Electrochemical cell apparatus, modules, and module housing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical cell device of high durability, a module, and a module storage device.SOLUTION: An electrochemical cell device comprises a first flow path extending in a first direction, at least two second flow paths extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and an element unit. The second flow paths are arranged in the first direction. The element unit is disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path. The second flow path disposed downstream relative to the first flow path has a larger cross section than that of the second flow path disposed upstream relative to the first flow path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

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 electrochemical cell devices, which have multiple fuel cell cells or electrolytic cells, have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. For example, an electrolytic cell, a type of electrochemical cell, can generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas using electricity and water vapor supplied from an external source, or generate carbon monoxide and oxygen using carbon dioxide. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-180164 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-220022 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, conventional electrochemical cell devices sometimes experienced variations in temperature during electrolysis, leaving room for improvement in terms of durability.

[0005] One embodiment aims to provide a highly durable electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrochemical cell apparatus according to one embodiment comprises a first channel extending in a first direction, at least two second channels extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an element section. The second channels are aligned in the first direction. The element section is located between the first channel and the second channels. The second channel located downstream of the first channel has a larger cross-sectional area than the second channel located upstream of the first channel.

[0007] An electrochemical cell apparatus according to one embodiment comprises a first channel extending in a first direction, at least two second channels extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an element section. The second channels are aligned in the first direction. The element section is located between the first channel and the second channels. The contact area between the second channel located downstream of the first channel and the element section is larger than the contact area between the second channel located upstream of the first channel and the element section.

[0008] An electrochemical cell apparatus according to one embodiment comprises a first channel extending in a first direction, a second channel extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an element section. The element section is located between the first channel and the second channel. The flow rate of the gas flowing through the portion of the second channel located downstream of the first channel is greater than the flow rate of the gas flowing through the portion of the second channel located upstream of the first channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the module of this disclosure comprises the electrochemical cell apparatus described above and a storage container for housing the electrochemical cell apparatus.

[0010] 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]

[0011] According to one embodiment, a highly durable electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment as viewed from the oxygen electrode side. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment as viewed from the interconnector side. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the X-X line shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a plan view of the electrochemical cell included in the electrochemical cell device shown in Figure 3A as viewed in the thickness direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first flow path included in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a second flow path included in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second flow path included in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second flow path included in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The embodiments of the electrochemical cell apparatus, module, and module housing apparatus disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments described below are not the limit of this disclosure.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted that drawings are schematic representations, and the dimensional relationships and proportions of each element may differ from reality. Moreover, there may be discrepancies in dimensional relationships and proportions between drawings themselves.

[0015] [First Embodiment] <Electrochemical cell> First, referring to Figures 1A to 1C, an example of a solid oxide type electrolytic cell will be used to describe the electrochemical cell that constitutes the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the first embodiment. The electrochemical cell apparatus may include a cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. An electrochemical cell apparatus having a plurality of electrochemical cells will simply be referred to as a cell stack apparatus.

[0016] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the embodiment, Figure 1B is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the embodiment viewed from the oxygen electrode side, and Figure 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the embodiment viewed from the interconnector side. Figures 1A to 1C show enlarged views of some of the components of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may simply be referred to as a cell.

[0017] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1C, cell 1 is a hollow, flat plate type, elongated in shape. As shown in Figure 1B, the overall shape of cell 1 when viewed from the side is, for example, a rectangle with a length of 5 cm to 50 cm along the length direction L, and a width direction W perpendicular to this length direction L, for example, 1 cm to 10 cm. The overall thickness T of cell 1 is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1A, cell 1 comprises a conductive support substrate 2, an element section 3, and an interconnector 4. The support substrate 2 is columnar in shape, having a pair of opposing flat surfaces n1, n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting the flat surfaces n1, n2.

[0019] The element portion 3 is provided on the flat surface n1 of the support substrate 2. This element portion 3 has a hydrogen electrode layer 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an oxygen electrode layer 8. In the example shown in Figure 1A, the interconnector 4 is located on the flat surface n2 of the cell 1. The cell 1 may also have an intermediate layer 7 between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the oxygen electrode layer 8.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, the oxygen electrode layer 8 does not extend to the bottom end of cell 1. At the bottom end of cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of the flat surface n1. Also, as shown in Figure 1C, the interconnector 4 may extend to the bottom end of cell 1. At the bottom end of cell 1, the interconnector 4 and the solid electrolyte layer 6 are exposed on the surface. Note that, as shown in Figure 1A, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of the pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m of cell 1. The interconnector 4 does not necessarily have to extend to the bottom end of cell 1.

[0021] The following describes each component that makes up Cell 1.

[0022] The support substrate 2 has gas channels 2a through which gas flows. An example of the support substrate 2 shown in Figure 1A has six gas channels 2a. The gas channel 2a is an example of the first channel. The support substrate 2 is gas permeable and allows hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen electrode layer 5 to pass through to the gas channels 2a. The support substrate 2 may also be conductive. A conductive support substrate 2 electrically connects the interconnector 4 and the element section 3.

[0023] The material of the support substrate 2 includes, for example, an iron group metal component and an inorganic oxide. The iron group metal component may be, for example, Ni (nickel) and / or NiO. The inorganic oxide may be, for example, a specific rare earth element oxide. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb.

[0024] The material for the hydrogen electrode layer 5 can be one of commonly known materials. The hydrogen electrode layer 5 may be a porous conductive ceramic, such as a ceramic 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, for example, multiple rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO2 in which rare earth element oxides are in solid solution is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. Stabilized zirconia also includes partially stabilized zirconia.

[0025] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and facilitates the transfer of ions between the hydrogen electrode layer 5 and the oxygen electrode layer 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties, making it difficult for leakage between the hydrogen-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0026] 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, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide are dissolved. The rare earth element oxide 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, CeO2 in which La, Nd, Sm, Gd, or Yb are dissolved, or BaZrO3 in which Sc or Yb are dissolved, or BaCeO3 in which Sc or Yb are dissolved.

[0027] The oxygen pole layer 8 is gas permeable. The open porosity of the oxygen pole layer 8 may be in the range of, for example, 20% to 50%, and particularly 30% to 50%.

[0028] The material of the oxygen electrode layer 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for an oxygen electrode. The material of the oxygen electrode layer 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3-type perovskite oxide.

[0029] The material of the oxygen electrode layer 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 , ,

[0031] ,

[0032] , , 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 and the like. Here, x is 0 < x < 1, and y is 0 < y < 1.

[0030] Further, when the element part 3 has the intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 has a function as a diffusion suppression layer. When an element such as Sr (strontium) contained in the oxygen electrode layer 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, a resistance layer such as SrZrO3 is formed in the solid electrolyte layer 6. The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for Sr to diffuse, thereby making it difficult for SrZrO3 and other oxides having electrical insulation to be formed.

[0031] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used for an element diffusion suppression layer between the oxygen electrode layer 8 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. The material of the intermediate layer 7 may contain, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which rare earth elements excluding Ce (cerium) are solid-dissolved. As such rare earth elements, for example, Gd (gadolinium), Sm (samarium) and the like may be used.

[0032] ]> Further, the interconnector 4 is dense and hardly causes leakage of the hydrogen-containing gas flowing through the gas flow path 2a located inside the support substrate 2 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2. The interconnector 4 may have a relative density of 93% or more, particularly 95% or more.

[0033] The interconnector 4 may be made from materials such as lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxides (LaCrO3-based oxides) or lanthanum strontium titanium-based perovskite oxides (LaSrTiO3-based oxides). These materials are electrically conductive and are resistant to reduction and oxidation even when in contact with hydrogen-containing gases and oxygen-containing gases such as air. Alternatively, metals or alloys may be used as the material for the interconnector 4.

[0034] <Electrochemical cell apparatus> Next, the electrochemical cell apparatus according to this embodiment using the cell 1 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the first embodiment, Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of line XX shown in Figure 2A, and Figure 2C is a top view showing an example of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2A, the cell stacking device 10 comprises a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction T (see Figure 1A) of the cell 1, and a fixing member 12.

[0036] The fixing member 12 includes a fixing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The fixing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also includes a support body 15 and a tank 16. The support body 15 and the tank 16, which make up the support member 14, are, for example, made of metal and are conductive.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2B, the support 15 has an insertion hole 15a into which the lower ends of the multiple cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the multiple cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a are joined together by a fixing member 13.

[0038] The tank 16 has an opening that supplies steam to a plurality of cells 1 through an insertion hole 15a, and a groove 16a located around the opening. The outer end of the support 15 is joined to the tank 16 by a bonding material 21 that is filled into the groove 16a of the tank 16.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 2A, there is an internal space 22 formed by a support member 14, which is a support 15, and a tank 16. A flow pipe 20 is connected to the tank 16. Steam or water is supplied to the tank 16 through this flow pipe 20, and steam is supplied from the tank 16 to the gas flow path 2a (see Figure 1A) inside the cell 1.

[0040] The example shown in Figure 2A comprises two rows of cell stacks 11, a support member 14, two support members 15, and a tank 16. Each of the two rows of cell stacks 11 has multiple cells 1. Each cell stack 11 is fixed to each support member 15. The tank 16 has two through holes on its top surface. Each support member 15 is placed in each through hole. The internal space 22 is formed by one tank 16 and two support members 15. Although Figure 2A shows a cell stack apparatus 10 having two rows of cell stacks 11, the electrochemical cell apparatus may have one row of cell stacks 11, or three or more rows of cell stacks 11.

[0041] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, oval when viewed from above. The length of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, greater than the distance between the two end current collectors 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11, in the direction of arrangement of the cell 1, i.e., the thickness direction T. The width of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction W (see Figure 1A).

[0042] As shown in Figure 2B, the joint between the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end of the cell 1 is filled with and solidified with fixing material 13. This joins and fixes the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a to the lower ends of the multiple cells 1, and also joins and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The gas passage 2a of each cell 1 communicates with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at its lower end.

[0043] The fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 can be made of materials with low conductivity, such as glass. Specific materials for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 may include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass may be used.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the multiple cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects the hydrogen electrode layer 5 of one adjacent cell 1 and the oxygen electrode layer 8 of the other cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive member 18 connects the interconnector 4, which is electrically connected to the hydrogen electrode layer 5 of one adjacent cell 1, to the oxygen electrode layer 8 of the other cell 1. If the interconnector 4 is made of metal or an alloy, the interconnector 4 and the conductive member 18 may be integrated, or the conductive member 18 may also function as the interconnector 4.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, the end current collector 17 is electrically connected to the outermost cell 1 in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collector 17 is connected to a conductive part 19 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. Note that the end current collector 17 is not shown in Figure 2A.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2C, the cell stack device 10 consists of two cell stacks 11A and 11B connected in series, functioning as a single electrolytic cell. Therefore, the conductive part 19 of the cell stack device 10 is distinguished into an anode terminal 19A, a cathode terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0048] The anode terminal 19A is the anode when power is input from outside the cell stack 11, and is electrically connected to the anode-side end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11A. The cathode terminal 19B is the cathode when power is input from outside the cell stack 11, and is electrically connected to the cathode-side end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0049] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the cathode-side end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11A to the anode-side end current collector 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0050] The hydrogen gas generated inside cell 1 is discharged from cell 1 via the gas flow path 2a. A gas tank (not shown) may be provided on the opposite side of tank 16, across the cell stack 11. The hydrogen-containing gas discharged from cell 1 is stored in this gas tank.

[0051] Next, the details of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to this embodiment will be further explained with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrochemical cell apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 3B is a plan view of the electrochemical cell in the electrochemical cell apparatus shown in Figure 3A in the thickness direction. The electrochemical cell apparatus shown in Figure 3A corresponds to an enlarged view of the cell stack 11 in the cell stack apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2B. Note that in Figures 3A and 3B, for example, the cell 1, conductive member 18, etc., are shown in a simplified manner. In addition, in other drawings described later, components may also be shown in a simplified manner.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3A, cell 1 has a gas flow path 2a as a first flow path. The gas flow path 2a has a supply port 2a1 and an outlet port 2a2. Water vapor stored in the internal space 22 is supplied to the supply port 2a1. Hydrogen-containing gas, including hydrogen generated in the element section 3 of cell 1, is discharged from the outlet port 2a2. The direction from the supply port 2a1 to the outlet port 2a2 is referred to as the first direction. Furthermore, the part of the gas flow path 2a closer to the supply port 2a1 is referred to as the upstream side of the first flow path, and the part closer to the outlet port 2a2 is referred to as the downstream side of the first flow path.

[0053] Furthermore, between adjacent cells 1 in the thickness direction T, there is a space 9 in which a conductive member 18 extending in the length direction is located. An oxygen-containing gas, such as air, flows through the space 9, which is the second flow channel, along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second direction may be, for example, the width direction W of the cell 1.

[0054] In such a cell stack device 10, temperature variations may occur during electrolysis due to endothermic reactions in the element section 3. Specifically, the region 1b of cell 1 located downstream of the first flow path experiences a higher temperature than the region 1a of cell 1 located upstream of the first flow path. As a result, the temperature in region 1b of cell 1 may exceed the temperature suitable for power generation, leading to a decrease in durability.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, temperature variations are reduced by making the flow rate of gas flowing through space 9 different between the first portion 9a of space 9 facing region 1a and the second portion 9b of space 9 facing region 1b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3B, the flow rate of gas flowing through the second portion 9b facing region 1b (indicated by arrow 42) is greater than the flow rate of gas flowing through the first portion 9a facing region 1a (indicated by arrow 41).

[0056] As a result, in the region 1b facing the second portion 9b, heat dissipation is enhanced by the oxygen-containing gas flowing through space 9, and the temperature rise in region 1b is reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 is increased.

[0057] In order to make the flow rate of the gas flowing through space 9 different between the first section 9a and the second section 9b, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which a blower or an air supply duct is used to blow air toward the second section 9b.

[0058] <Modules and module housings> Next, the module and module housing device according to this embodiment, using the cell stack device 10 described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0059] Figure 4 is an 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).

[0060] Module 100 comprises a storage container 101 and a cell stacking device 10 housed within the storage container 101. In such a module 100, as described above, a highly durable cell stacking device 10 is housed within it, thereby making the module 100 highly durable.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The outer casing 111 of the module housing device 110 shown in Figure 4 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell apparatus according to the second embodiment. The cell 1A shown in Figure 5 is a flat-plate type electrochemical cell having an element section 3A and conductive members 91 and 92 sandwiching the element section 3A. The element section 3A has a solid electrolyte layer (for example, a solid electrolyte layer 6), a first electrode layer (for example, a hydrogen electrode layer 5a (see Figure 6)) and a second electrode layer (for example, an oxygen electrode layer 8a (see Figure 7A)) sandwiching the solid electrolyte layer. The element section 3A can have the same configuration as the element section 3 shown in Figure 1A. The hydrogen electrode layer 5a and the oxygen electrode layer 8a may be made of the same material as the hydrogen electrode layer 5 and the oxygen electrode layer 8. The element section 3A may also have an intermediate layer located between the solid electrolyte layer and the second electrode layer.

[0066] Conductive member 91 has a first channel 97 through which hydrogen-containing gas flows in a first direction 30. Conductive member 92 has a second channel 98 through which oxygen-containing gas flows in a second direction 40 intersecting the first direction 30. Conductive members 91 and 92 are sealed with a sealing member or the like (not shown).

[0067] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the first channel of the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the first channel 97 has a supply port 971 and an outlet port 972. Water vapor is supplied to the supply port 971. Hydrogen-containing gas, including hydrogen generated in the element section 3A, is discharged from the outlet port 972.

[0068] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a second channel in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7A, the conductive member 92 has five second channels 981 to 985 arranged along the first direction 30. The second channel 981 is located on the end face 921 side of the conductive member 92, which is on the upstream side of the first direction 30. The second channel 985 is located on the end face 922 side of the conductive member 92, which is on the downstream side of the first direction 30. The second channel 983 is located in the central part of the first direction 30. The second channel 982 is located between the second channels 981 and 983, and the second channel 984 is located between the second channels 983 and 985.

[0069] In such a cell stack device 10, temperature variations may occur during electrolysis due to the endothermic reaction in the element section 3A. Specifically, the element section 3A located downstream of the first channel 97 reaches a higher temperature than the element section 3A located upstream of the first channel 97. As a result, the element section 3A located upstream of the first channel 97 may reach a temperature higher than that suitable for power generation, leading to a decrease in durability.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment, temperature variations are reduced by making the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 98, which faces the first channel 97 with the element section 3A in between, different on the upstream and downstream sides of the first channel 97. Specifically, the second channel 98 located downstream of the first channel 97 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second channel 98 located upstream of the first channel 97.

[0071] As a result, heat dissipation is enhanced downstream of the first channel 97 by the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the second channel 98, reducing the temperature rise. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 is increased.

[0072] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second channels in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7B, the conductive member 92 has five second channels 981a to 985a arranged sequentially along the first direction 30 from upstream to downstream.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7B, temperature variations can be reduced by making the contact area between the second channel 98, which faces the first channel 97 with the element 3A in between, and the element 3A different on the upstream and downstream sides of the first channel 97. Specifically, the contact area between the second channel 98 located downstream of the first channel 97 and the element 3A is larger than the contact area between the second channel 98 located upstream of the first channel 97 and the element 3A.

[0074] As a result, heat dissipation is enhanced downstream of the first channel 97 by the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the second channel 98, reducing the temperature rise. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 is increased.

[0075] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second channels in the electrochemical cell shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7C, the conductive member 92 has five second channels 981b to 985b arranged sequentially along the first direction 30 from upstream to downstream.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7C, temperature variations can be reduced by making the gas flow rates different on the upstream and downstream sides of the first channel 97, and in the second channel 98 which faces the first channel 97 with the element section 3A in between. Specifically, the gas flow rate in the second channel 98 located downstream of the first channel 97 is greater than the gas flow rate in the second channel 98 located upstream of the first channel 97.

[0077] As a result, heat dissipation is enhanced downstream of the first channel 97 by the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the second channel 98, reducing the temperature rise. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 is increased.

[0078] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, an electrolytic cell, electrolytic cell stack, electrolytic module, and electrolytic device were shown as examples of "battery chemical cell," "battery chemical cell device," "module," and "module housing device," respectively. Other examples include a co-electrolytic cell, co-electrolytic cell stack, co-electrolytic module, and co-electrolytic device, respectively. The co-electrolytic cell generates hydrocarbons and oxygen from, for example, water vapor and carbon dioxide when power is supplied. In the embodiments described above, an oxide ion conductor was mainly shown as an example of the electrolyte material for the electrochemical cell, but a hydrogen ion conductor or hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. The type of gas flowing through the first and second channels may be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of the electrolyte material.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the second flow path 98 shown in Figure 5 may be a configuration in which the configurations of the second flow paths 981 to 985, 981a to 985a, and 981b to 985b shown in Figures 7A to 7C are appropriately combined.

[0080] In one embodiment, (1) the electrochemical cell apparatus includes a first flow path extending in a first direction, At least two second flow channels extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and aligned in the first direction, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The second channel located downstream of the first channel has a larger cross-sectional area than the second channel located upstream of the first channel.

[0081] In one embodiment, (2) the electrochemical cell apparatus includes a first flow path extending in a first direction, At least two second flow channels extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and aligned in the first direction, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The contact area between the second channel located downstream of the first channel and the element is larger than the contact area between the second channel located upstream of the first channel and the element.

[0082] In one embodiment, (3) the electrochemical cell apparatus includes a first flow path extending in a first direction, A second flow channel extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The gas flow rate in the portion of the second channel located downstream of the first channel is greater than the gas flow rate in the portion of the second channel located upstream of the first channel.

[0083] (4) The module consists of one of the electrochemical cell devices described in (1) to (3) above, The system includes a storage container for housing the aforementioned electrochemical cell apparatus.

[0084] (5) The module housing device includes the module described in (4) above, Auxiliary equipment for operating the aforementioned module, The system comprises the module and an outer case housing the auxiliary equipment.

[0085] 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]

[0086] 1,1A cell 3,3A element section 10-cell stack device 11-cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Fixing material 14 Support Member 15 Support 16 tanks 17 End current collector 18 Conductive members 100 modules 110 Module housing device

Claims

1. A first flow path extends in a first direction, through which water vapor is supplied and hydrogen-containing gas is discharged, At least two second flow paths through which an oxygen-containing gas flows, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and aligned in the first direction, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The second channel located downstream of the first channel has a larger cross-sectional area than the second channel located upstream of the first channel. Electrochemical cell apparatus.

2. A first flow path extends in a first direction, through which water vapor is supplied and hydrogen-containing gas is discharged, At least two second flow paths through which an oxygen-containing gas flows, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and aligned in the first direction, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The contact area between the second channel located downstream of the first channel and the element is larger than the contact area between the second channel located upstream of the first channel and the element. Electrochemical cell apparatus.

3. A first flow path extends in a first direction, through which water vapor is supplied and hydrogen-containing gas is discharged, A second flow path extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, through which an oxygen-containing gas flows, The element portion located between the first flow path and the second flow path Equipped with, The gas flow rate in the portion of the second channel located downstream of the first channel is greater than the gas flow rate in the portion of the second channel located upstream of the first channel. Electrochemical cell apparatus.

4. An electrochemical cell apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A storage container for housing the electrochemical cell apparatus and A module equipped with the following features.

5. The module according to claim 4, 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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