End plate capable of volume control and electrode replacement during operation and electrochemical cell stack using the same

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide an end plate comprising: a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is configured to allow the insertion depth of the space portion to be adjustable while inserted into the space portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an end plate capable of volume control and electrode replacement during operation, and an electrochemical cell stack using the same.

[0002] [National R&D projects that supported this invention]

[0003] [Project ID] NP2022-0014

[0004] [Assignment Number]

[0005] [Ministry Name] Ministry of Science and ICT

[0006] [Name of Project Management (Specialized) Agency] National Science and Technology Research Council

[0007] [Research Project Name] Research Association Other Projects

[0008] [Project Title] Development of a Carbon-Neutral Seawater Circulation System Process for the Production of Functional Biomaterials

[0009] [Contribution Rate] 1 / 1

[0010] [Name of Project Performing Organization] Korea Institute of Energy Research

[0011] [Research Period] April 20, 2022 ~ December 31, 2022 Background Technology

[0012] Various bio / microbial / biological electrochemical devices, such as conventional red salt gradient (RED), electrolysis, microbial electrochemistry, microbial reverse-electrodialysis cells, and water electrolysis stacks or modules, include an end plate on which anode and cathode electrodes are placed.

[0013] In the end plate where the electrode is placed, a reaction chamber may be provided in which a predetermined space for the reaction of the electrode is formed. This reaction chamber must be manufactured with a stack having an appropriate volume depending on the reaction, such as when the volume is minimized according to the electrochemical reaction or when a sufficient volume is required for the reaction.

[0014] For example, when only electrochemical reactions are primarily induced within the stack (salinity gradient power generation for electricity production, water electrolysis, MREC for electricity production, etc.), electron transfer occurs through the electrodes, so it is advantageous to minimize the volume of the reaction chamber. However, when chemical production through gas-liquid contact reactions is induced in the electrochemical reaction (salinity gradient power generation for water treatment, NaOCl, HCl, H2O2, etc. through electrochemical reactions), it is advantageous to have a volume sufficient to secure enough time for gas-liquid contact reactions and the removal of organic matter (contaminants).

[0015] As such, there is a disadvantage in that the stack must be manufactured to have a volume of reaction chamber suitable for each condition as needed.

[0016] In addition, there is a disadvantage that the entire stack must be disassembled if the electrode needs to be replaced during operation due to electrode scale formation caused by electrochemical reactions. The problem to be solved

[0017] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an end plate capable of adjusting the volume of an appropriate reaction chamber according to an electrochemical reaction and simultaneously replacing electrodes during the operation of a stack, and a cell stack using the same. means of solving the problem

[0018] To achieve the above objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an end plate is provided comprising: a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is configured to allow the insertion depth of said space portion to be adjustable while inserted into said space portion.

[0019] In addition, the end plate may be configured such that a reaction chamber is provided between the end cap and the electrode, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap.

[0020] In addition, a first fastening part is provided in at least a portion of the inner surface of the space portion of the main body to be coupled with the end cap so as to adjust the insertion depth of the end cap into the space portion, and a first coupling part is provided in at least a portion of the outer surface of the end cap to be coupled with the first fastening part, and the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted according to the length of the coupling area of ​​the first fastening part and the first coupling part.

[0021] Additionally, the current collector has a head portion that contacts the electrode and a body portion that extends from the head portion and has at least a portion of the body portion inserted into the end cap, and a second fastening portion that is fastened to the end cap is provided in at least a portion of the body portion, and the end cap is provided with a first through hole that penetrates along the longitudinal direction of the end cap to allow the current collector to pass through, and the inner surface of the first through hole has a second coupling portion that is fastened to the second fastening portion, and the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted according to the length of the fastening portion of the second fastening portion and the second coupling portion.

[0022] Additionally, the end cap further includes a fixing member provided to fix the contact between the current collector and the electrode, and the inner surface of the first through hole of the end cap has a third coupling part that is fastened to the fixing member, and the fixing member has a second through hole through which at least a portion of the current collector passes and a third fastening part provided in at least a portion of the outer surface of the second through hole and inserted into and fastened to the third coupling part, and when the current collector passes through the first through hole of the end cap and the second fastening part and the second coupling part are fastened, the current collector can be fixed to the end cap when the third coupling part and the third fastening part are fastened.

[0023] Additionally, the main body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and when the current collector is fixed to the end cap, the end cap to which the current collector is attached is inserted into a space along a first direction defined from the second end of the main body toward the first end to close the second end of the main body, and when the main body and the end cap to which the current collector is attached are released, the space may be exposed to the outside.

[0024] In addition, the entire housing unit passes through the first through hole of the end cap along the second direction opposite to the first direction to fasten the second fastening part and the second coupling part, and the fixing member is inserted into the end cap along the first direction to fasten the third coupling part and the third fastening part.

[0025] In addition, the first fastening part and the first coupling part, the second fastening part and the second coupling part, and the third fastening part and the third coupling part may each be provided to be screw-coupled.

[0026] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-modular end plate is provided, comprising: a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; a plurality of current collectors electrically connected by contacting each electrode disposed in each of the spaces; and a plurality of end caps that allow each of the current collectors to pass through and are configured to adjust the insertion depth of each space while inserted into each space.

[0027] In addition, the multi-modular endplate may be configured such that, within each space, a reaction chamber is provided between each end cap and an electrode, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of each end cap.

[0028] In addition, an electrochemical cell stack using an end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0029] Specifically, the electrochemical cell stack comprises a first end plate and a second end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second end plates, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is provided such that the insertion depth of the space portion is adjustable when inserted into the space portion.

[0030] In addition, an electrochemical cell stack using a multi-modular end plate according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0031] Specifically, the electrochemical cell stack comprises a first multimodular end plate and a second multimodular end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second multimodular end plates, wherein at least one of the first multimodular end plate and the second multimodular end plate comprises: a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; a plurality of current collectors electrically connected by contacting each electrode arranged in each of the spaces; and a plurality of end caps that allow each of the current collectors to pass through and are arranged such that the insertion depth of the space is adjustable when inserted into each of the spaces.

[0032] In addition, the electrochemical cell stack may include a concentration difference power generation stack, an electrolysis stack, an electrodialysis stack, a capacitive desalination stack, a microbial electrochemical stack, a microbial reverse electrodialysis electrolysis stack, and a water electrolysis stack.

[0033] In addition, an electrochemical cell stack according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a first end plate and a second end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second end plates, wherein the first end plate and the second end plate each have a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with the electrodes; and an end cap that passes through the current collector and is provided such that the insertion depth of the space portion is adjustable when inserted into the space portion, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between the end cap and the electrodes, and when the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap, the insertion depth of the end cap is adjusted such that the volumes of the reaction chambers of the first end plate and the second end plate are equal to or different from each other.

[0034] In addition, an electrochemical cell stack according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a first multimodular end plate and a second multimodular end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second multimodular end plates, wherein the first multimodular end plate and the second multimodular end plate each comprise a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; a plurality of current collectors electrically connected by contacting each electrode arranged in each space; and a plurality of end caps that each pass through each current collector and are arranged such that the insertion depth of the space is adjustable when inserted into each space, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between each end cap and the electrode, and when the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of each end cap, the insertion depth of the space of each end cap is adjusted such that the volume of the reaction chamber of each of the first multimodular end plate and the second multimodular end plate is equal to or different from each other.

[0035] Meanwhile, any one of the concentration difference power generation stack, electrolysis stack, electrodialysis stack, capacitive desalination stack, microbial electrochemical stack, microbial reverse electrodialysis electrolysis stack, and water electrolysis stack, comprises a first end plate and a second end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and a plurality of ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second end plates to partition one or more first flow paths through which a high-concentration solution flows and one or more second flow paths through which a low-concentration solution flows, wherein at least one end plate among the first end plate and the second end plate comprises a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is provided such that the insertion depth into the space portion is adjustable while inserted into the space portion.

[0036] The above ion exchange membrane may include at least one of a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane. Effects of the invention

[0037] According to the present invention, the volume of the reaction chamber can be controlled through the fastening structure of each fastening part and the coupling part, and there is an advantage that the electrode can be replaced even during the operation of the stack.

[0038] In particular, as the connection method of the cell stack is simplified, the connection between the electrode and the current collector becomes convenient, making maintenance and repair easy, and there is the advantage of easily discharging reaction gases generated inside the reaction chamber to the outside.

[0039] When the end plate according to the present invention is applied to an electrochemical cell stack, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted according to the purpose, so that in the case of a stack that primarily induces only electrochemical reactions, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted to be minimized.

[0040] In addition, for a stack that generates chemicals through electrochemical reactions and gas-liquid contact reactions, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted to maximize the amount of time required for gas-liquid contact reactions and organic matter removal.

[0041] In addition, the thickness, characteristics, material, number, etc. of the electrodes can be varied even during operation.

[0042] In addition, maximizing the volume of the reaction chamber can solve the problem of increased electrode resistance caused by gas not escaping easily from the electrode surface, and may be advantageous for gas capture. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 are cross-sectional views of the combination of Figure 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of assembling an end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 and 7 are partial combined cross-sectional views showing the assembled state of Figure 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a multi-modular end plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating various embodiments of an electrochemical cell stack using an end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0045] In addition, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same or similar reference numbers regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted; furthermore, for the convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each illustrated component may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] The present invention relates to an end plate capable of volume control of a reaction chamber and electrode replacement during operation, and an electrochemical cell stack using the same.

[0049] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an end plate (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are combined cross-sectional views of FIG. 1.

[0050] In particular, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are combined cross-sectional views to show the state in which the volume of the reaction chamber (120) of the end plate (10) is changed.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an end plate (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (100), a current collector (200), and an end cap (300).

[0052] The above main body (100) has a space (S) in which one or more electrodes (110) are accommodated.

[0053] The above current collector (200) can be electrically connected by contacting the electrode (110).

[0054] The above end cap (300) passes through the current collector (200) and, while inserted into the space (S), can be configured so that the insertion depth into the space (S) is adjustable.

[0055] The above end plate (10) has a reaction chamber (120) provided between the end cap (300) and the electrode (110), and the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap (300).

[0056] Specifically, the main body (100) has a first end (101), a second end (102) opposite to the first end (101), and a side portion (103) connecting the first end (101) and the second end (102), and a space portion (S) can be formed by penetrating the first end (101) and the second end (102).

[0057] Here, one end (101) of the main body (100) may face one or more ion exchange membranes (500) described later, and the other end (102) may face an end cap (300).

[0058] A seating groove (131) in which a spacer (130) is seated may be provided in one end (101) of the main body (100).

[0059] The above one or more electrodes (110) can be placed in a space (S) along a first direction (d1) defined as a direction from the other end (102) of the main body toward the first end (101), while the spacer (130) is placed in the seating groove (131).

[0060] The above one or more electrodes (110) can be arranged in a space (S) in a number selected as needed, and if multiple electrodes are provided, multiple electrodes can be stacked and arranged in contact with each other.

[0061] The thickness of the above electrode (110) can be formed to be tens of millimeters (mm) to tens of centimeters (cm), and the number of electrodes can vary accordingly.

[0062] As described above, when multiple electrodes (110) are arranged, if contamination or damage occurs to the electrodes during operation of the stack, only the contaminated or damaged electrodes can be replaced.

[0063] The electrode (110) may be any one of platinum / titanium mesh (Pt / Ti mesh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt) and carbon (C), but is not limited thereto.

[0064] A first fastening part (105) that is fastened to the end cap may be provided in at least a portion of the inner surface of the space part (S) so as to adjust the insertion depth of the end cap (300) for the space part (S), and the first fastening part (105) may be formed with screw threads, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The above main body (100) may include a gas discharge hole (140) for discharging reaction gas generated during the electrode reaction process within the reaction chamber (120) to the outside of the reaction chamber (120).

[0066] The above gas discharge hole (140) may be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the reaction chamber (120) and the side portion (103).

[0067] The above main body (100) may additionally include a tank (not shown) for collecting reaction gas generated within the reaction chamber (120).

[0068] Specifically, the tank (not shown) is fluidly connected to the gas discharge hole (140) so that the reaction gas generated in the reaction chamber (120), for example, hydrogen gas, etc., can pass through the gas discharge hole (140) and be collected in the tank (not shown).

[0069] An electrode support member (160) may be additionally provided inside the main body (100).

[0070] FIG. 4 is a combined cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 showing a state in which an electrode support member (160) is placed on an end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode support member (160) may be provided to fix both ends of the electrode.

[0072] Specifically, the electrode support member (160) may be provided on the upper and lower sides, respectively, along the width direction of the reaction chamber (120), and may be placed within the reaction chamber (120) by changing the length of the electrode support member (160) as needed.

[0073] The electrode support member (160) is placed inside the reaction chamber (120) when using a fiber-shaped electrode (110), thereby preventing the upper and lower sides from lifting up along the width direction of the reaction chamber (120) while the center of the electrode (110) is pressed when the fiber-shaped electrode is pressed by the current collector (200), and thus serves to keep multiple electrodes in close contact with each other and fixed straight.

[0074] In particular, the electrode support member (160) is positioned between the electrode (110) and the end cap (300), such that one end of the electrode support member (160) contacts the electrode (110) and the other end contacts the end cap (300). When the end cap (300) is mounted on the main body (100), the end cap (300) presses the electrode support member (160) toward the electrode (110) to fix and support the upper and lower sides of the electrode (110).

[0075] In addition, the current collector (200) can collect electricity produced from the electrode or supply electricity supplied from an external power source to the electrode.

[0076] The above-mentioned collector (200) has a head portion (210) that is inserted into a space portion (S) or a reaction chamber (120) and contacts an electrode (110), and a body portion (220) that extends from the head portion (210) and has at least a portion of its area inserted into an end cap (300).

[0077] The head portion (210) may have one surface made flat so as to be electrically connected by physically contacting the electrode (110).

[0078] At least a portion of the outer surface of the body portion (220) (also referred to as the first portion) is provided with a second fastening portion (221) that is fastened to the end cap (300) so that the insertion depth into the space portion of the end cap (300) can be adjusted, and the second fastening portion (221) may be formed with screw threads, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The second fastening portion (221) may be provided to have a first length (L1) in a predetermined area along the longitudinal direction of the body portion (220), and the volume of the reaction chamber (120) may be changed according to the fastening length in which the end cap (300) (the second coupling portion of the end cap described later) is fastened on the second fastening portion (221).

[0080] That is, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be changed according to the second length (L2), which is defined as the fastening length that is fastened with the end cap (300) among the first length (L1) of the second fastening part.

[0081] Here, the second length (L2) may be equal to or smaller than the first length (L1), and as the second length (L2) decreases, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) may increase. That is, if the second length decreases, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) increases.

[0082] Accordingly, when the end cap (300) is fastened over the entire first length (L1) of the second fastening part (221), the volume of the reaction chamber (120) is minimized, and as the second length (L2) becomes smaller, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be maximized.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, when the second length (L2a), which is the connection length of the second connecting part (221) and the second connecting part (351), is long, the volume (A1) of the reaction chamber (120) is reduced (decreased), and as shown in FIG. 3, when the second length (L2b) of the second connecting part (221) and the second connecting part (351) is short, the volume (A2) of the reaction chamber (120) is increased (increased).

[0084] The remaining portion of the outer surface of the body part (220) (also referred to as the second portion) can be inserted into the second through hole (371) of the fixing member (370) while passing through the third coupling part (353) of the end cap (300) described later, thereby fixing the collector.

[0086] In addition, the end cap (300) has a first end (301) that is inserted into the space (S) and forms one side of the reaction chamber (120), and a second end (302) that extends from the first end (301) and is formed in the opposite direction of the first end (301).

[0087] The above end cap (300) includes a fixing member (370) provided to fix the contact between the current collector (200) and the electrode (110).

[0088] The above fixing member (370) may be provided to further improve the contact between the head portion (210) of the current collector and the electrode (110), and may be coupled to the other end of the end cap (300).

[0089] Specifically, a first coupling part (310) is provided on the outer surface of the end portion (301) of the end cap (300) to be coupled with the first coupling part (105) of the main body (100), and the first coupling part (310) is formed with a screw thread having a predetermined length extending from the end portion (301) toward the other end portion (302) so as to be coupled with the first coupling part (105) by a screw coupling method.

[0090] For example, if either a female screw thread or a male screw thread is formed on the first fastening part (105), the first coupling part (310) can be screw-coupled by forming the other female screw thread or male screw thread.

[0091] Accordingly, the insertion depth into the space (S) can be adjusted according to the fastening length in which the end cap (300) is inserted into the space (S) of the main body (100) and the first coupling part (310) is coupled to the first fastening part (105).

[0092] Additionally, the outer diameter of the first connecting portion (310) of the end cap (300) is provided to correspond to the inner diameter of the space portion (S) of the main body (100), so that when the end cap (300) is inserted into a part of the space portion (S) to form a reaction chamber (120), the other end portion (102) of the main body (100) can be closed.

[0093] That is, the above space (S) can be exposed to the outside when the main body (100) and the end cap (300) are uncoupled.

[0094] Accordingly, when replacing the electrode (110), the end cap (300) is released from the main body (100) to expose the space (S) of the main body (100) to the outside, and the electrode is drawn out to the outside along the second direction. Then, the electrode is replaced and inserted into the space of the main body along the first direction, and the end cap is attached to the main body, thereby allowing the end plate and cell stack to be assembled. The electrode replacement is made easier through the above process.

[0095] When the first fastening part (105) is provided to have a third length (L3) along the length direction of the main body, the insertion depth into the space (S) of the end cap (300) is adjusted according to a fourth length (L4), which is defined as the fastening length in which the first coupling part (310) is fastened within the third length (L3). That is, as the fourth length (L4) increases, the insertion depth into the space (S) can become deeper.

[0096] At least one first mounting auxiliary member (330) may be provided on the outer surface of the end cap (300).

[0097] The first mounting auxiliary member (330) is provided in a position adjacent to the first coupling part (310), so that when the end cap (300) is coupled to the main body (100), it is primarily pressed and coupled to the main body (100) by the first mounting auxiliary member (330), and after coupling, the first fastening part (105) of the main body and the first coupling part (310) are screw-coupled, thereby allowing the reaction chamber (120) to be sealed more effectively.

[0098] The first mounting auxiliary member (330) may be, for example, an O-ring, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The above end cap (300) may be provided with a first through hole (350) that penetrates from one end (301) to the other end (302) along the longitudinal direction of the end cap (300) so that the collector (200) passes through.

[0100] The inner surface of the first through hole (350) includes a second coupling part (351) coupled to the second fastening part (221) and a third coupling part (353) coupled to the fixing member (370), and at least one second mounting auxiliary member (355) may be provided between the second coupling part (351) and the third coupling part (353).

[0101] The second connecting part (3351) has a first diameter (r1), and the third connecting part may be provided to have a second diameter (r2) larger than the first diameter (r1).

[0102] The second mounting auxiliary member (355) is provided at a position adjacent to the second coupling part (351) so as to seal the space between the body part (220) and the second coupling part (351) when the body part (220) of the current collector (200) passes through the second coupling part (351).

[0103] The second mounting auxiliary member (355) may be, for example, an O-ring, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] Additionally, the second mounting auxiliary member (355) may further include at least one third mounting auxiliary member (357) to prevent deformation of the second mounting auxiliary member (355) and to prevent leakage of gas and fluid generated in the reaction chamber (120) when the current collector passes through the first through hole (350) and is mounted.

[0105] The third mounting auxiliary member (357) may be arranged to be positioned on each side with the second mounting auxiliary member (355) in between.

[0106] The above third mounting auxiliary member (357) may be formed of plastic or metal.

[0107] Meanwhile, the inner diameter of the second connecting part (351) of the first passing hole (350) can be arranged to correspond to the outer diameter of the current collector body part (220).

[0108] The second coupling portion (351) of the first through hole (350) is formed with screw threads to be coupled with the second fastening portion (221) provided in the body portion (220), and can be fastened to the second fastening portion (221) by a screw coupling method.

[0109] For example, if either a female screw thread or a male screw thread is formed on the second fastening part (221), the second coupling part (351) can be screw-coupled by forming the other female screw thread or male screw thread.

[0110] As described above, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be changed according to the second length (L2) in which the second coupling part (351) and the second fastening part (221) are combined.

[0111] That is, when the second connecting part (351) is connected over the entire area of ​​the first length (L1) of the second connecting part (221), the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be minimized, and as the second length (L2) becomes smaller, the volume of the reaction chamber (120) can be increased.

[0112] Additionally, referring to FIG. 2, if the second length (L2a), which is the fastening length of the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351), is long, the fourth length (L4), which is the fastening length of the first fastening part (105) and the first coupling part (310), is long, so that the insertion depth of the space part (S) of the end cap can be increased.

[0113] Conversely, referring to FIG. 3, if the second length (L2b) of the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351) is short, the fourth length (L4'), which is the fastening length of the first fastening part (105) and the first coupling part (310), is shortened, and the insertion depth of the space part (S) of the end cap may be shallow.

[0115] The inner diameter of the third connecting part (353) of the first through hole (350) can be provided to correspond to the outer diameter of the fixing member (370).

[0116] The above-mentioned fixing member (370) has a second passage hole (371) through which at least a portion of the current collector (200) (a portion of the second portion) passes, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second passage hole (371) may be provided with a third fastening part (373).

[0117] The third connecting part (373) above may be inserted into the third connecting part (353) of the end cap to fix the current collector and secure the contact between the current collector and the electrode (110).

[0118] The third coupling portion (353) of the first through hole (350) is formed with screw threads to be coupled with the third fastening portion (373) provided in the fixing member (370), and can be fastened to the third fastening portion (373) by a screw coupling method.

[0119] For example, if either a female screw thread or a male screw thread is formed on the third fastening part (373), the third coupling part (353) can be screw-coupled by forming the other female screw thread or male screw thread.

[0120] As described above, the fixing member (370) fixes the current collector (200) to the end cap (300) and at the same time, the head portion (210) of the current collector can be fixed in contact with the electrode (110).

[0121] In addition, at least one Euro (321, 322) may be provided in the end cap (300).

[0122] The flow paths (321, 322) formed in the end cap (300) include an inlet flow path (321) into which one or more inflow water supplied for electrode reaction with an electrode inside the reaction chamber (120) flows, and an outlet flow path (322) into which inflow water that has finished reacting inside the reaction chamber (120) flows.

[0123] The above-mentioned inlet channel (321) and outlet channel (322) may be provided at a predetermined distance from each other along the longitudinal direction of the end cap (300).

[0124] The above-mentioned inlet channel (321) and outlet channel (322) can each be fluidly connected to the reaction chamber (120).

[0125] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of assembling an end plate (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 5(a), with a spacer (130) placed on one end (101) of the main body (100), one or more electrodes (110) are placed in a space (S) along a first direction (d1). At this time, the electrodes (110) may be placed in contact with the spacer (130).

[0127] Here, with the electrode (110) accommodated in the space (s), electrode support members (160) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction, and each end of the electrode support member (160) may be supported by contacting a portion of the electrode (110). The electrode support members (160) may be selectively arranged as needed.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 5(b), the current collector (200) is inserted into the first through hole (350) of the end cap (300) along the second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1).

[0129] Since the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351) of the above-mentioned collector (200) are screw-coupled, the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351) are connected by rotating the collector or rotating the end cap. At this time, the connection length (second length) at which the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351) are connected is adjusted to select the volume of the reaction chamber (120), and then the position of the collector is fixed to the end cap.

[0130] Next, the fixing member (370) is rotated along the first direction (d1, the direction from the other end (301) of the end cap toward the first end (302)) and inserted into the third coupling part (353) and screw-coupled with the third fastening part (372).

[0131] In this state, the end portion (223) of the body portion (220) of the above-mentioned collector (200) can be exposed to the outside by passing through the first through hole (350) and the second through hole (375) in succession.

[0132] Figures 6 and 7 are partial combined cross-sectional views showing the assembled state of Figure 5.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, with the current collector (200) fixed to the end cap (300), it is rotated along the first direction (d1) and inserted into the space (S) so that the first coupling part (310) of the end cap and the first fastening part (105) of the main body (100) are screw-coupled.

[0134] When the assembly is completed as described above, as shown in FIG. 2, when the end plate (10) is assembled, a portion of the space (S) of the main body (100) is formed as a reaction chamber (120), and one end (301) of the end cap (300) is formed as one side (121) of the reaction chamber (120).

[0135] In addition, with the current collector (200) fastened to the end cap (300), the combined current collector (200) and the end cap (300) are inserted into the space (S) of the main body (100), and the first fastening part (105) and the first coupling part (310) are screw-coupled to adjust the insertion depth into the space (S) of the end cap (300) to adjust the volume of the reaction chamber (120), after which the current collector can be fixed through the fixing member (370).

[0136] In this case, when the first fastening part (105) and the first coupling part (310) are rotated and screw-coupled, the second fastening part (221) and the second coupling part (351) are also rotated and screw-coupled, thereby allowing the volume of the reaction chamber (120) to be adjusted.

[0138] In this document, the fastening length is the length of the fastening area where each connecting part and the fastening part are fastened, and may have the same meaning as the fastening area; for example, "the first to fourth lengths" may have the same meaning as "the first to fourth areas," and in particular, the second length and the fourth length, which are the lengths of the fastening area where each fastening part and the connecting part are joined, may have the same meaning as the second fastening area and the fourth fastening area, respectively.

[0140] Meanwhile, an end plate (10a) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of current collectors (200) and end caps (300). Hereinafter, a description of a configuration identical to the configuration of the end plate (10) described above will be omitted.

[0141] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an end plate (10a) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 8, the end plate (10a) includes a main body (100a) having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes.

[0143] One or more spaces may be provided in the main body (100a), and a first fastening part that is coupled with an end cap (300) may be provided on the inner surface of each space.

[0144] That is, the above end plate (10a) can be configured as a multi-modular end plate (10a) by having a plurality of space portions (S).

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8 (a) to (c), the main body (100a) may each include a first main body (100a1) having a rectangular shape with a short side and a long side, a second main body (100a2) having a circular shape with a predetermined diameter, or a third main body (100a3) having a square shape with a predetermined size, but is not limited thereto, and a multi-modular end plate can be constructed using any one of the selected main bodies.

[0146] At this time, each of the first to third main bodies (100a1 to 100a3) may be provided with a plurality of space portions (S) to enable serial or parallel connection of end caps (300) combined with current collectors (200).

[0147] Here, one or more electrodes may be accommodated in each of the plurality of space portions (S), and the configuration of the main body (100) described above may be applied in the same way. (Not shown)

[0148] The above multi-modular end plate (10a) includes a main body (100) having a plurality of spaces in which one or more electrodes are accommodated.

[0149] The above multi-modular end plate (10a) includes a plurality of current collectors (200) that are electrically connected by contacting each electrode disposed in each space.

[0150] The above multi-modular end plate (10a) includes a plurality of end caps (300) that allow each of the individual house-types to pass through and are inserted into each space, with the insertion depth of the space being adjustable.

[0151] A reaction chamber is provided between each of the above end caps and electrodes, and the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap.

[0153] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical cell stack (11) is provided using the aforementioned end plate (10) and multi-modular end plate (10a).

[0154] The above electrochemical cell stack (11) may include, but is not limited to, a concentration difference power generation stack, an electrolysis stack, an electrodialysis stack, a capacitive desalination stack, a microbial electrochemical stack, a microbial reverse electrodialysis electrolysis stack, and a water electrolysis stack, and is applicable to all stacks using end plates.

[0155] The above electrochemical cell stack (11) includes a cell stack (11) including the aforementioned end plate (10).

[0156] FIGS. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views showing an electrochemical cell stack (11; 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] In the following description, the aforementioned end plates (10) positioned on both sides with the ion exchange membrane (500) in between are described as being divided into first and second end plates (10-1, 10-2), but the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2) may have the same structure as the aforementioned end plate (10). Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used for configurations identical to the aforementioned end plate (10), and their descriptions are omitted.

[0158] The electrochemical cell stack (11; 11a to 11d) comprises a first end plate (10-1) and a second end plate (10-2) arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and one or more ion exchange membranes (500) arranged between the first and second end plates (10-1, 10-2), and at least one end plate among the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2) comprises a main body (100) having a space (S) in which one or more electrodes (110) are accommodated.

[0159] Additionally, at least one of the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2) includes a current collector (200) that is electrically connected by contacting the electrode (110), and an end cap (300) that passes through the current collector (200) and is inserted into the space (S), wherein the insertion depth into the space (S) is adjustable.

[0160] Here, the one or more ion exchange membranes (500) may include either a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane depending on the purpose of use of the electrochemical cell stack (11), or the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane may be arranged alternately to partition a flow path through which a high-concentration solution and a low-concentration solution flow inside.

[0161] Here, the case in which the aforementioned end plates (10) are placed at both ends of the electrochemical cell stack (11) is described as an example, but the aforementioned end plates (10) may be placed at only one end.

[0163] First, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a concentration difference power generation stack, which is one embodiment of an electrochemical cell stack (11a) using the aforementioned end plate (10) of the present invention. The concentration difference power generation stack is described as follows with reference to FIG. 9.

[0164] The electrochemical cell stack (11a, also called a concentration difference power generation stack) comprises at least one end plate among a first end plate (10-1) and a second end plate (10-2).

[0165] The concentration difference power generation stack (11a) above can be arranged so that one end portion (101) of the first end plate (10-1) and one end portion (101) of the second end plate (10-2) face each other.

[0166] In the concentration difference power generation stack (11a) above, one or more ion exchange membranes (500) may be disposed between the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2).

[0167] The above ion exchange membrane (500) may have a cation exchange membrane (501) and an anion exchange membrane (502) alternately arranged from the first end plate (10-1) toward the second end plate (10-2) to partition a high concentration flow path (510) and a low concentration flow path (520) inside.

[0168] Conversely, an anion exchange membrane (502) and a cation exchange membrane (501) may be alternately arranged from the first end plate (10-1) toward the second end plate (10-2) to partition a first flow path (510) through which fluid flows and a second flow path (520) through which fluid flows.

[0169] Here, the first flow path (510) can flow through either selected high-concentration solution or low-concentration solution, and the second flow path (520) can flow through the other selected high-concentration solution or low-concentration solution.

[0170] The spacers (130) placed on the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2), respectively, are positioned between the ion exchange membrane (500) and the electrode (110) to press the outermost ion exchange membrane (shield membrane) and fix the ion exchange membrane (500) so that it does not swell or deform.

[0171] That is, the spacer (130) can press the ion exchange membrane (500) to support the ion exchange membrane so that it is fixed.

[0172] The above spacer (130) may be made of an insulating material and may use a Teflon-coated Ti mesh, but is not limited thereto.

[0173] Additionally, the electrode (110) disposed on the first end plate (10-1) may be either a cathode or an anode, and the electrode (110) disposed on the second end plate (10-2) may be the other one of a cathode or an anode.

[0174] That is, when a cathode is placed on the first end plate (10-1), an anode can be placed on the second end plate (10-2).

[0175] In particular, the electrode (110) disposed on the first end plate and the second end plate (10-1, 10-2) may include a microbial active electrode (110-1), and either one of the electrodes of the first end plate and the second end plate (10-1, 10-2) may be a microbial active electrode (110-1), and the electrodes of the first end plate and the second end plate (10-1, 10-2) may each be microbial active electrodes.

[0176] In addition, the current collector (200) of the first end plate (10-1) and the current collector (200) of the second end plate (10-2) can be electrically connected to each other.

[0177] When a high-concentration solution and a low-concentration solution are introduced into one or more first channels (510) and second channels (520), respectively, partitioned by the ion exchange membrane (500), electron transfer occurs as the cations and anions contained in the high-concentration solution pass through the cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane, respectively, and move to the channel where the low-concentration solution flows.

[0178] That is, a potential difference is generated between the electrodes at both ends due to the difference in concentration of the fluid flowing through the first and second channels, and electricity can be produced through an oxidation-reduction reaction on the electrodes, and accordingly, electricity can be collected in the current collector (200).

[0179] As described above, since the concentration difference power generation stack (11a) primarily induces only electrochemical reactions, the reaction chamber (120; 120-1, also called the first reaction chamber) formed on the first end plate (10-1) and the reaction chamber (120; 120-2, also called the second reaction chamber) formed on the second end plate (10-2) may be provided to have the same volume as each other, but may be provided to have different volumes as needed.

[0180] That is, the insertion depth for the space portion (S) of the end cap (300) can be adjusted so that the volumes of the first and second reaction chambers (120-1, 120-2) are equal to or different from each other.

[0181] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a microbial electrochemical cell stack (11b), which is one embodiment of an electrochemical cell stack (11b) using the aforementioned end plate (10) of the present invention, and shows a state in which a microbial active electrode (110-1) is disposed on a second end plate (10-2).

[0182] The above microbial active electrode (110-1) may, for example, be a carbon felt coated with a microbial catalyst, but is not limited thereto.

[0184] Meanwhile, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrolysis stack, which is one embodiment of an electrochemical cell stack (11c) using the aforementioned end plate (10) of the present invention, and the electrolysis stack is described as follows with reference to FIG. 11.

[0185] The above electrochemical cell stack (11c, also called an electrolysis stack) includes at least one end plate among a first end plate (10-1) and a second end plate (10-2).

[0186] The above electrolysis stack (11c) can be arranged so that one end portion (101) of the first end plate (10-1) and one end portion (101) of the second end plate (10-2) face each other.

[0187] In the above electrolysis stack (11c), an ion exchange membrane (500) may be disposed between the first end plate (10-1) and the second end plate (10-2).

[0188] Here, the ion exchange membrane (500) may be either a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane, and may include various membrane materials used in processes such as ceramic, forward osmosis (FO), and reverse osmosis (RO), which are generally used as separation membranes in water treatment.

[0189] In addition, a separator coated with a functional material on the aforementioned separator material can also be applied.

[0190] Additionally, the electrode (110) disposed on the first end plate (10-1) may be either a cathode or an anode, and the electrode (110) disposed on the second end plate (10-2) may be the other one of a cathode or an anode.

[0191] That is, when a cathode is placed on the first end plate (10-1), an anode can be placed on the second end plate (10-2).

[0192] In addition, the current collector (200) of the first end plate (10-1) and the current collector (200) of the second end plate (10-2) can be electrically connected to each other.

[0193] When electricity is supplied by an external power source to the above electrolysis stack (11c), the inflow water flowing into each reaction chamber (120; 120-1, 120-2) can react with the electrode (110) to produce a chemical substance.

[0194] As described above, by placing the first and second end plates (10-1, 10-2) at both ends of the electrolysis stack (11c), the distance between the electrodes placed on the first and second end plates (10-1, 10-2) can be minimized, thereby reducing resistance and enabling stable production of chemical substances.

[0195] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a microbial electrolysis cell stack (11d), which is one embodiment of an electrochemical cell stack (11d) using the aforementioned end plate (10) of the present invention, and shows a state in which a microbial active electrode (110-1) is disposed on a second end plate (10-2).

[0196] The above microbial active electrode (110-1) may, for example, be a carbon felt coated with a microbial catalyst, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] As described above, in the case of an end plate using a microbial active electrode (110-1) as the electrode (110), there is an advantage in that sufficient time can be secured for gas-liquid contact reaction and organic matter removal by adjusting the insertion depth of the end cap to maximize the volume of the reaction chamber.

[0199] According to the present invention, the volume of the reaction chamber can be controlled through the fastening structure of each fastening part and the coupling part, and there is an advantage that the electrode can be replaced even during the operation of the stack.

[0200] When the end plate according to the present invention is applied to an electrochemical cell stack, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted according to the purpose, so that in the case of a stack that primarily induces only an electrochemical reaction, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted to a minimum.

[0201] In the case where the above electrochemical reaction predominates, the reaction at the anode electrode (positive electrode) and the reaction at the cathode electrode (negative electrode) are as follows.

[0202] 1) Anode electrode (positive electrode) reaction equation

[0203] H2O → O2 + 4H + + 4e-

[0204] (When using seawater) 2Cl - → Cl2 + 2e-

[0205] 2) Cathode electrode (negative electrode) reaction equation

[0206] H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH -

[0207] (Carbon electrode applied) O2 + 2H + +2e- → H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide formation)

[0208] In addition, for stacks that generate chemicals (NaOCl, HCl, NaOH, H2O2, etc.) through electrochemical reactions and gas-liquid contact reactions, the volume of the reaction chamber can be adjusted to maximize the amount of time required for gas-liquid contact reactions and organic matter removal.

[0209] In the case where the above gas-liquid contact reaction predominates, the reaction at the anode electrode (positive electrode) and the reaction at the cathode electrode (negative electrode) are as follows.

[0210] Main Reaction

[0211] 1) When circulating discharge water on the anode electrode side

[0212] Cl2 + H2O + Na + → NaOCl + H2 + Cl -

[0213] 2) When circulating discharge water between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode

[0214] Cl2+ 2NaOH → NaOCl + NaCl + H2O

[0215] Side effects

[0216] 1) Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + Cl - + H +

[0217] 2) HOCl → H + + OCl -

[0218] 3) 2HOCl + OCl - → ClO3 - + 2Cl - + 2H +

[0219] In addition, since the end cap (300) can be easily separated from the main body (100), the thickness, characteristics, material, number, etc. of the electrodes can be varied even during operation.

[0220] Additionally, if the volume of the reaction chamber (120) is optionally maximized as needed, the problem of increased electrode resistance can be resolved as the gas generated on the electrode surface inside the reaction chamber (120) is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge hole (140), and gas collection is easy.

[0221] As described above, depending on the characteristics of the inflow water supplied to the reaction chamber (120), a chemical can be generated through an electrode reaction at the electrode (110) placed in the reaction chamber and discharged as discharge water.

[0222] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the end plate (10) of the aforementioned electrochemical cell stack (11a to 11d) is provided as the aforementioned multi-modular end plate (10a), so that it can be applied to the scale-up of the electrochemical cell stack (11).

[0223] Specifically, the electrochemical cell stack including the aforementioned multi-modular endplate (10a) comprises a first multi-modular endplate and a second multi-modular endplate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second multi-modular endplates, wherein at least one of the first multi-modular endplate and the second multi-modular endplate comprises a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes, a plurality of current collectors electrically connected by contacting each electrode arranged in each space, and a plurality of end caps that allow each current collector to pass through and are arranged to adjust the insertion depth of each space while inserted into each space.

[0224] The above-mentioned contents may be applied identically to each of the main body, current collector, and end cap. Explanation of the symbols

[0225] 10: End plate 10-1: 1st endplate 10-2: 2nd endplate 100: Main body 200: Whole house 300: End Cap 370: Fixing member 10a: Multi-modular endplate 11: Electrochemical cell stack using endplates

Claims

Claim 1 An end plate comprising: a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is configured to allow the insertion depth of said space portion to be adjustable while inserted into said space portion, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between the end cap and the electrodes, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap, and the end cap comprises one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chamber so as to supply and discharge inflow water for electrode reaction with the electrodes inside the reaction chamber. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 An end plate according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the space portion of the main body is provided with a first fastening portion that is fastened to the end cap so as to adjust the insertion depth of the end cap into the space portion, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the end cap is provided with a first coupling portion that is fastened to the first fastening portion, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the length of the fastening portion of the first fastening portion and the first coupling portion. Claim 4 In claim 3, the current collector has a head portion that contacts an electrode and a body portion that extends from the head portion and has at least a portion of which is inserted into an end cap; a second fastening portion that is fastened to the end cap is provided in at least a portion of the body portion; the end cap is provided with a first through hole that penetrates along the longitudinal direction of the end cap to allow the current collector to pass through, and the inner surface of the first through hole has a second coupling portion that is fastened to the second fastening portion, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the length of the fastening portion of the second fastening portion and the second coupling portion; the end cap further includes a fixing member provided to fix the contact between the current collector and the electrode, and the inner surface of the first through hole of the end cap has a third coupling portion that is fastened to the fixing member, and the fixing member has a second through hole through which at least a portion of the current collector passes and a third fastening portion provided in at least a portion of the outer surface of the second through hole and inserted into and fastened to the third coupling portion, and when the current collector passes through the first through hole of the end cap and the second fastening portion and the second coupling portion are fastened, the third An end plate in which the current collector is fixed to the end cap when the connecting part and the third connecting part are connected. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In claim 4, the main body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and the end cap to which the current collector is attached while the current collector is fixed to the end cap is inserted into a space along a first direction defined from the second end of the main body toward the first end to close the second end of the main body, and when the end cap to which the main body and the current collector are attached is released, the space is exposed to the outside, the current collector passes through a first through hole of the end cap along a second direction opposite to the first direction to fasten a second fastening part and a second coupling part, and the fixing member is inserted into the end cap along the first direction to fasten a third coupling part and a third fastening part, and the first fastening part and the first coupling part, the second fastening part and the second coupling part, and the third fastening part and the third coupling part are each provided to be screw-fastened. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A multi-modular end plate comprising: a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; a plurality of current collectors electrically connected to each electrode disposed in each of the spaces by contacting each of the electrodes; and a plurality of end caps that each pass through each of the current collectors and are configured to allow the insertion depth of the space to be adjustable while inserted into each of the spaces, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between the end caps and the electrodes, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end caps, and the end caps include one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chambers so as to supply and discharge inflow water for electrode reaction with the electrodes inside the reaction chambers. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 An electrochemical cell stack comprising a first end plate and a second end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second end plates, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with said electrodes; and an end cap that passes through said current collector and is provided such that the insertion depth of the space portion is adjustable when inserted into the space portion, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between the end cap and the electrodes, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap, and the end cap includes one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chamber so as to supply and discharge influent water for electrode reaction with the electrodes inside the reaction chamber. Claim 12 An electrochemical cell stack comprising a first multimodular end plate and a second multimodular end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second multimodular end plates, wherein at least one of the first multimodular end plate and the second multimodular end plate comprises: a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; a plurality of current collectors electrically connected to each electrode arranged in each of the spaces by contacting each of the electrodes; and a plurality of end caps that allow each of the current collectors to pass through and are arranged such that the insertion depth of the space is adjustable when inserted into each of the spaces, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between each end cap and the electrode, and the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of each end cap, and each end cap comprises one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chamber so as to supply and discharge influent water for electrode reaction with the electrode inside the reaction chamber. Claim 13 In either claim 11 or 12, the electrochemical cell stack comprises a concentration difference power generation stack, an electrolysis stack, an electrodialysis stack, a capacitive desalination stack, a microbial electrochemical stack, a microbial reverse electrodialysis electrolysis stack, and a water electrolysis stack. Claim 14 An electrochemical cell stack comprising a first end plate and a second end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second end plates, wherein the first end plate and the second end plate each have a main body having a space portion for accommodating one or more electrodes; a current collector electrically connected in contact with the electrodes; and an end cap that passes through the current collector and is provided such that the insertion depth of the space portion is adjustable when inserted into the space portion, wherein a reaction chamber is provided between the end cap and the electrodes, and when the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the end cap, the insertion depth of the end cap is adjusted such that the volumes of the reaction chambers of the first end plate and the second end plate are equal to or different from each other, and the end cap includes one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chamber so as to supply and discharge influent water for electrode reaction with the electrodes inside the reaction chamber. Claim 15 A first multimodular end plate and a second multimodular end plate arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance, and one or more ion exchange membranes arranged between the first and second multimodular end plates, wherein the first multimodular end plate and the second multimodular end plate each have a main body having a plurality of spaces for accommodating one or more electrodes; and a plurality of current collectors electrically connected by contacting each electrode arranged in each of the spaces. An electrochemical cell stack comprising a plurality of end caps, each having a separate current collector and inserted into a respective space, wherein the insertion depth of each end cap is adjustable, a reaction chamber is provided between each end cap and an electrode, and when the volume of the reaction chamber is adjusted according to the insertion depth of each end cap, the insertion depth of each end cap is adjusted such that the volumes of the reaction chambers of the first multi-modular end plate and the second multi-modular end plate are equal to or different from each other, and each end cap includes one or more fluid passages fluidly connected to the reaction chamber so as to supply and discharge influent water for electrode reaction with the electrode inside the reaction chamber.

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