Electrochemical apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical device in which characteristics of an insulating seal material is improved, so that the improvement of power generation performance and electrolytic performance can be achieved easily.SOLUTION: An electrochemical device of an embodiment includes an insulating seal material which seals between a first separator part and a second separator part and also electrically insulates therebetween. The insulating seal material includes a seal material body part, a first seal material softened part, and a second seal material softened part. The first seal material softened part is provided on a first surface located on a side of the first separator part in the seal material body part. The second seal material softened part is provided on a second surface located on a side of the second separator part in the seal material body part. Herein, the seal material body part maintains a hard state at operating temperatures at which a solid oxide cell operates. The first seal material softened part and the second seal material softened part soften at operating temperatures at which the solid oxide cell operates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrochemical apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrochemical apparatus has, for example, a solid oxide cell configured such that a solid oxide electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a hydrogen electrode and an oxygen electrode. In the electrochemical apparatus, the solid oxide cell functions as at least one of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC).

[0003] When a solid oxide cell functions as a SOFC, a reducing fuel gas (hydrogen, hydrocarbons, ammonia, etc.) supplied to the hydrogen electrode and an oxidizing gas (oxygen, air, etc.) supplied to the oxygen electrode react via an electrolyte membrane at high operating temperatures (e.g., 600-900°C). Here, a fuel cell reaction occurs at both the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, for example, as shown in the following reaction equation.

[0004] • Hydrogen electrode: H2 + O 2- →H2O+2e - • Oxygen electrode: (1 / 2)O2+2e - →O 2-

[0005] In contrast, when functioning as an SOEC, the solid oxide cell undergoes the reverse reaction compared to when functioning as an SOFC, and under high operating temperatures (e.g., above 700°C), water vapor decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen. In other words, electrolysis reactions, as shown in the following reaction equations, occur at both the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode.

[0006] • Hydrogen electrode: H2O + 2e - →H2+O 2- Oxygen electrode: O 2- →(1 / 2)O2+2e-

[0007] An electrochemical apparatus has multiple single cells, and these single cells are stacked to form a cell stack. In the cell stack, the solid oxide cells that make up the single cells are electrically connected in series to increase power output, etc. The cell stack is sandwiched between a pair of end plates, and the space between the pair of end plates is tightened using fasteners such as bolts.

[0008] In a single cell of an electrochemical apparatus, a solid oxide cell is interposed between separators. An insulating sealant is provided to seal and electrically insulate the space between the separators.

[0009] As insulating sealing materials, for example, those containing a foaming substance that foams at temperatures between room temperature and operating temperature have been proposed. Furthermore, as insulating sealing materials, structures using a combination of a compression seal such as mica and a glass sheet have also been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5904701 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-55951 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5368333 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6527761 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 6734710 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-199059 [Patent Document 7] Patent No. 6862534 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-183177 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, conventional insulating sealants sometimes make it difficult to obtain sufficient sealing properties and other characteristics. As a result, the power generation and electrolysis performance of electrochemical equipment may decrease.

[0012] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrochemical apparatus that can easily achieve improved power generation performance and electrolysis performance by improving the properties of the insulating sealing material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The electrochemical apparatus of the embodiment comprises a solid oxide cell, a first separator section, and a second separator section. The solid oxide cell is configured such that a solid oxide electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The first separator section is installed on the side of the solid oxide cell toward the first electrode and is configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode. The second separator section is installed on the side of the solid oxide cell toward the second electrode and is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode. The electrochemical apparatus is configured such that a first electrode gas flows between the first separator section and the first electrode, and a second electrode gas flows between the second separator section and the second electrode. The electrochemical apparatus has an insulating sealant configured to seal and electrically insulate the space between the first separator section and the second separator section. The insulating sealant includes a sealant body, a first sealant softening section, and a second sealant softening section. The first seal material softening portion is provided on the first surface of the seal material body located on the side of the first separator portion. The second seal material softening portion is provided on the second surface of the seal material body located on the side of the second separator portion. Here, the seal material body remains hard at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell. The first seal material softening portion and the second seal material softening portion are provided on the first surface of the seal material body located on the side of the second separator portion. Made of glass material, The solid oxide cell is configured to soften at the operating temperature during its operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an electrochemical device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an electrochemical device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view (xy plane) schematically showing the uneven surface of a sealing material main body portion 400 constituting the insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical device according to the fourth embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] <First Embodiment> [A] Configuration of Electrochemical Device 1 FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams schematically showing an electrochemical device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is the vertical direction z, the horizontal direction is the first horizontal direction x, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the second horizontal direction y that is orthogonal to the vertical direction z and the first horizontal direction x. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the electrochemical device 1 and shows a portion corresponding to the surface (xz plane) of the Y1 - Y1 portion in FIG. 2.

[0017] In Figure 2, the vertical direction is the second horizontal direction y, the horizontal direction is the first horizontal direction x, and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is the vertical direction z. Figure 2 is a top view of the electrochemical apparatus 1 and shows the portion corresponding to the Z1-Z1 plane (xy plane) in Figure 1.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrochemical apparatus 1 has a single cell 2 comprising a solid oxide cell 10, a first current collector 21, a second current collector 22, a first separator section 31, a second separator section 32, and an insulating sealing material 40, and is configured to perform power generation and electrolysis.

[0019] Although not shown in the diagram, the electrochemical apparatus 1 has multiple single cells 2, and the multiple single cells 2 are stacked vertically in the z direction to form a cell stack. The solid oxide type cells 10 that make up the single cells 2 are electrically connected in series in the cell stack to increase the power output, etc. The cell stack is sandwiched between a pair of end plates (not shown) in the vertical z direction, and the space between the pair of end plates is tightened using fastening members such as bolts. The cell stack is electrically connected to a pair of busbars (not shown), and is configured to supply current to the cell stack via the pair of busbars when electrolysis is performed, and to extract current via the pair of busbars when power generation is performed.

[0020] Although Figure 1 shows the case where the first separator section 31 and the second separator section 32 are separate, when configuring a cell stack, it is also possible to configure it to include a portion where the two are integrated.

[0021] The following describes, in order, each part of the single cell 2 that constitutes the electrochemical apparatus 1.

[0022] [A-1] Solid oxide type cell 10 The solid oxide cell 10 has a square flat plate shape and includes an electrolyte membrane 110, a hydrogen electrode 111 (first electrode), and an oxygen electrode 112 (second electrode), and is configured such that the electrolyte membrane 110 is interposed between the hydrogen electrode 111 and the oxygen electrode 112. Here, the solid oxide cell 10 is, for example, a hydrogen electrode supported type (fuel electrode supported type), and the electrolyte membrane 110 and the oxygen electrode 112 are sequentially laminated on the upper surface of the hydrogen electrode 111 that functions as a support. The solid oxide cell 10 is not limited to the hydrogen electrode supported type (for example, electrolyte supported type), and may have a shape other than a square shape (such as a circular shape).

[0023] In the solid oxide cell 10, the electrolyte membrane 110 is formed of an ion-conductive solid oxide through which oxide ions (O 2- ) permeate (for example, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)). The electrolyte membrane 110 is configured to be denser than the hydrogen electrode 111 and the oxygen electrode 112.

[0024] In the solid oxide cell 10, the hydrogen electrode 111 is composed of a porous electric conductor (for example, a cermet formed using nickel particles and ceramic particles such as YSZ).

[0025] In the solid oxide cell 10, the oxygen electrode 112 is composed of a porous electric conductor (such as a perovskite oxide such as LaSrMnO3).

[0026] In the electrolyte membrane 110, the region R10 sandwiched between the hydrogen electrode 111 and the oxygen electrode 112 has, for example, a square planar shape, and when the solid oxide cell 10 functions as a SOFC or a SOEC, oxide ions (O 2- ) move inside the region R10.

[0027] [A-2] The first current collector 21 and the second current collector 22 The first current collector 21 is provided on the lower surface of the hydrogen electrode 111 that constitutes the solid oxide cell 10. The first current collector 21 has a mesh structure or a porous structure and is configured to allow hydrogen electrode gas (first electrode gas) consumed or generated in the hydrogen electrode 111 to pass through it. The first current collector 21 is made of a metallic material such as nickel and electrically connects the hydrogen electrode 111 and the first separator portion 31 located below the hydrogen electrode 111. The first current collector 21 may also be a biasing member that biases between the hydrogen electrode 111 and the first separator portion 31 in order to ensure an electrical connection between them.

[0028] The second current collector 22 is provided on the lower surface of the oxygen electrode 112 that constitutes the solid oxide cell 10. Similar to the first current collector 21, the second current collector 22 has a mesh structure or a porous structure and is configured to allow oxygen electrode gas (second electrode gas) consumed or generated in the oxygen electrode 112 to pass through it. The second current collector 22 is also formed of a metallic material such as silver and electrically connects the oxygen electrode 112 and the second separator portion 32 located above the oxygen electrode 112. Similar to the first current collector 21, the second current collector 22 may be a biasing member that biases between the oxygen electrode 112 and the second separator portion 32 to ensure an electrical connection between them.

[0029] [A-3] First separator section 31 The first separator section 31 is made of a conductive material such as metal, and is installed on the side of the solid oxide cell 10 that faces the hydrogen electrode 111.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first separator section 31 has a housing space K31. The housing space K31 is formed in the central part of the upper surface of the first separator section 31. The housing space K31 is a rectangular recess in planar shape and is configured to house the first current collector 21 and the solid oxide cell 10. In this case, the housing space K31 houses the electrolyte membrane 110 and the hydrogen electrode 111 of the solid oxide cell 10.

[0031] In the first separator section 31, the housing space K31 is configured such that when the first current collector 21 and the solid oxide cell 10 are housed in it, a gap is interposed between each side surface of the first current collector 21 and the solid oxide cell 10 and the side surface of the housing space K31.

[0032] Furthermore, the first separator section 31 is provided with a hydrogen electrode gas supply port F311, a hydrogen electrode gas flow path F31, and a hydrogen electrode gas outlet F312. The hydrogen electrode gas supplied from the hydrogen electrode gas supply port F311 passes through the hydrogen electrode gas flow path F31 and is then discharged from the hydrogen electrode gas outlet F312. Here, the hydrogen electrode gas flow path F31 is, for example, a straight groove formed on the support surface (bottom surface) that supports the hydrogen electrode 111 in the containment space K31.

[0033] The hydrogen electrode gas channel F31 may be formed in the first current collector 21. Alternatively, the hydrogen electrode gas channel F31 may not be formed, and the first current collector 21 may perform the function of the hydrogen electrode gas channel F31. In other words, it is sufficient that the hydrogen electrode gas flows between the first separator section 31 and the hydrogen electrode 111.

[0034] [A-4] Second separator section 32 The second separator section 32, like the first separator section 31, is made of a conductive material such as metal, and is installed on the side of the solid oxide cell 10 where the oxygen electrode 112 is located.

[0035] Furthermore, the second separator section 32 is provided with an oxygen electrode gas supply port F321, an oxygen electrode gas flow path F32, and an oxygen electrode gas outlet F322. The oxygen electrode gas supplied from the oxygen electrode gas supply port F321 is configured to pass through the oxygen electrode gas flow path F32 and then be discharged from the oxygen electrode gas outlet F322. The oxygen electrode gas flow path F32 is provided on the lower surface of the second separator section 32 that faces the upper surface of the oxygen electrode 112. The oxygen electrode gas flow path F32 is, for example, a straight groove, formed perpendicular to the straight groove that constitutes the hydrogen electrode gas flow path F31.

[0036] The oxygen electrode gas channel F32 may also be formed in the second current collector 22. Alternatively, the oxygen electrode gas channel F32 may not be formed, and the second current collector 22 may perform the function of the oxygen electrode gas channel F32. In other words, it is sufficient that the oxygen electrode gas flows between the second separator section 32 and the oxygen electrode 112.

[0037] [A-5] Insulating sealant 40 The insulating sealant 40 is interposed between the first separator portion 31 and the second separator portion 32.

[0038] The insulating seal material 40 is a frame-shaped plate with an opening K40 formed in its central portion, and the oxygen electrode 112 and the second current collector 22 are housed inside the opening K40. The insulating seal material 40 also includes a portion that protrudes inward above the housing space K31, and this protruding portion covers the gap and is in contact with the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 110.

[0039] The insulating sealant 40 is configured to create a sealed state between the first separator portion 31 and the second separator portion 32.

[0040] Furthermore, the insulating seal material 40 is configured to provide electrical insulation between the first separator portion 31 and the second separator portion 32. It is preferable that the insulating seal material 40 can maintain its insulating performance without dielectric breakdown even when the solid oxide cell 10 is operated for tens of thousands of hours or more.

[0041] [B] Detailed configuration of insulating sealant 40 The insulating sealant 40 will be explained using Figure 3 along with Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the insulating seal material 40 in the electrochemical apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 1, and shows an enlarged view of a part of the insulating seal material 40 shown in Figure 1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the insulating sealant 40 includes a sealant body portion 400, a first sealant softening portion 411, and a second sealant softening portion 412.

[0044] [B-1] Sealing material main body 400 The main body of the sealing material 400 is configured to remain hard at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell 10. In other words, the softening point of the main body of the sealing material 400 is higher than the operating temperature at which power generation or electrolysis is performed in the solid oxide cell 10.

[0045] Here, the main body of the seal material 400 is made of an insulating material. The main body of the seal material 400 is made of a ceramic material such as alumina or zirconia. Preferably, the main body of the seal material 400 has a compressive strength of approximately 500 MPa or more (equivalent to or greater than that of zirconia). The thickness of the main body of the seal material 400 is, for example, 0.1 to 1.0 mm.

[0046] [B-2] First sealing material softening section 411 The first seal material softening portion 411 is provided on the lower surface (first surface) of the seal material body portion 400, located on the side of the first separator portion 31. The first seal material softening portion 411 is configured to soften at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell 10. In other words, the softening point of the first seal material softening portion 411 is below the operating temperature when power generation or electrolysis is performed in the solid oxide cell 10.

[0047] Here, it is preferable that the first seal material softening portion 411 is made of an insulating material that does not react with the materials constituting the seal material body portion 400 and the first separator portion 31 and does not cause corrosion. For example, the first seal material softening portion 411 is made of glass material. The thickness of the first seal material softening portion 411 is, for example, 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0048] [B-3] Second sealing material softening section 412 The second seal material softening section 412 is provided on the upper surface (second surface) of the seal material body 400, located on the side of the second separator section 32. The second seal material softening section 412 is configured to soften at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell 10, similar to the first seal material softening section 411. In other words, the softening point of the second seal material softening section 412 is below the operating temperature when power generation or electrolysis is performed in the solid oxide cell 10.

[0049] Here, it is preferable that the second seal material softening portion 412 is made of a material that does not react with the materials constituting the seal material body portion 400 and the second separator portion 32 and does not cause corrosion. For example, the second seal material softening portion 412 is made of glass material, similar to the first seal material softening portion 411. The thickness of the second seal material softening portion 412 is, for example, 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

[0050] [C] Summary As described above, in the electrochemical apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the insulating seal material 40 has a first seal material softening portion 411 on the lower surface (first surface) located on the side of the first separator portion 31 in the seal material body portion 400, and a second seal material softening portion 412 on the upper surface (second surface) located on the side of the second separator portion 32 in the seal material body portion 400.

[0051] In the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment, the main body portion 400 of the seal material remains hard at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell 10. Furthermore, in the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment, the first seal material softening portion 411 and the second seal material softening portion 412 are configured to soften at the operating temperature of the solid oxide cell 10.

[0052] Therefore, the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment can obtain sufficient strength to withstand the tightening pressure acting on the solid oxide cell 10 during operation. Furthermore, sufficient sealing performance can be obtained even during the operation of the solid oxide cell 10.

[0053] <Second Embodiment> [A] Detailed configuration of insulating sealant 40 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the insulating seal material 40 in the electrochemical apparatus according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 3.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment (see Figure 3) in some aspects of the configuration of the insulating seal material 40. Aside from this point and related points, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment includes a seal material body portion 400, a first seal material softening portion 411, and a second seal material softening portion 412, similar to the first embodiment (see Figure 3).

[0056] However, in the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment, the seal material body portion 400 differs from that of the first embodiment (see Figure 3) in that it includes an insulating material portion 402, a first metal material portion 401a, and a second metal material portion 401b.

[0057] [A-1] Insulating material section 402 The insulating material portion 402 is a plate-like body made of an insulating material. Here, the insulating material portion 402 is formed of a ceramic material such as mica, thermiculite, or clay. The insulating material portion 402 is a plate-like body with a thickness of, for example, 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

[0058] [A-2] First metal part 401a The first metal portion 401a is formed on the lower surface of the insulating material portion 402, located on the side of the first separator portion 31, and the first sealing material softening portion 411 is provided on the lower surface of the first metal portion 401a.

[0059] The first metal portion 401a is a plate-like body made of a metallic material, and is formed of a metallic material that does not oxidize, such as stainless steel (SUS430, etc.). The first metal portion 401a has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 mm, and it is preferable that the first metal portion 401a is made of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately the same as that of the solid oxide type cell 10.

[0060] [A-3] Second metal part 401b The second metal portion 401b is formed on the upper surface of the insulating material portion 402, located on the side of the second separator portion 32, and the second sealing material softening portion 412 is provided on the lower surface of the second metal portion 401b.

[0061] The second metal portion 401b is a plate-like body made of a metallic material, and, like the first metal portion 401a, is formed of a metallic material that does not oxidize, such as stainless steel (SUS430, etc.). The second metal portion 401b is, for example, a plate-like body with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm, and it is preferable to use a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately the same as that of the solid oxide type cell 10.

[0062] [B] Summary As described above, in this embodiment, the sealing material body portion 400 of the insulating sealing material 40 is configured such that the insulating material portion 402 is sandwiched between the first metal portion 401a and the second metal portion 401b. Therefore, in the insulating sealing material 40 of this embodiment, the insulating properties are ensured by the insulating material portion 402, and the strength to withstand the tightening pressure acting during the operation of the solid oxide cell 10 is ensured by the first metal portion 401a and the second metal portion 401b. Furthermore, since the first metal portion 401a and the second metal portion 401b are provided on the easily processable insulating material portion 402, cost reduction can be easily achieved.

[0063] [C] Variant In the above embodiment of the insulating seal material 40, the case in which the first metal material portion 401a and the second metal material portion 401b are formed of a metal material that does not oxidize, such as stainless steel, has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. The first metal material portion 401a and the second metal material portion 401b may be formed of a metal material that does oxidize. Here, it is preferable to use iron, manganese, or nickel as the metal material that oxidizes to form the first metal material portion 401a and the second metal material portion 401b. As a result, even if the first softened seal material portion 411 and the second softened seal material portion 412 are damaged and fall off, the first metal material portion 401a and the second metal material portion 401b will oxidize and form an oxide film. Therefore, sufficient sealing performance can be ensured.

[0064] <Third Embodiment> [A] Detailed configuration of insulating sealant 40 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the insulating seal material 40 in the electrochemical apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 3.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment (see Figure 3) in some aspects of the configuration of the insulating seal material 40. Aside from this point and related points, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment includes a seal material body portion 400, a first seal material softening portion 411, and a second seal material softening portion 412, similar to the first embodiment (see Figure 3).

[0067] However, in the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment, the seal material body portion 400 differs from that of the first embodiment (see Figure 3) in that it includes a metal portion 401, a first insulating material portion 402a, and a second insulating material portion 402b.

[0068] [A-1] Metal material part 401 The metal part 401 is a plate-like body made of a metal material (such as a dense plate or honeycomb structure material), and is formed of, for example, stainless steel (such as SUS430). The metal part 401 has a thickness of, for example, 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

[0069] [A-2] First insulating material section 402a The first insulating material portion 402a is formed on the lower surface of the metal material portion 401, located on the side of the first separator portion 31, and the first sealing material softening portion 411 is provided on the lower surface of the first insulating material portion 402a.

[0070] The first insulating material portion 402a is a plate-like body made of an insulating material, such as mica or thermiculite. The first insulating material portion 402a has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

[0071] [A-3] Second insulating material section 402b The second insulating material portion 402b is formed on the upper surface of the metal material portion 401, located on the side of the second separator portion 32, and the second sealing material softening portion 412 is provided on the upper surface of the second insulating material portion 402b.

[0072] The second insulating material portion 402b is a plate-like body made of an insulating material, such as mica or thermiculite. The second insulating material portion 402b has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

[0073] [B] Summary As described above, in this embodiment, the sealing material body portion 400 of the insulating sealing material 40 is configured such that the metal material portion 401 is sandwiched between the first insulating material portion 402a and the second insulating material portion 402b. Therefore, in the insulating sealing material 40 of this embodiment, the insulating properties are ensured by the first insulating material portion 402a and the second insulating material portion 402b, and the strength to withstand the tightening pressure acting during the operation of the solid oxide cell 10 is ensured by the metal material portion 401.

[0074] <Fourth Embodiment> [A] Detailed configuration of insulating sealant 40 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the insulating seal material 40 in the electrochemical apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 3.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment (see Figure 3) in some aspects of the configuration of the insulating seal material 40. Aside from this point and related points, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, the insulating seal material 40 of this embodiment includes a seal material body portion 400, a first seal material softening portion 411, and a second seal material softening portion 412, similar to the first embodiment (see Figure 3).

[0077] However, in the insulating sealant 40 of this embodiment, unlike in the first embodiment (see Figure 3), the sealant body 400 has an uneven surface on both its lower surface (first surface) and upper surface (second surface). Here, the uneven surface consists of alternating concave and convex portions. The width of the concave portions and the width of the convex portions are preferably, for example, 0.1 mm or less on average.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic top view (xy plane) showing the uneven surface of the sealing material body portion 400 constituting the insulating sealing material 40 in the electrochemical apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0079] In Figure 7, the extension directions of the recesses and protrusions that constitute the uneven surface of the sealing material body 400 are shown with dashed lines for illustrative purposes (however, the portion of the extension directions of the recesses and protrusions that overlaps with the contour of the housing space K31 is shown with a solid line). As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 7, the recesses and protrusions of the uneven surface of the sealing material body 400 extend along the contour of the housing space K31 that houses the solid oxide type cell 10.

[0080] Specifically, in the portions of the sealing material body 400 located at both ends of the accommodating space K31 in the first horizontal direction x (the left end portion and the right end portion in Figure 7), the recesses and protrusions extend in the second horizontal direction y, similar to the contour extending in the second horizontal direction y within the accommodating space K31. Furthermore, in the portions of the sealing material body 400 located at both ends of the accommodating space K31 in the second horizontal direction y (the upper end portion and the lower end portion in Figure 7), the recesses and protrusions extend in the first horizontal direction x, similar to the contour extending in the first horizontal direction x within the accommodating space K31.

[0081] [B] Summary As described above, in the insulating sealant 40 of this embodiment, the main body of the sealant 400 has an uneven surface on its lower surface (first surface) where the first softened sealant portion 411 is formed, and an uneven surface on its upper surface (second surface) where the second softened sealant portion 412 is formed. Therefore, in the insulating sealant 40 of this embodiment, the amount of the first softened sealant portion 411 and the second softened sealant portion 412 held by the main body of the sealant 400 is increased, making it possible to ensure sealing characteristics for a longer period of time.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the uneven surface of the sealing material body portion 400 has recesses and protrusions that extend along the contour of the housing space K31 that houses the solid oxide type cell 10, so gas is less likely to leak from the housing space K31 along the recesses and protrusions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sealing characteristics can be improved.

[0083] <Other> While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1: Electrochemical apparatus, 2: Single cell, 10: Solid oxide cell, 21: First current collector, 22: Second current collector, 31: First separator section, 32: Second separator section, 40: Insulating sealant, 110: Electrolyte membrane, 111: Hydrogen electrode (first electrode), 112: Oxygen electrode (second electrode), 400: Sealant body section, 401: Metal section, 401a: First metal section, 401b: Second metal section, 402: Insulating material section, 402a: First insulating material section, 402b: Second insulating material section, 411: First sealing material softening section, 412: Second sealing material softening section, F31: Hydrogen electrode gas flow path, F311: Hydrogen electrode gas supply port, F312: Hydrogen electrode gas outlet, F32: Oxygen electrode gas flow path, F321: Oxygen electrode gas supply port, F322: Oxygen electrode gas outlet, K31: Containment space, K40: Opening, R10: Region

Claims

1. A solid oxide type cell is configured such that a solid oxide electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode, A first separator section is installed on the side of the first electrode in the solid oxide cell and configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode, A second separator portion is installed on the side of the second electrode in the solid oxide cell and configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode. An electrochemical apparatus comprising a first separator section and a first electrode, wherein a first electrode gas flows between the first separator section and the first electrode, and a second electrode gas flows between the second separator section and the second electrode, An insulating seal material configured to seal and electrically insulate the space between the first separator portion and the second separator portion. It has, The aforementioned insulating sealing material is The main body of the sealing material, The first sealing material softening portion is provided on the first surface located on the side of the first separator portion in the sealing material body, The second seal material softening portion is provided on the second surface of the seal material body that is located on the side of the second separator portion. Includes, The main body of the sealing material maintains a hard state at the operating temperature during which the solid oxide cell operates. The first seal material softening section and the second seal material softening section are made of glass material and are configured to soften at the operating temperature of the solid oxide type cell. Electrochemical apparatus.

2. The main body of the sealing material is made of a ceramic material. The electrochemical apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sealing material body portion is An insulating material part formed of an insulating material, Formed of a metallic material, the insulating material portion is located on the side of the first separator portion and includes the first metallic material portion and the first surface, Formed of a metallic material, the insulating material portion is located on the side of the second separator portion, and the second metallic material portion includes the second surface. including, The electrochemical apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned sealing material body portion is A metal part formed from a metal material, Formed of an insulating material, the first insulating material portion is located on the side of the first separator portion in the metal material portion and includes the first surface, Formed of an insulating material, the second insulating material portion is located on the side of the second separator portion in the metal material portion and includes the second surface including, The electrochemical apparatus according to claim 1.

5. In the main body of the sealing material, the first surface and the second surface are uneven surfaces. The electrochemical apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first metal part and the second metal part are formed of a metal material that undergoes oxidation. The electrochemical apparatus according to claim 3.

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