Compression device

Abstract

This compression device comprises: an electrolyte membrane; an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane; an anode separator provided on the anode; a cathode separator provided on the cathode; and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode, wherein the voltage is applied by the voltage applicator to cause protons extracted from a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to be transferred to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, thereby generating compressed hydrogen. The anode separator comprises, on the main surface opposite to the anode, a first flow path through which a cooling fluid flows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compression device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to environmental problems such as global warming and energy problems such as depletion of oil resources, hydrogen has attracted attention as a clean alternative energy source to fossil fuels. Hydrogen basically produces only water even when burned, does not emit carbon dioxide that causes global warming, and hardly emits nitrogen oxides or the like, so it is expected as a clean energy. In addition, a fuel cell is a device that uses hydrogen as a fuel with high efficiency, and its development and spread are progressing for use as a power source for automobiles and for home power generation.

[0003] For example, hydrogen used as fuel for a fuel cell vehicle is generally stored in a hydrogen tank in the vehicle in a high-pressure state compressed to several tens of MPa. And such high-pressure hydrogen is generally obtained by compressing low-pressure (atmospheric pressure) hydrogen with a mechanical compression device.

[0004] By the way, in the coming hydrogen society, in addition to producing hydrogen, technological development that can store hydrogen at high density and transport or use it in a small volume and at low cost is required. In particular, in order to promote the spread of fuel cells, it is necessary to improve the hydrogen supply infrastructure, and various proposals have been made for producing, purifying, and storing high-purity hydrogen stably.

[0005] Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, an electrochemical hydrogen pump has been proposed in which hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas is purified and pressurized by applying a desired voltage between an anode and a cathode arranged with an electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. Note that a laminate of a cathode, an electrolyte membrane, and an anode is referred to as a membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter, MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly). At this time, the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode may contain impurities. For example, the hydrogen-containing gas may be a by-produced hydrogen gas from an ironworks or the like, or a reformed gas obtained by reforming city gas.

[0006] Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, a differential-pressure type water electrolysis apparatus has been proposed in which low-pressure hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water is pressurized using an MEA.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] One example of the present disclosure is to provide a compression device capable of more appropriately arranging a flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining a compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows than in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To solve the above problems, a compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator provided on the anode, a cathode separator provided on the cathode, and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode. By applying a voltage with the voltage applicator, protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode are moved to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane to generate compressed hydrogen. The anode separator is provided with a first flow path through which a cooling fluid flows on the main surface opposite to the anode.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can achieve the effect of more appropriately arranging a flow path through which a cooling fluid for maintaining the compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows than in the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

[0012] In an electrochemical compression device using a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (hereinafter referred to as an electrolyte membrane), protons (H + ) taken out from the anode fluid supplied to the anode are moved to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, and compressed hydrogen (H 2 ) at a high pressure (for example, about several tens of MPa) is generated at the cathode. At this time, generally, the electrolyte membrane in the cell (compression unit) of the compression device has an increased proton conductivity under predetermined temperature conditions and humidification conditions, and the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression unit is improved. Therefore, a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows to maintain the temperature of the compression unit at an appropriate temperature is often provided in the compression unit.

[0013] By the way, in the above compression unit, since the compressed hydrogen in the cathode becomes high pressure, when providing a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows in the compression unit, it is necessary to consider the pressure resistance design of each member constituting the compression unit and the cost of the members.

[0014] That is, the compression device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator provided on the anode, a cathode separator provided on the cathode, and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode. By applying a voltage by the voltage applicator, protons taken out from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode are moved to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane to generate compressed hydrogen. The anode separator is provided with a first flow path through which a cooling fluid flows on the main surface opposite to the anode.

[0015] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can arrange the first flow path through which the cooling fluid for maintaining the compression unit at an appropriate temperature flows more appropriately than before.

[0016] Specifically, the compression device of the present aspect provides the first flow path through which the cooling fluid flows on the main surface opposite to the anode of the anode separator, so that it is not necessary to arrange a dedicated plate provided with the first flow path. Therefore, the compression device of the present aspect can reduce the device cost as compared with the case of arranging such a dedicated plate.

[0017] Further, if the first flow path is provided on the main surface opposite to the cathode of the cathode separator, it is necessary to provide a recess for the first flow path in the cathode separator. However, in the region where this recess is provided, the thickness of the cathode separator becomes thin. On the other hand, since the main surface on the cathode side of the cathode separator is exposed to high-pressure compressed hydrogen, it is necessary to increase the rigidity in the above region of the cathode separator. For example, it is possible to increase the rigidity in the above region by increasing the overall thickness of the cathode separator, but this may lead to an increase in the size and cost of the device.

[0018] On the contrary, the main surface on the anode side of the anode separator is only exposed to the low-pressure anode fluid. Therefore, the compression device of the present aspect can reduce the above-mentioned inconveniences by providing the first flow path on the main surface opposite to the anode of the anode separator.

[0019] The compression device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the first aspect, wherein the anode separator may be provided with a first manifold through which the cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows and a first communication path for guiding the cathode gas to the first manifold on the main surface opposite to the anode.

[0020] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can appropriately supply high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode on the cathode separator to the first manifold of the anode separator through the first communication path of the anode separator.

[0021] In the compression device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device of the first aspect, the cathode separator may be provided with a second manifold through which cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows, and a second communication path that guides the cathode gas to the second manifold on the main surface opposite to the cathode side.

[0022] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can appropriately supply high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode on the cathode separator to the second manifold of the cathode separator through the second communication path of the cathode separator.

[0023] In the compression device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device of the second aspect, the first flow path may be configured to surround a part of the first communication path including the upstream end of the first communication path.

[0024] The first flow path is preferably arranged uniformly within the electrode facing portion of the anode separator in order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the cooling fluid, but it is necessary that the first communication path and the first flow path do not interfere with each other. In particular, since high-pressure cathode gas is flowing through the first communication path, it is desirable to lay the two so that the first communication path and the first flow path do not come too close to each other.

[0025] Therefore, if, in the anode separator, the first flow path is not provided so as to surround a part of the first communication path including the upstream end of the first communication path (hereinafter, a part of the first communication path), temperature unevenness may occur in the part of the MEA close to the part of the first communication path. Then, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device may decrease.

[0026] Therefore, as described above, in the anode separator of the compression device of this aspect, the first flow path is arranged so as to surround a part of the first communication path. Thereby, the compression device of this aspect can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the first flow path does not surround a part of the first communication path.

[0027] In the compression device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device according to the third aspect, the first flow path may be configured to surround a part including an end portion facing the upstream end of the second communication path in a region facing the second communication path on the main surface of the anode separator opposite to the anode.

[0028] The first flow path is desirably arranged uniformly within the electrode facing portion of the anode separator in order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the cooling fluid, but it is necessary that the second communication path and the first flow path do not interfere with each other. In particular, since a high-pressure cathode gas flows through the second communication path, it is desirable to lay out both so that the second communication path and the first flow path do not come too close to each other.

[0029] For this reason, if in the anode separator, in a region facing the second communication path on the main surface of the anode separator opposite to the anode, a part including an end portion facing the upstream end of the second communication path (hereinafter, a part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path) is not surrounded by the first flow path, temperature unevenness may occur in a part of the MEA close to the part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path. Then, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device may decrease.

[0030] Therefore, as described above, in the anode separator of the compression device of this aspect, the first flow path is arranged so as to surround a part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path. Thereby, the compression device of this aspect can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the first flow path does not surround a part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path.

[0031] The compression device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the first flow path has a serpentine flow path, and the first flow path includes two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude therebetween, and may be configured to surround a part of the above by the two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude therebetween included in the serpentine flow path.

[0032] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect surrounds a part of the first communication path or a part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path by two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude therebetween included in the serpentine flow path, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the serpentine flow path does not surround the above part.

[0033] The compression device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the first flow path has a first straight flow path, and may be configured to surround a part of the above by a detour provided in the first straight flow path and bypassing the above part.

[0034] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect surrounds a part of the first communication path or a part of the region facing the upstream end of the second communication path by the detour, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the detour does not surround the above part.

[0035] The compression device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the pitch between the first straight flow path and the second straight flow path adjacent thereto inside may be larger than the pitch between the second straight flow path and the third straight flow path adjacent thereto inside.

[0036] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can expand the cooling region more than when the pitches between the flow paths are made uniform, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be more suppressed.

[0037] The compression device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end of the detour may be convex outward.

[0038] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can further suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass are not convex outward.

[0039] In the compression device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the compression devices according to the first aspect to the ninth aspect, the anode separator is provided with a second flow path through which a hydrogen-containing gas flows on the main surface on the anode side, and the flow path width of the first flow path and the flow path width of the second flow path may be equal, and the flow path depth of the first flow path and the flow path depth of the second flow path may be equal.

[0040] According to such a configuration, the compression device of the present aspect can reduce the manufacturing cost of the anode separator by setting the flow path width and the flow path depth in the first flow path and the second flow path to be equal.

[0041] For example, for each of the two main surfaces of the anode separator, each of the first flow path and the second flow path can be processed under the same processing conditions using the same processing device. For example, when the first flow path and the second flow path are formed by an etching method, if the first flow path and the second flow path have the same shape, both main surfaces of the anode separator can be processed under the same etching conditions in a single etching device.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows an example of each of the above aspects. Therefore, the shapes, materials, components, and the arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown below are merely examples, and do not limit each of the above aspects unless otherwise specified in the claims. In addition, among the following components, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept of each of the above aspects are described as optional components. Also, in the drawings, components with the same reference numerals may be omitted from the description. The drawings schematically show each component for ease of understanding, and the shapes and dimensional ratios may not be accurately shown.

[0043] (Embodiment) For the anode fluid of the above compression device, various types of gases and liquids are assumed. For example, when the compression device is an electrochemical hydrogen pump, a hydrogen-containing gas can be cited as the anode fluid. Also, for example, when the compression device is a water electrolysis device, liquid water can be cited as the anode fluid.

[0044] Therefore, in the following embodiments, when the anode fluid is a hydrogen-containing gas, as an example of a compression device including the above compression unit, the configuration and operation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump including a hydrogen pump unit will be described.

[0045] [Device Configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to an embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes a laminate 100A (stack) in which a plurality of hydrogen pump units 10 (see FIG. 2) are stacked, and a voltage applicator 102.

[0047] Here, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, a plate functioning as an anode separator and a plate functioning as a cathode separator are integrated. Specifically, each of the bipolar plates 29 (see FIG. 2) includes a plate functioning as a cathode separator for one of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10 and a plate functioning as an anode separator for the other of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, it is a general lamination fastening structure to stack each of the hydrogen pump units 10, sandwich the laminate 100A (stack) from both sides with a pair of power supply plates 11, 12 and a pair of insulating plates 13, 14, and fasten both end plates 15, 16 with a plurality of fasteners 17.

[0049] Here, in order to supply an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas from the outside to each of the hydrogen pump units 10, in each of the anode separators, it is necessary to branch a groove-shaped flow path from an appropriate pipeline and connect these flow paths to one end of the gas flow path provided in the electrode facing portion of each of the anode separators. Such a pipeline is called an anode gas introduction manifold, and this anode gas introduction manifold is constituted by, for example, a series of through holes provided at appropriate positions of each of the constituent members of the laminate 100A. And in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the hydrogen-containing gas flowing into the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is distributed to each of the hydrogen pump units 10 by the anode gas introduction manifold, and thereby, the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from the anode gas introduction manifold to the anode of the hydrogen pump unit 10. Further, in order to discharge the excess hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through the hydrogen pump unit 10 to the outside from each of the hydrogen pump units 10, in each of the anode separators, it is necessary to branch a groove-shaped flow path from an appropriate pipeline and connect these flow paths to the other end of the gas flow path provided in the electrode facing portion of each of the anode separators. Such a pipeline is called an anode gas discharge manifold, and this anode gas discharge manifold is constituted by, for example, a series of through holes provided at appropriate positions of each of the constituent members of the laminate 100A. And in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through each of the hydrogen pump units 10 merges in the anode gas discharge manifold, and thereby, the hydrogen-containing gas is discharged from the anode gas discharge manifold to the outside of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0050] Further, in order to discharge the cathode gas containing high-pressure compressed hydrogen from the cathode of each of the cathode separators to the outside, in each of the cathode separators, it is necessary to configure so that an appropriate pipeline and an appropriate communication path are connected. Such a pipeline is called a cathode discharge manifold, and this cathode discharge manifold is constituted by a series of through holes provided at appropriate positions of each of the constituent members of the laminate 100A.

[0051] Furthermore, in order to supply an appropriate amount and temperature of cooling fluid (e.g., cooling water) from the outside to each of the hydrogen pump units 10, in each of the anode separators, it is necessary to branch a groove-shaped flow path from an appropriate pipeline and connect these flow paths to one end of the cooling fluid flow path provided in the electrode facing portion of each of the anode separators. Such a pipeline is called a cooling fluid introduction manifold, and this cooling fluid introduction manifold is constituted by, for example, a series of through holes provided at appropriate positions of each of the constituent members of the laminate 100A. And in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the cooling fluid flowing into the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is distributed to each of the hydrogen pump units 10 by the cooling fluid introduction manifold, and thereby, the cooling fluid is supplied from the cooling fluid introduction manifold to the hydrogen pump unit 10. Also, in order to discharge the cooling fluid that has passed through the hydrogen pump unit 10 to the outside from each of the hydrogen pump units 10, in each of the anode separators, it is necessary to branch a groove-shaped flow path from an appropriate pipeline and connect these flow paths to the other end of the cooling fluid flow path provided in the electrode facing portion of each of the anode separators. Such a pipeline is called a cooling fluid discharge manifold, and this cooling fluid discharge manifold is constituted by, for example, a series of through holes provided at appropriate positions of each of the constituent members of the laminate 100A. And in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the cooling fluid that has passed through each of the hydrogen pump units 10 merges in the cooling fluid discharge manifold, and thereby, the cooling fluid is discharged from the cooling fluid discharge manifold to the outside of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0052] Note that the detailed configurations of the above bipolar plate 29, hydrogen pump unit 10, and each manifold will be described later.

[0053] The voltage applicator 102 is a device that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode of the hydrogen pump unit 10. Specifically, the high potential of the voltage applicator 102 is applied to the anode, and the low potential of the voltage applicator 102 is applied to the cathode. The voltage applicator 102 may have any configuration as long as it can apply a voltage between the anode and the cathode. For example, the voltage applicator 102 may be a device that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode. At this time, when the voltage applicator 102 is connected to a DC power source such as a battery, a solar cell, or a fuel cell, it includes a DC / DC converter, and when it is connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power supply, it includes an AC / DC converter.

[0054] Further, the voltage applicator 102 may be a power type power source in which the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode and the current flowing between the anode and the cathode are adjusted so that the power supplied to the hydrogen pump unit 10 becomes a predetermined set value, for example.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminal on the low potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the power supply plate 11, and the terminal on the high potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the power supply plate 12. The power supply plate 11 is in electrical contact with the cathode separator located at one end in the above stacking direction, and the power supply plate 12 is in electrical contact with the anode separator located at the other end in the above stacking direction.

[0056] In this way, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, when the voltage applicator 102 applies the above voltage, protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode are moved to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, and compressed hydrogen is generated at the cathode.

[0057] <Configuration of bipolar plate and hydrogen pump unit> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the bipolar plate and the hydrogen pump unit of FIG. 1.

[0058] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an exploded perspective view of the bipolar plate in Figure 2. Specifically, it shows a perspective view of a pair of members constituting the bipolar plate 29 from the A-A section in Figure 2, and a view of the two integrated. Note that in Figure 3, for convenience of explanation, a diagram with the MEA and O-rings omitted is shown.

[0059] Figure 4 is a view of the bipolar plate in Figure 2 seen from above. Specifically, it shows a plan view of the members constituting the bipolar plate 29 from the B-B section in Figure 2.

[0060] As described above, the bipolar plate 29 includes a plate that functions as an anode separator of one of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10, and a plate that functions as a cathode separator of the other of the adjacent hydrogen pump units 10. In the example shown in Figure 2, in each of the hydrogen pump units 10, a part of the upper bipolar plate 29 constitutes a cathode separator, and a part of the lower bipolar plate 29 constitutes an anode separator.

[0061] In the following description, the plate that functions as a cathode separator is referred to as the cathode separator 29A, and the plate that functions as an anode separator is referred to as the anode separator 29B.

[0062] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in each of the bipolar plates 29 are integrated by surface bonding. For example, the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B can be bonded by diffusion bonding of a pair of metal plates. Note that according to the JIS standard, "diffusion bonding" is defined as "a method of bonding by bringing the base materials into close contact, applying pressure under temperature conditions below the melting point of the base materials so that plastic deformation hardly occurs, and utilizing the diffusion of atoms generated between the bonding surfaces".

[0063] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the anode separator 29B is provided with a cooling fluid flow path 60 through which a cooling fluid flows on the main surface on the side opposite to the anode AN. Specifically, a cooling fluid flow path 60 through which a cooling fluid for adjusting the temperature of the hydrogen pump unit 10 to an appropriate temperature flows is provided on the bonding surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded. Both ends of this cooling fluid flow path 60 communicate with the cooling fluid introduction manifold 61 and the cooling fluid discharge manifold 62, respectively. Examples of the cooling fluid include, but are not limited to, cooling water. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the cooling fluid flow path 60 within the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B is omitted, but specific examples of the cooling fluid flow path 60 within such an electrode facing portion G will be described in the examples.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen pump unit 10 includes an electrolyte membrane 21, an anode AN, a cathode CA, a cathode separator 29A, an anode separator 29B, a frame body 28, and a surface sealing material 40. In the hydrogen pump unit 10, the electrolyte membrane 21, the anode catalyst layer 24, the cathode catalyst layer 23, the anode current collector 25, the cathode current collector 22, the cathode separator 29A, and the anode separator 29B are laminated.

[0065] The anode AN is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode AN is an electrode including the anode catalyst layer 24 and the anode current collector 25.

[0066] The cathode CA is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode CA is an electrode including the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the cathode current collector 22.

[0067] Here, generally, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a catalyst-coated membrane CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) in which the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24 are integrally bonded to the electrolyte membrane 21 is often used.

[0068] Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the anode current collector 25 and the cathode current collector 22 are respectively provided in the anode catalyst layer 24 and the cathode catalyst layer 23 of the membrane CCM with catalyst layer.

[0069] As described above, the electrolyte membrane 21 is sandwiched between the anode AN and the cathode CA.

[0070] The electrolyte membrane 21 is a polymer membrane having proton conductivity. The electrolyte membrane 21 may have any configuration as long as it has proton conductivity. For example, examples of the electrolyte membrane 21 include, but are not limited to, fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membranes and hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membranes. Specifically, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), etc. can be used as the electrolyte membrane 21.

[0071] The anode catalyst layer 24 is provided so as to be in contact with one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode catalyst layer 24 contains, for example, platinum as a catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The cathode catalyst layer 23 is provided so as to be in contact with the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode catalyst layer 23 contains, for example, platinum as a catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Examples of the catalyst carriers of the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24 include, but are not limited to, carbon particles such as carbon black and graphite, and conductive oxide particles.

[0074] In the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 24, fine particles of the catalyst metal are highly dispersed and supported on the catalyst carrier. In addition, in these cathode catalyst layer 23 and anode catalyst layer 24, in order to increase the electrode reaction field, it is common to add a proton-conductive ionomer component.

[0075] The cathode current collector 22 is provided on the cathode catalyst layer 23. Further, the cathode current collector 22 is made of a porous material and has conductivity and gas diffusibility. Furthermore, it is desirable that the cathode current collector 22 has elasticity that can appropriately follow displacement and deformation of constituent members generated by the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, a member made of carbon fiber is used as the cathode current collector 22. For example, a porous carbon fiber sheet such as carbon paper, carbon cloth, or carbon felt may be used. Note that it is not necessary to use a carbon fiber sheet as the base material of the cathode current collector 22. For example, as the base material of the cathode current collector 22, a sintered body of metal fibers made of titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc., a sintered body of metal particles made of these, etc. may be used.

[0076] The anode current collector 25 is provided on the anode catalyst layer 24. Further, the anode current collector 25 is made of a porous material and has conductivity and gas diffusibility. Furthermore, it is desirable that the anode current collector 25 has high rigidity capable of suppressing displacement and deformation of constituent members generated by the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

[0077] Specifically, as the base material of the anode current collector 25, for example, a fiber sintered body, a powder sintered body, an expanded metal, a metal mesh, a punched metal, etc. made of titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless steel, carbon, etc. may be used.

[0078] The anode separator 29B is a member laminated on the anode AN. The cathode separator 29A is a member laminated on the cathode CA.

[0079] The central portion of the surface of the anode separator 29B facing the anode AN on the anode AN side is in contact with the anode feeder 25. And as shown in FIG. 4, a serpentine anode gas flow path 30 through which the hydrogen-containing gas flows is provided at this central portion in a plan view. Both ends of the anode gas flow path 30 communicate with the anode gas introduction manifold 31 and the anode gas discharge manifold 32, respectively.

[0080] A recess is provided in the central portion of the surface of the cathode separator 29A facing the cathode CA on the cathode CA side, and the cathode feeder 22 is housed in this recess. That is, the recess corresponds to a space S (see FIG. 3) for storing the cathode gas containing the compressed hydrogen generated at the cathode CA of the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0081] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the anode separator 29B is provided with a first cathode gas discharge manifold 35A through which the cathode gas flows, a second cathode gas discharge manifold 36A through which the cathode gas flows, and communication paths 37 and 38 for guiding the cathode gas flowing in from the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A to the first cathode gas discharge manifold 35A and the second cathode gas discharge manifold 36A of the anode separator 29B, respectively.

[0082] Specifically, the communication path 37 is constituted by a flow path groove on the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface - joined. This flow path groove extends linearly so as to straddle the O - ring grooves 50 and 51 provided on the main surface on the anode AN side of the cathode separator 29A in plan view. One end of the flow path groove communicates with the inside of the recess (space S) through a communication hole 70 that extends vertically near the edge of the bottom surface of the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A. The other end of the flow path groove is connected to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A. The communication path 37 is appropriately gas - sealed when the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are integrated by surface - joining.

[0083] During the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the high - pressure cathode gas generated at the cathode CA accumulates in the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A, and then, as shown by the dotted - line arrow in Fig. 3, the cathode gas flows from the space S through the communication hole 70 and the communication path 37 in this order and is supplied to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35A.

[0084] The communication path 38 is constituted by a flow path groove on the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface - joined. This flow path groove extends linearly so as to straddle the O - ring grooves 50 and 52 provided on the cathode separator 29A in plan view. One end of the flow path groove communicates with the inside of the recess (space S) through a communication hole 71 that extends vertically near the edge of the bottom surface of the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A. The other end of the flow path groove is connected to the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A. The communication path 38 is appropriately gas - sealed when the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are integrated by surface - joining.

[0085] During the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the high-pressure cathode gas generated at the cathode CA accumulates in the recess (space S) of the cathode separator 29A. Then, as shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 3, the cathode gas flows from the space S through the communication hole 71 and the communication path 38 in this order and is supplied to the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A.

[0086] In this example, the communication path 37, the communication path 38, the communication hole 70, and the communication hole 71 are each provided on a straight line connecting the center of the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35 and the center of the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36 in a plan view, but it is not limited to this. The arrangement position and shape of the communication path and the communication hole may be any location and shape as long as the cathode gas flowing in from the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A can be guided to the cathode gas outlet manifold. Also, the number of the communication path and the communication hole may be one or three or more.

[0087] The above-mentioned cathode separator 29A and anode separator 29B may be composed of a metal sheet such as titanium, stainless steel, or gold, but it is not limited to this. For example, the base materials of the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B may be carbon or resin with a metal film formed on the surface. When the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are made of stainless steel, it is desirable to use SUS316L as the material of the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B. This is because SUS316L is excellent in properties such as acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance among various types of stainless steels.

[0088] In this way, the hydrogen pump unit 10 is formed by sandwiching the above-mentioned MEA between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cathode separator 29A is provided with an O-ring groove 50 on the main surface on the cathode CA side, which surrounds the region of the main surface facing the cathode CA, and the O-ring 45 is held in the O-ring groove 50.

[0090] Further, the O-ring groove 50 faces the region of the main surface on the cathode CA side of the electrolyte membrane 21 where the cathode CA is not provided. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyte membrane 21 is provided wide so as to straddle the side wall of the recess in which the cathode CA is accommodated, and the O-ring 45 is provided so as to abut against the wide portion of the electrolyte membrane 21. As the O-ring 45 (the same applies to other O-rings), for example, a fluororubber-based O-ring can be used from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, but it is not limited thereto.

[0091] The frame body 28 is a member provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane 21. As the base material of the frame body 28, for example, fluororubber or the like can be mentioned from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, but it is not limited thereto. Note that the insulating frame body 28 can appropriately make it difficult to short-circuit between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0092] The surface sealing material 40 is provided on the outer periphery of the region of the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B facing the anode AN. Further, the surface sealing material 40 faces the region of the main surface on the anode AN side of the electrolyte membrane 21 where the anode AN is not provided, and the main surface of the frame body 28 on the anode AN side. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyte membrane 21 is provided wide so as to straddle the outer peripheral end of the anode AN, and the main surface of the surface sealing material 40, the wide portion of the electrolyte membrane 21, and the main surface of the frame body 28 are in contact. As the base material of the surface sealing material 40, for example, fluororubber, fluororesin, etc. can be mentioned from the viewpoints of acid resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, but they are not limited thereto. Note that the insulating surface sealing material 40 can appropriately make it difficult to short-circuit between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10.

[0093] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 21 and the frame body 28 are configured separately, but they may be integrated. Further, such a frame body 28 may not be provided. For example, between the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B in the hydrogen pump unit 10, it is possible to configure the structure such that it is difficult to cause a short circuit with a surface sealing material 40 without providing the frame body 28.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2, the cathode separator 29A is provided with an O-ring groove 51 surrounding the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35. And the O-ring 41 is held in the O-ring groove 51. The cathode separator 29A is provided with an O-ring groove 52 surrounding the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36. And the O-ring 42 is held in the O-ring groove 52.

[0095] Here, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the O-rings 41 and 42 are each in contact with the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B. That is, the O-rings 41 and 42 are each in contact with both the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B corresponding to the adjacent bipolar plates 29. And the surface sealing material 40 is not provided on the region of the main surface on the anode AN side of the anode separator 29B where the O-rings 41 and 42 are in contact. Further, the frame body 28 is not provided in the region where the O-rings 41 and 42 are disposed.

[0096] Specifically, in the frame body 28, through holes are formed such that the outer shape of each of the pair of through holes (circular openings) is the same as the outer shape of each of the O-ring grooves 51 and the O-ring grooves 51. Further, in the surface sealing material 40, through holes are formed such that the outer shape of each of the pair of through holes (circular openings) is the same as the outer shape of each of the O-ring grooves 51 and the O-ring grooves 51. Then, the cylindrical space formed by the through holes provided in the frame body 28 and the surface sealing material 40 accommodates the O-ring 41, and the inside of the O-ring 41 provided in the cylindrical space constitutes a part of the first cathode gas lead-out manifold 35. Also, the cylindrical space formed by the through holes provided in the frame body 28 and the surface sealing material 40 accommodates the O-ring 42, and the inside of the O-ring 42 provided in the cylindrical space constitutes a part of the second cathode gas lead-out manifold 36.

[0097] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can arrange the cooling fluid flow path 60 through which the cooling fluid for maintaining the hydrogen pump unit 10 at an appropriate temperature flows more appropriately than in the prior art.

[0098] Specifically, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment provides the cooling fluid flow path 60 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the side opposite to the anode AN, so that there is no need to arrange a dedicated plate provided with the cooling fluid flow path. Therefore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the device cost compared to the case of arranging such a dedicated plate.

[0099] Further, if the above cooling fluid flow path is provided on the main surface of the cathode separator 29A opposite to the cathode CA, it is necessary to provide a recess for the cooling fluid flow path in the cathode separator 29A. However, in the region where this recess is provided, the thickness of the cathode separator 29A becomes thinner. On the other hand, since the main surface of the cathode separator 29A on the cathode CA side is exposed to high-pressure compressed hydrogen, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the cathode separator 29A in the above region. For example, it is possible to increase the rigidity in the above region by increasing the thickness of the entire cathode separator 29A, but this may lead to an increase in the size and cost of the device.

[0100] In contrast, the main surface of the anode separator 29B on the anode AN side is only exposed to low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas. Therefore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the above-mentioned inconveniences by providing the cooling fluid flow path 60 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B opposite to the anode AN.

[0101] Further, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can appropriately supply high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode CA (space S) on the cathode separator 29A to each of the first cathode gas outlet manifolds 35A and the second cathode gas outlet manifolds 36A of the anode separator 29B through the communication paths 37 and 38 of the anode separator 29B, respectively.

[0102] (First Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided in the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the first embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a plan view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded is shown. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the illustration of manifolds other than the cooling fluid introduction manifold 61 and the cooling fluid discharge manifold 62 is omitted.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured to surround a part of the communication path 37 including the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37 (hereinafter, a part of the communication path 37) and a part of the communication path 38 including the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38 (hereinafter, a part of the communication path 38). This is for the following reasons.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 3, both the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37 and the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38 correspond to the portions where high-pressure cathode gas flows into the cathode CA (space S) on the cathode separator 29A through the cathode separator 29A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 extend into the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B. That is, the upstream end 37E and the upstream end 38E of the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 are respectively present in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B.

[0105] Here, it is desirable that the cooling fluid flow path 60 be uniformly arranged within the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B in order to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA by the cooling fluid. However, it is necessary that the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 do not interfere with the cooling fluid flow path 60. In particular, since high-pressure cathode gas is flowing through the communication path 37 and the communication path 38, it is desirable to lay out both so that the communication path 37 and the communication path 38 and the cooling fluid flow path 60 do not come too close to each other.

[0106] For this reason, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 is not provided in the anode separator 29B so as to surround a part of the communication path 37, temperature unevenness may occur in the part of the MEA close to the part of the communication path 37. Also, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 is not provided so as to surround a part of the communication path 38, temperature unevenness may occur in the part of the MEA facing the part of the communication path 38. Then, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 may decrease.

[0107] Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, in the anode separator 29B, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is arranged so as to surround a part of the communication path 37 and a part of the communication path 38 respectively. Thereby, the compression device of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the cooling fluid flow path 60 does not surround a part of the communication path 37 and a part of the communication path 38.

[0108] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has two serpentine flow paths provided on the communication path 37 side, and two reciprocating paths 160A1 and 160B1 with large amplitudes included in each of these serpentine flow paths, and one flow path 160C1 with a small amplitude therebetween are configured to surround a part of the communication path 37.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the straight portions of each of the reciprocating paths 160A1 and 160B1 extend in parallel with the extending direction of the communication path 37 on each side of the communication path 37, and the flow path 160C1 connected to each of the reciprocating paths 160A1 and 160B1 turns back near the upstream end 37E of the communication path 37.

[0110] Further, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has two serpentine flow paths provided on the communication path 38 side, and two reciprocating paths 160A2 and 160B2 with large amplitudes included in each of these serpentine flow paths, and one flow path 160C2 with a small amplitude therebetween are configured to surround a part of the communication path 38 including the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38.

[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the straight portions of each of the reciprocating paths 160A2 and 160B2 extend in parallel with the extending direction of the communication path 38 on each side of the communication path 38, and the flow path 160C2 connected to each of the reciprocating paths 160A2 and 160B2 turns back near the upstream end 38E of the communication path 38.

[0112] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment surrounds a part of the communication path 37 with two reciprocating paths 160A1 and 160B1 having large amplitudes and one flow path 160C1 having a small amplitude included in the serpentine flow path, and also surrounds a part of the communication path 38 with two reciprocating paths 160A2 and 160B2 having large amplitudes and one flow path 160C2 having a small amplitude therebetween. By doing so, generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the serpentine flow path does not surround the above part.

[0113] Note that the above serpentine flow path is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in FIG. 5, four serpentine flow paths are shown, but the number of serpentine flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to conditions such as temperature control of the MEA.

[0114] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0115] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided in the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the second embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a plan view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded is shown. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, illustration of manifolds other than the cooling fluid introduction manifold 61 and the cooling fluid discharge manifold 62 is omitted.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has 12 straight flow paths, and is configured to surround a part of the communication path 37 by a bypass path 260R1 that bypasses a part of the communication path 37 and is provided in the straight flow path 260A1 closest to the communication path 37 among these straight flow paths. Further, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured to surround a part of the communication path 38 by a bypass path 260R2 that bypasses a part of the communication path 38 and is provided in the straight flow path 260A2 closest to the communication path 38 among these straight flow paths.

[0117] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the straight flow paths 260A1 and 260A2 extend in a direction perpendicular to each of the connection paths 37 and 38, respectively, and each of the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 connected to each of the straight flow paths 260A1 and 260A2 turns back in the vicinity of the upstream end 37E of the connection path 37 and the upstream end 38E of the connection path 38, respectively.

[0118] Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pitch L1 between the straight flow path 260A1 and the straight flow path 260B1 adjacent thereto inside is larger than the pitch L2 between the straight flow path 260B1 and the straight flow path 260C1 adjacent thereto inside. Also, the pitch L3 between the straight flow path 260A2 and the straight flow path 260B2 adjacent thereto inside is larger than the pitch L4 between the straight flow path 260B2 and the straight flow path 260C2 adjacent thereto inside.

[0119] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 each surround a part of each of the connection paths 37 and 38, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the bypass paths 260R1 and 260R2 do not surround the above-mentioned part. The details of the operation and effect of this configuration are the same as those of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0120] In addition, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can expand the cooling region more than when the pitches between the flow paths are made uniform, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be more suppressed.

[0121] Also, according to numerical simulation, by laying the cooling fluid flow path 60 using straight flow paths and bypass paths as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow path 60 is reduced as compared with the case of laying the cooling fluid flow path 60 using a serpentine flow path as shown in FIG. 5.

[0122] Therefore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow path 60 while suppressing the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA. As a result, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen pump unit 10 can be further improved.

[0123] Note that the above straight flow paths and detour paths are merely examples and are not limited to this example. For example, in FIG. 6, 12 straight flow paths are shown, but the number of straight flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to conditions such as the temperature control of the MEA.

[0124] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0125] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fluid flow path provided in the anode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in the third embodiment of the embodiment. Specifically, a plan view of the joint surface of the anode separator 29B before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded is shown. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the illustration of manifolds other than the cooling fluid introduction manifold 61 and the cooling fluid discharge manifold 62 is omitted.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, the cooling fluid flow path 60 has 12 straight flow paths, and a detour path 360R1 that bypasses a part of the connection path 37 and is provided in the straight flow path 360A1 closest to the connection path 37 among these straight flow paths is configured to surround a part of the connection path 37. Further, the cooling fluid flow path 60 is configured to surround a part of the connection path 38 by a detour path 360R2 that bypasses a part of the connection path 38 and is provided in the straight flow path 360A2 closest to the connection path 38 among these straight flow paths.

[0127] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the straight flow paths 360A1 and 360A2 each extend in a direction perpendicular to each of the connecting paths 37 and 38, and the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 connected to the straight flow paths 360A1 and 360A2 each turn back in the vicinity of the upstream end 37E of the connecting path 37 and the upstream end 38E of the connecting path 38, respectively.

[0128] Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the upstream end and the downstream end of each of the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 are convex outward. Specifically, the upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass path 360R1 each include a convex portion 360T1 protruding outward along the extending direction of the connecting path 37. The upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass path 360R2 each include a convex portion 360T2 protruding outward along the extending direction of the connecting path 38. In the example shown in FIG. 7, in the 12 straight flow paths, the pitch between adjacent straight flow paths is all set to the same distance.

[0129] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 each surround a part of the connecting path 37 and the connecting path 38, respectively, so that the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA can be suppressed as compared with the case where the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 do not surround the above-mentioned part. The details of the operation and effect of this configuration are the same as those of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0130] In addition, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can further suppress the generation of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the upstream end and the downstream end of each of the bypass paths 360R1 and 360R2 are not convex outward.

[0131] Also, according to numerical simulation, by laying the cooling fluid flow path 60 using a straight flow path and a detour as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow path 60 is reduced compared to the case of laying the cooling fluid flow path 60 using a serpentine flow path as shown in FIG. 5.

[0132] Therefore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the pressure loss in the cooling fluid flow path 60 while suppressing the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA. Thereby, the efficiency of the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen pump unit 10 can be further improved.

[0133] Note that the above straight flow path and detour are examples and are not limited to this example. For example, in FIG. 6, 12 straight flow paths are shown, but the number of straight flow paths can be set to an appropriate value according to conditions such as the temperature control of the MEA.

[0134] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except for the above characteristics.

[0135] (Fourth Embodiment) The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the embodiment except that in the anode separator 29B, the flow path width of the cooling fluid flow path 60 is equal to the flow path width of the anode gas flow path 30, and the flow path depth of the cooling fluid flow path 60 is equal to the flow path depth of the anode gas flow path 30.

[0136] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the anode separator 29B by setting the flow path width and the flow path depth in the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 to be equal.

[0137] For example, for each of the two main surfaces of the anode separator 29B, each of the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 can be processed using the same processing apparatus under the same processing conditions. For example, when the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 are formed by an etching method, if the cooling fluid flow path 60 and the anode gas flow path 30 have the same shape, both main surfaces of the anode separator 29B can be processed under the same etching conditions within a single etching apparatus.

[0138] The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of any of the embodiments and the first to third embodiments of the embodiment, except for the above features.

[0139] (Modification example) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a communication path provided in the cathode separator of the electrochemical hydrogen pump in a modification of the embodiment.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 8, the cathode separator 29A is provided with a first cathode gas outlet manifold 35B through which cathode gas flows, a second cathode gas outlet manifold 36B through which cathode gas flows, and communication paths 137 and 138 for guiding the cathode gas flowing in from the cathode CA (space S) of the cathode separator 29A to the first cathode gas outlet manifold 35B and the second cathode gas outlet manifold 36B of the cathode separator 29A, respectively.

[0141] That is, the communication paths 137 and 138 are constituted by flow path grooves on the joint surface (the main surface on the side opposite to the cathode CA side) of the cathode separator 29A before the cathode separator 29A and the anode separator 29B are surface-bonded. Note that the detailed configuration of such flow path grooves can be easily understood by referring to the description of the embodiment, and thus is omitted.

[0142] Further, in the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modified example, the cooling fluid flow path 60 (see FIG. 3) is a part including an end portion facing the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138 among the regions facing the communication paths 137 and 138 on the main surface of the anode separator 29B opposite to the anode AN (hereinafter, a part of the region facing the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138), and is configured to surround the part.

[0143] Thereby, the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modified example can suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the MEA as compared with the case where the cooling fluid flow path 60 does not surround a part including the end portion facing the upstream ends of the communication paths 137 and 138. Note that the detailed configuration of the cooling fluid flow path 60 in the electrode facing portion G of the anode separator 29B and the operation and effect of this configuration can be easily understood by referring to the first to third embodiments of the embodiment, and thus are omitted.

[0144] The electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of this modified example may be the same as the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 of any one of the embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments of the embodiment except for the above features.

[0145] Note that the embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the embodiment, and the modified example of the embodiment may be combined with each other as long as they do not exclude each other.

[0146] Further, from the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed.

[0147] For example, the flow path structure of the electro-chemical hydrogen pump 100 can also be applied to other compression devices such as a water electrolysis device.

Industrial Applicability

[0148] One aspect of the present disclosure can be used in a compression device that can more appropriately arrange a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows to maintain a compression unit at an appropriate temperature than in the prior art.

Explanation of Signs

[0149] 10: Hydrogen pump unit 11: Power supply plate 12: Power supply plate 13: Insulating plate 14: Insulating plate 15: End plate 16: End plate 17: Fastener 21: Electrolyte membrane 22: Cathode current collector 23: Cathode catalyst layer 24: Anode catalyst layer 25: Anode current collector 28: Frame 29: Bipolar plate 29A: Cathode separator 29B: Anode separator 30: Anode gas flow path 31: Anode gas inlet manifold 32: Anode gas outlet manifold 35: First cathode gas outlet manifold 35A: First cathode gas outlet manifold 35B: First cathode gas outlet manifold 36: Second cathode gas outlet manifold 36A: Second cathode gas outlet manifold 36B: Second cathode gas outlet manifold 37: Communication path 37E: Upstream end 38: Communication path 38E: Upstream end 40: Surface sealing material 41: O-ring 42: O-ring 45: O-ring 50: O-ring groove 51: O-ring groove 52: O-ring groove 60: Cooling fluid flow path 61: Cooling fluid inlet manifold 62: Cooling fluid outlet manifold 70: Communication hole 71: Communication hole 100: Electrochemical hydrogen pump 100A: Laminate 102: Voltage applicator 137: Connection path 138: Connection path 160A1: Reciprocating path 160A2: Reciprocating path 160B1: Reciprocating path 160B2: Reciprocating path 160C1: Flow path 160C2: Flow path 260A1: Straight flow path 260A2: Straight flow path 260B1: Straight flow path 260B2: Straight flow path 260C1: Straight flow path 260C2: Straight flow path 260R1: Detour path 260R2: Detour path 360A1: Straight flow path 360A2: Straight flow path 360R1: Detour path 360R2: Detour path 360T1: Protrusion 360T2: Protrusion AN: Anode CA: Cathode CCM: Membrane with catalyst layer G: Electrode facing part S: Space

Claims

1. An electrolyte membrane, an anode provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator provided on the anode, a cathode separator provided on the cathode, a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode, comprising: A compression device that generates compressed hydrogen by moving protons extracted from a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode by applying a voltage with the voltage applicator, wherein the anode separator is provided with a first flow path through which a cooling fluid flows on a main surface opposite to the anode, and the cathode separator is a compression device in which the first flow path is not provided on a main surface opposite to the cathode.

2. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the anode separator is provided with a first manifold through which a cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows, and a first communication path for guiding the cathode gas to the first manifold on a main surface opposite to the anode.

3. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the cathode separator is provided with a second manifold through which a cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen flows, and a second communication path for guiding the cathode gas to the second manifold on a main surface opposite to the cathode side.

4. The compression device according to claim 2, wherein the first flow path is configured to surround a part of the first communication path including an upstream end of the first communication path.

5. The compression device according to claim 3, wherein the first flow path is configured to surround a part including an end portion facing the upstream end of the second communication path among regions of the main surface of the anode separator opposite to the anode facing the second communication path.

6. The compression device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first flow path has a serpentine flow path, and is configured to surround the part by two reciprocating paths with large amplitudes and one flow path with a small amplitude included in the serpentine flow path.

7. The compression device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first flow path has a first straight flow path, and is configured to surround the part by a detour provided in the first straight flow path and bypassing the part.

8. The pitch between the first straight flow path and the second straight flow path adjacent thereto inside is larger than the pitch between the second straight flow path and the third straight flow path adjacent thereto inside. The compressor according to claim 7.

9. The upstream end and the downstream end of the bypass are convex toward the outside. The compressor according to claim 7.

10. The anode separator is provided with a second flow path through which a hydrogen-containing gas flows on the main surface on the anode side. The flow path width of the first flow path is equal to the flow path width of the second flow path, and the flow path depth of the first flow path is equal to the flow path depth of the second flow path. The compressor according to any one of claims 1-9.

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