Electrolysis unit and hydrogen production apparatus

Abstract

The electrolysis unit of the present invention is used in a hydrogen production apparatus for producing hydrogen from a conductive fluid containing water. The electrolysis unit includes an ion exchange membrane, an anode portion supplied with the conductive fluid, and a cathode portion for producing hydrogen from water contained in the conductive fluid. The anode portion includes: a separator comprising a conductive central portion and an outer peripheral portion; and an electrode disposed between the central portion and the ion exchange membrane, facing the central portion. A first opening is formed in the outer peripheral portion; and a plurality of supply flow paths connecting the first opening to the central portion, through which conductive fluid ejected from the first opening flows. The plurality of supply flow paths include: a first flow path, which is the shortest flow path from the first opening to the connection portion with the central portion; and a second flow path, which is the longest flow path from the first opening to the connection portion with the central portion. The difference between the length of the first flow path and the length of the second flow path, i.e., the first flow path length difference, is less than the difference between the distance from the first opening to the connection point between the first flow path and the central part and the distance from the first opening to the connection point between the second flow path and the central part, i.e., the first distance difference.

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