures 1A and 1B show enlarged views of some of the components of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may simply be referred to as a cell.

[0016] For the sake of clarity, Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z-axis, where the vertically upward direction is positive and the vertically downward direction is negative. This Cartesian coordinate system may also be shown in other diagrams used in later explanations. Furthermore, components with the same reference numerals as those in the electrochemical cell shown in Figures 1A and 1B are used, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the cell 1 according to this embodiment comprises an element section 3, a metal plate 23, and a bonding layer 30. The element section 3 has a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8.

[0018] The fuel electrode 5 is a second electrode in contact with the fuel gas, which is a reducing gas. The fuel electrode 5 is gas permeable. The open porosity of the fuel electrode 5 may be in the range of, for example, 30% to 50%, and particularly 35% to 45%. The open porosity of the fuel electrode 5 is sometimes referred to as the porosity or void ratio of the fuel electrode 5.

[0019] The fuel electrode 5 can be made from materials that are generally known. The fuel electrode 5 may be made from porous conductive ceramics, such as ceramics containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 in which rare earth element oxides are in solid solution, and Ni and / or NiO. These rare earth element oxides may include multiple rare earth elements selected from, for example, Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The ZrO2 in which calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or rare earth element oxides are in solid solution is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. The stabilized zirconia may include partially stabilized zirconia. The fuel electrode 5 may also contain CeO2 in which La, Nd, or Yb are in solid solution.

[0020] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and transfers ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties and makes it difficult for fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to leak.

[0021] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO2 in which 3 mol% to 15 mol% of rare earth element oxides are solid-dissolved. The rare earth element oxides may contain, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may contain, for example, ZrO2 in which Yb, Sc, or Gd is solid-dissolved, may contain CeO2 in which La, Nd, or Yb is solid-dissolved, may contain BaZrO3 in which Sc or Yb is solid-dissolved, or may contain BaCeO3 in which Sc or Yb is solid-dissolved.

[0022] The air electrode 8 is a first electrode in contact with an oxygen-containing gas. The air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, in the range of 20% to 50%, particularly 30% to 50%. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may also be referred to as the void ratio of the air electrode 8.

[0023] The material of the air electrode 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for air electrodes. The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3-type perovskite oxide.

[0024] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La x Sr 1-x Co y Fe 1-y O3, La x Sr 1-x MnO3, La x Sr 1-x FeO3, La x Sr 1-x CoO3, etc. Here, x is 0 < x < 1 and y is 0 < y < 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the element portion 3 may have an intermediate layer 7 located between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8. When the element portion 3 has an intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for specific elements to diffuse. For example, if Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, SrZrO3, which has high electrical resistance, is likely to form in the solid electrolyte layer 6. The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for compounds with high electrical resistance, such as SrZrO3, to form in the solid electrolyte layer 6 by making it difficult for specific elements such as Sr to diffuse.

[0026] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it generally prevents the diffusion of elements between the air electrode 8 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. The material of the intermediate layer 7 may, for example, contain cerium oxide (CeO2) in which rare earth elements other than Ce (cerium) are dissolved. Such rare earth elements may include, for example, Gd (gadolinium) and Sm (samarium).

[0027] The metal plate 23 has surfaces 231 and 232 located at both ends in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction). Surface 231 is positioned opposite the bonding layer 30. Surface 232 is positioned on the opposite side of surface 231.

[0028] The metal plate 23 is electrically conductive. The metal plate 23 may also be a metal component containing, for example, chromium. The metal plate 23 may also be stainless steel, such as heat-resistant ferritic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel. The metal plate 23 may also be a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. The metal plate 23 may also contain, for example, a metal oxide. Furthermore, the metal plate 23 may have a coating covering its surface. The metal plate 23 does not necessarily have a coating on its surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the metal plate 23 has a plurality of through holes 23a. The through holes 23a penetrate between the surface 231 and the surface 232. The fuel gas flowing through the flow path 24, which will be described later, is supplied to the fuel electrode 5 of the element section 3 through the through holes 23a. The diameter (opening diameter) of the through holes 23a may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and particularly 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The opening ratio in the region where the through holes 23a are formed in the metal plate 23 viewed in plan along the Y-axis direction may be, for example, 10% or more. The metal plate 23 may have a coating covering the wall surface of the through holes 23a. The metal plate 23 does not have to have a coating on the wall surface of the through holes 23a.

[0030] The metal plate 23 may, for example, be gas permeable. Furthermore, the sealing material 9 may be located on the side surface of the metal plate 23.

[0031] The bonding layer 30 is located between the element portion 3 and the metal plate 23. The bonding layer 30 is located between the surface 231 of the metal plate 23 and the fuel electrode 5.

[0032] The flow path member 25 is located on the side of the metal plate 23 that faces 232. The flow path member 25 is fixed and electrically joined to the surface 232, for example, by welding at the contact portion. The flow path member 25 may also be fixed and electrically joined to the metal plate 23 with a conductive sealing material or brazing material. The space located between the metal plate 23 and the flow path member 25 is a flow path 24 through which the fuel gas flows. The fuel gas flowing through the flow path 24 is supplied to the fuel electrode 5 by passing through the metal plate 23. The metal plate 23 may have one or more protrusions projecting toward the flow path member 25. In addition, a sealing material 9 may be located on the side surface of the flow path member 25.

[0033] The material of the flow channel member 25 is a dense metal or alloy. The flow channel member 25 reduces leakage of fuel gas flowing through the flow channel 24 and oxygen-containing gas flowing on the opposite side of the flow channel 24, with the flow channel member 25 in between. The flow channel member 25 may have a coating layer. For example, the surface of the flow channel member 25 facing the flow channel 24 may have a reduction-resistant coating layer, and the surface 251 facing the opposite side of the flow channel 24 may have an oxidation-resistant coating layer. These coating layers may be conductive.

[0034] The flow path member 25 may be further fixed to a current collector (not shown) by welding or other means and electrically connected. The current collector may be fixed to the air pole 8 of an adjacent cell 1 via an adhesive (not shown) and electrically connected.

[0035] Furthermore, the surfaces of the bonding layer 30 that are not in contact with the metal plate 23 and the element portion 3 may be covered with the sealing material 9.

[0036] The shape of the flow channel member 25 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1B. Any shape is acceptable as long as it electrically connects adjacent cells 1 and minimizes leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas.

[0037] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line AA shown in Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 1C, the flow channel member 25 may have a first protrusion projecting toward an adjacent cell 1 along the Y-axis direction and a second protrusion projecting toward the opposite side of the first protrusion. Such a flow channel member 25 may also serve as a current collector.

[0038] Furthermore, cell 1 may have a restraining layer (not shown). The restraining layer may be located between the element portion 3 and the metal plate 23. The restraining layer works in cooperation with the solid electrolyte layer 6 to prevent warping or bending of the element portion 3.

[0039] The material of the constraining layer exhibits a shrinkage rate similar to that of the solid electrolyte layer 6 during firing. The material of the constraining layer may be the same as the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6. The element 3 obtained by sandwiching the material of the fuel electrode 5 of the element 3 between the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the material of the constraining layer and firing it will have less warping or deformation.

[0040] The restraining layer may or may not be gas permeable. If the restraining layer has gas barrier properties similar to those of the solid electrolyte layer 6, the restraining layer can be partially positioned so as not to obstruct the inflow of fuel gas to the fuel electrode 5.

[0041] Cell 1 may also have a gas diffusion layer, which is not shown. The gas diffusion layer is located between the fuel electrode 5 and the metal plate 23. The gas diffusion layer is gas permeable and allows the fuel gas flowing through the channel 2a (described later) to permeate to the fuel electrode 5. The open porosity of the gas diffusion layer may be, for example, in the range of 30% to 50%, and particularly 35% to 45%.

[0042] The material for the gas diffusion layer may be a porous conductive ceramic, such as a ceramic containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or stabilized or partially stabilized zirconia in which a rare earth element oxide is in solid solution, and Ni and / or NiO. This rare earth element oxide may contain, for example, multiple rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb.

[0043] The material of the gas diffusion layer reduces, for example, the shrinkage of the fuel electrode 5 during firing. This makes it possible to bring the degree of shrinkage of the fuel electrode 5 and the solid electrolyte layer 6 (see Figure 1B) closer together during firing, resulting in less warping or deformation of the element portion 3 in the cell 1 having a gas diffusion layer.

[0044] Furthermore, the material of the gas diffusion layer is similar to that of the fuel electrode 5, and the temperature at which the gas diffusion layer material begins to shrink is close to that of the fuel electrode 5 material. However, the rare earth element oxides inhibit the densification of the gas diffusion layer. As a result, the gas diffusion layer has appropriate gas permeability while making it less likely for the element part 3 to deform. Therefore, the cell 1 having the gas diffusion layer has improved adhesion between the element part 3 and the bonding layer 30, and thus improved durability.

[0045] <Configuration of an electrochemical cell system> Next, the electrochemical cell apparatus using the cell 1 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 2B is a top view showing an example of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the cell stack device 10 comprises a cell stack 11 and an end current collector member 17.

[0047] The cell stack 11 has a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell 1. The cell stack 11 may have conductive members (not shown) located between adjacent cells 1. The conductive members electrically connect the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 and the air electrode 8 of the other adjacent cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive members connect a flow path member 25 electrically connected to the fuel electrode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 to the air electrode 8 of the other adjacent cell 1. If the flow path member 25 is made of metal or an alloy, the flow path member 25 and the conductive member may be integrated, or the flow path member 25 may also function as the conductive member.

[0048] The end current collector 17 is electrically connected to the outermost cell 1 in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the multiple cells 1. The end current collector 17 has a first end current collector 17a and a second end current collector 17b located at both ends in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell 1. The end current collector 17 is made of a dense metal or alloy. The end current collector 17 may have a conductive coating layer. The coating layer may be oxidation resistant.

[0049] The end current collector 17 is connected to the conductive part 19. The conductive part 19 is a busbar portion that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive part 19 collects the electricity generated by the cell 1 and draws it out to the outside.

[0050] Furthermore, the conductive portion 19 of the cell stack device 10 may have a first terminal 19a and a second terminal 19b. One of the first terminal 19a and the second terminal 19b may be a positive terminal and the other a negative terminal.

[0051] The positive terminal is the positive terminal when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the positive terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11. The negative terminal is the negative terminal when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the negative terminal end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11. The positive terminal may be, for example, the first terminal 19a. The negative terminal may be, for example, the second terminal 19b.

[0052] The fixing member 12 includes a sealing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The sealing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also includes a support body 15 and a gas tank 16. The support body 15 and the gas tank 16, which make up the support member 14, are made of metal and are electrically conductive.

[0053] The support 15 has insertion holes into which the ends of multiple cells 1 are inserted. The ends of the multiple cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion holes are joined together with a sealing material 13.

[0054] The gas tank 16 has an opening in the support 15 (not shown) through an insertion hole (not shown) that supplies reaction gas to a plurality of cells 1, and a groove (not shown) located around the opening. The outer end of the support 15 is joined to the gas tank 16 by a sealing material 13 filled in the groove of the gas tank 16.

[0055] In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 formed by a support member 14, which is a support body 15, and a gas tank 16. A gas flow pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The arrangement of the gas flow pipe 20 is not limited to that shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The gas flow pipe 20 may be connected to other parts of the gas tank 16, for example, a surface located in the X-axis direction, a surface located in the Z-axis direction, or any other desired location. The gas flow pipe 20 may also have an extension into the internal space 22 of the gas tank 16. This extension may have an opening that supplies fuel gas to the internal space 22 at a desired location in the internal space 22.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2A, the joint between the inner wall of the insertion hole in the support 15 and the end of the cell 1 is filled with and solidified with sealing material 13. This joins and fixes the inner wall of the insertion hole to the ends of the multiple cells 1, and also joins and fixes the ends of the cells 1 to each other. The flow path 24 of each cell 1 (see Figure 1B) communicates with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at its end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0057] The sealing material 13 can be made of a material with low conductivity, such as glass. Specific materials for the sealing material 13 may include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass.

[0058] As the crystallized glass, any of the following materials may be used, for example: SiO2-CaO system, MgO-B2O3 system, La2O3-B2O3-MgO system, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO system, SiO2-CaO-ZnO system, and in particular, SiO2-MgO system materials may be used.

[0059] The fixing member 12 may include a first fixing member 12a having a support 15a with an insertion hole into which one end of a plurality of cells 1 is inserted, a gas tank 16a, and a support member 14a that supports one end of a cell 1. The fixing member 12 may also include a second fixing member 12b having a support 15b with an insertion hole into which the other ends of a plurality of cells 1 are inserted, a gas tank 16b, and a support member 14b that supports the other end of a cell 1.

[0060] The first fixed member 12a has an internal space 22a formed by the support member 14a, which is the support body 15a, and the gas tank 16a. A gas flow pipe 20a is connected to the gas tank 16a. Fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16a through this gas flow pipe 20a and from the gas tank 16a to the flow path 24 (see Figure 1B) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16a may be generated in a reformer (not shown).

[0061] Hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming of the raw fuel. When fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0062] The second fixing member 12b has an internal space 22b formed by the support member 14b, which is the support body 15b, and the gas tank 16b. A gas flow pipe 20b is connected to the gas tank 16b. Gas discharged from the flow path 24 (see Figure 1B) inside the cell 1 is collected in the internal space 22b. The gas collected in the internal space 22b is discharged to the outside of the cell stack device 10 through the gas flow pipe 20b.

[0063] In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the cell stacking device 10 comprises a single row of cell stacks 11 and a pair of fixing members 12, namely a first fixing member 12a and a second fixing member 12b, located at both ends of the cell stack 11. The cell stacking device 10 may also comprise two or more cell stacks 11. Furthermore, the cell stacking device 10 does not necessarily require the second fixing member 12b.

[0064] <Key components of an electrochemical cell apparatus> Next, the main parts of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3A. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3A, the first end current collector 17a, located at the end in the Y-axis direction as the first direction, is joined to the first cell 1A, which is located at the end of the plurality of cells 1 on the positive Y-axis side. The first end current collector 17a may also be joined to the air electrode 8 of the element portion 3 of the first cell 1A.

[0066] The first end current collector 17a is a corrugated sheet member having a wave shape with a pitch P that is continuous in the X-axis direction, which is a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first end current collector 17a has a plurality of first peaks t01 located away from the first cell 1A. The pitch P of the first end current collector 17a is the average distance between adjacent first peaks t01 in the X-axis direction, which is the second direction. The pitch P may be, for example, 5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0067] Furthermore, the first end current collector member 17a has a thickness t. The thickness t may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The thickness t may be the average thickness of the first end current collector member 17a.

[0068] Furthermore, the ratio of the pitch P to the thickness t of the first end current collector member 17a, P / t, is between 3.0 and 22.0. This increases the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0069] For example, if P / t is less than 3.0, air will not flow easily between the first end current collector 17a and the air electrode 8, causing the cell stack 11 to become hotter and the deformation of the cell 1 to increase. Also, if the thickness t is excessively large relative to the pitch P, the flexibility of the first end current collector 17a will be reduced. As a result, the deformation of the first end current collector 17a will not be able to follow the deformation of the cell stack 11 due to temperature changes, and the first end current collector 17a will be more likely to detach from the cell stack 11.

[0070] Furthermore, if P / t exceeds 22.0, for example, the flexibility of the first end current collector 17a tends to decrease, making it difficult for the deformation of the first end current collector 17a to follow the deformation of the cell stack 11 due to temperature changes, thus making it easier for the first end current collector 17a to peel off from the air electrode 8. Also, if the thickness t becomes excessively small, the strength of the first end current collector 17a tends to decrease. In addition, the electrical resistance of the first end current collector 17a tends to increase, which tends to reduce power generation performance.

[0071] To evaluate the effect of P / t on the durability and power generation performance of the cell stack device, cell stacks were fabricated using metal corrugated members with different P / t values ​​as the first end current collector members 17a, and temperature cycle tests were conducted. The following corrugated members were prepared: Example 1 (P / t=3.0, P=3.0mm, t=1.0mm), Example 2 (P / t=8.0, P=8.0mm, t=1.0mm), Example 3 (P / t=22.0, P=11.0mm, t=0.5mm), Comparative Example 1 (P / t=2.5, P=5.0mm, t=2.0mm), and Comparative Example 2 (P / t=37.0, P=11.0mm, t=0.3).

[0072] A temperature cycle test was performed on cell stacks 11 using the five types of corrugated sheet material described above as the first end current collector 17a. The temperature cycle test consisted of 30 cycles, each consisting of heating from room temperature (25°C) to 750°C and cooling from 750°C to room temperature (25°C). After the temperature cycle test, each cell stack 11 was visually inspected and its power generation was evaluated. In the cell stacks 11 of Examples 1 to 3, which are within the scope of this embodiment, no delamination was observed between the first end current collector 17a and the cell stack 11, and the power generation performance was good. In contrast, in the cell stack 11 of Comparative Example 1, delamination was observed between the first end current collector 17a and the cell stack 11, and the power generation performance was low. In the cell stack 11 of Comparative Example 2, the electrical resistance was high, and the power generation performance was low.

[0073] Thus, according to the cell stack device 10 of this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be increased by defining the ratio P / t of the pitch P to the thickness t of the first end current collector member 17a which has a wave shape.

[0074] Figures 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views showing another example of an electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0075] The first end current collector 17a has a current collection region 170 that is joined to the first cell 1A, which is one of the multiple cells 1 and faces the first end current collector 17a.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3B, when the current collection region 170 is divided into three equal parts in the X-axis direction as the second direction, with the center being the first part 171 and the sides of the first part 171 being the second part 172 and the third part 173, respectively, the pitch P of the first end current collector member 17a may differ in each part of the current collection region 170. Specifically, the pitch P1 of the first end current collector member 17a in the first part 171 may be smaller than the pitch P2 in the second part 172 and the pitch P3 in the third part 173.

[0077] Of the current collection area 170, the central portion of the first cell 1A facing the first portion 171 located in the center in the X-axis direction is more prone to heat buildup and deformation compared to other portions. Therefore, by making the pitch P1 of the first portion 171 smaller than the pitch P2 of the second portion 172 and the pitch P3 of the third portion 173, the ability of the first end current collector 17a to follow the deformation of the first cell 1A is improved. As a result, the first end current collector 17a is less likely to detach from the air pole 8 of the first cell 1A, further improving the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3C, the valley depth of the first end current collector 17a may differ in each part of the current collection region 170. Specifically, the valley depth D1 of the first end current collector 17a in the first part 171 may be greater than the valley depth D2 in the second part 172 and the valley depth D3 in the third part 173.

[0079] The first end current collector 17a has a plurality of first peaks t01 located away from the first cell 1A, and a plurality of second peaks t02 that are in contact with or close to the first cell 1A. The valley depth of the first end current collector 17a is the average distance along the Y-axis between adjacent first peaks t01 and second peaks t02 in the X-axis direction, which is the second direction.

[0080] By making the valley depth D1 of the first part 171 larger than the valley depth D2 of the second part 172 and the valley depth D3 of the third part 173, the ability of the first end current collector 17a to follow the deformation of the first cell 1A is improved. As a result, the first end current collector 17a is less likely to detach from the air electrode 8 of the first cell 1A, further improving the durability of the cell stack device 10. In addition, air can flow more easily between the first part 171 and the air electrode 8 of the first cell 1A, making it less likely for the first cell 1A to overheat.

[0081] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3D, the first end current collector 17a may be a corrugated sheet member having a wave shape with a pitch P that is continuous in the Z-axis direction, which is a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0082] The first end current collector 17a has a plurality of first peaks t01 located away from the first cell 1A. The pitch P of the first end current collector 17a is the average distance between adjacent first peaks t01 in the Z-axis direction, which is the second direction. The pitch P may be, for example, 5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0083] Furthermore, the first end current collector member 17a has a thickness t. The thickness t may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The thickness t may be the average thickness of the first end current collector member 17a.

[0084] Furthermore, the ratio of the pitch P to the thickness t of the first end current collector member 17a, P / t, is between 3.0 and 22.0. This increases the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0085] <Modules and module housings> Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of a module housing device according to this embodiment. The module housing device 110 according to this embodiment comprises an outer case 111, a module 100, and auxiliary equipment (not shown).

[0086] Module 100 comprises a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed within the storage container 101. A reformer (not shown) may also be positioned above the cell stack device 10.

[0087] Furthermore, in the module 100 with the above configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation is approximately 500°C to 1000°C due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of cell 1.

[0088] As described above, such a module 100 can be made highly durable by housing a highly durable cell stack device 10.

[0089] Furthermore, the auxiliary equipment operates module 100. Module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the outer casing 111. Note that some components are omitted in Figure 4.

[0090] The outer casing 111 of the module housing device 110 has support columns 112 and outer panels 113. Partition plates 114 divide the inside of the outer casing 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plates 114 inside the outer casing 111 is the module housing chamber 115 for housing the module 100, and the space below the partition plates 114 inside the outer casing 111 is the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 for housing the auxiliary equipment that operates the module 100. Note that in Figure 4, the auxiliary equipment housed in the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 is omitted from the illustration.

[0091] Furthermore, the partition plate 114 has an air circulation port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment storage room 116 to flow towards the module storage room 115. The outer panel 113 that constitutes the module storage room 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting the air inside the module storage room 115.

[0092] In such a module housing device 110, as described above, a highly durable module housing device 110 can be made possible by providing a highly durable module 100 in the module housing chamber 115.

[0093] [Other embodiments] In the embodiments described above, a fuel cell cell, fuel cell stack, fuel cell module, and fuel cell device were shown as examples of "electrochemical cell," "electrochemical cell device," "module," and "module housing device," but other examples may be an electrolytic cell, electrolytic cell stack, electrolytic module, and electrolytic device, respectively. An electrolytic cell, for example, has an oxygen electrode as a first electrode and a hydrogen electrode as a second electrode, and decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen by supplying electricity. Alternatively, an electrolytic cell may decompose carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen by supplying electricity. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, an oxide ion conductor or a hydrogen ion conductor was shown as an example of the electrolyte material for the electrochemical cell, but a hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. Such electrolytic cells, electrolytic cell stacks, electrolytic modules, and electrolytic devices can have high durability.

[0094] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0095] In one embodiment, (1) the electrochemical cell device includes a first end current collector and a second end current collector located at both ends in the first direction, A cell stack having a plurality of cells arranged in the first direction, located between the first end current collector and the second end current collector, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of cells is an electrochemical cell having a solid oxide element part, The first end current collector is a corrugated sheet member with a thickness t and a wave shape having a pitch P that is continuous in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The ratio of the pitch P to the thickness t, P / t, is 3.0 or more and 22.0 or less.

[0096] (2) In the electrochemical cell apparatus described in (1) above, the first end current collector has a current collection region joined to a first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector, When the current collection area is divided into three equal parts in the second direction, with the center being the first part and the sides of the first part being the second and third parts, respectively, The pitch P1 in the first portion may be smaller than the pitch P2 in the second portion and the pitch P3 in the third portion.

[0097] (3) In the electrochemical cell apparatus of (1) or (2) above, the first end current collector member has a current collection region joined to a first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector member, When the current collection area is divided into three equal parts in the second direction, with the center being the first part and the sides of the first part being the second and third parts, respectively, The valley depth D1 of the corrugated sheet member in the first portion may be greater than the valley depth D2 of the corrugated sheet member in the second portion and the valley depth D3 of the corrugated sheet member in the third portion.

[0098] (4) In any one of the electrochemical cell devices described in (1) to (3) above, the element portion has a first electrode which is an air electrode or an oxygen electrode, The first end current collector may be joined to the first electrode of the first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector.

[0099] In one embodiment, module (5) includes one of the electrochemical cell devices described in (1) to (4) above, The system includes a storage container for housing the aforementioned electrochemical cell apparatus.

[0100] In one embodiment, (6) the module housing device includes the module described in (5) above, Auxiliary equipment for operating the aforementioned module, The system comprises the module and an outer case housing the auxiliary equipment.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the embodiments described above can be embodied in a variety of forms. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1 cell 3. Element section 5 Fuel electrode 6 Solid electrolyte layer 7. Middle Class 8. Air pole 10-cell stack device 11-cell stack 17 End current collector 17a First end current collector 17b Second end current collector 100 modules 110 Module housing device 170 Current collection area

Claims

1. A first end current collector and a second end current collector are located at both ends in the first direction, A cell stack having a plurality of cells arranged in the first direction, located between the first end current collector and the second end current collector, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of cells is an electrochemical cell having a solid oxide element part, The first end current collector is a corrugated sheet member with a thickness t and a wave shape having a pitch P that is continuous in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The ratio P / t of the pitch P to the thickness t is 3.0 or more and 22.0 or less. Electrochemical cell apparatus.

2. The first end current collector has a current collection region joined to a first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector, When the current collection area is divided into three equal parts in the second direction, with the center being the first part and the sides of the first part being the second and third parts, respectively, The pitch P1 in the first portion is smaller than the pitch P2 in the second portion and the pitch P3 in the third portion. The electrochemical cell apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first end current collector has a current collection region joined to a first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector, When the current collection area is divided into three equal parts in the second direction, with the center being the first part and the sides of the first part being the second and third parts, respectively, The valley depth D1 of the corrugated sheet member in the first portion is greater than the valley depth D2 of the corrugated sheet member in the second portion and the valley depth D3 of the corrugated sheet member in the third portion. The electrochemical cell apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The element portion has a first electrode which is an air electrode or an oxygen electrode, The first end current collector is joined to the first electrode of the first cell among the plurality of cells that faces the first end current collector. The electrochemical cell apparatus according to claim 1.

5. An electrochemical cell apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A storage container for housing the electrochemical cell apparatus and A module equipped with the following features.

6. The module according to claim 5, Auxiliary equipment for operating the aforementioned module, An outer case housing the module and the auxiliary equipment A module housing device equipped with the following features.

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