Water electrolysis stack assembly and hot box apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box apparatus. In an embodiment, provided is a water electrolysis stack assembly including: a case including an upper surface part, a side surface part, and a gas outflow pipe formed in the side surface part; and a stack accommodated in an inner space of the case, wherein a surface pressure is applied to the stack by the upper surface part of the case.

Description

Electrolysis stack assembly and hot box device

[0001] The present invention relates to a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device.

[0002] Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), which utilize water electrolysis, operate in the reverse reaction of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOECs feature a simple structure, with all components made of solid materials, and offer the advantages of eliminating electrolyte loss, replenishment, and corrosion.

[0003] In addition, high-temperature water electrolysis technology consumes less electrolysis energy for high-temperature steam than for room-temperature water, so the higher the temperature, the less electrolysis energy is consumed, and the hydrogen production efficiency is relatively better than that of water electrolysis performed at room or low temperatures, making it economical.

[0004] A high-temperature electrolysis system consists of a hotbox containing an electrolysis stack and peripheral equipment (Balance of Plant: BOP). Examples of peripheral equipment include the Mechanical BOP (MBOP), which supplies steam or air to the stack module and captures hydrogen or oxygen, and the Electrical BOP (EBOP), which supplies renewable or nuclear power to the stack. The MBOP unit consists of a heat exchanger, gas-liquid separator, and other components, while the EBOP unit comprises a power converter, power monitoring system, and other components.

[0005] Typically, a single stack requires four piping systems: an air inlet, an oxygen outlet, a steam inlet, and a hydrogen outlet. As high-temperature water electrolysis systems scale up, dozens to hundreds of unit stacks are deployed. This daunting design complexity arises due to the numerous piping systems within the hotbox. Furthermore, the complexity of the equipment required to power the stack and accommodate peripheral devices for monitoring voltage, pressure, and temperature reduces system reliability and overall efficiency.

[0006] A stack's manifold is a pipe that supplies or collects gas to the individual cells in the stack. There are two types: internal manifolds, located inside the stack, and external manifolds, located outside the stack.

[0007] The external manifold method offers the advantage of opening up stack flow and reducing the number of piping required for the stack. However, the conventional external manifold method has the limitation of making it difficult to supply gas into the stack during stack preprocessing or operation within the hotbox.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2013-0135430 A

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device that can simplify the existing stack manufacturing process and improve the durability of the device.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide, in one embodiment, a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device including a case capable of applying a constant surface pressure to the stack from the start of a pretreatment process for the stack until the time of operation within the hot box device.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide, in one embodiment, a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device capable of implementing an external manifold structure using a case that accommodates the stack.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following electrolysis stack assembly and hot box device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water electrolysis stack assembly comprising a case including an upper portion, a side portion, and a gas discharge pipe formed in the side portion, and a stack accommodated in an internal space of the case, wherein a surface pressure is applied to the stack by the upper portion of the case.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hot box device including a housing, a first gas outlet pipe formed on a side surface of the housing, at least one stack assembly disposed within the housing, and a stack module manifold supporting the at least one stack assembly within the housing and connected to the at least one stack assembly, wherein the at least one stack assembly includes a case including an upper surface portion, a side surface portion, and a second gas outlet pipe formed on the side surface portion, and a stack accommodated in an internal space of the case, wherein a surface pressure is applied to the stack by the upper surface portion of the case.

[0015] The present invention can provide a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device that can simplify the stack manufacturing process and improve the durability of the device through the above configuration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present invention can provide a water electrolysis stack assembly and a hot box device including a case capable of applying a constant surface pressure to the stack from the start of a pretreatment process for the stack until the time of operation within the hot box device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water electrolysis stack assembly and hot box device capable of implementing an external manifold structure using a case that accommodates the stack.

[0018] FIG. 1a illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 1b illustrates a schematic side cross-sectional view of a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2a illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2b illustrates a schematic side cross-sectional view of a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a hot box device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a hot box device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, in describing preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts that have similar functions and actions. In addition, in this specification, terms such as “upper,” “upper part,” “top surface,” “lower,” “lower side,” “lower surface,” and “side” are based on the drawings, and in reality, they may vary depending on the direction in which elements or components are arranged.

[0026] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "indirectly connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, "including" a component does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components.

[0027] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a stack assembly (100) prior to performing a high temperature pretreatment process on the stack (120). Figure 1a is a cross-sectional view of the stack assembly (100) prior to performing the pretreatment process, and Figure 1b is a side cross-sectional view of the stack assembly (100) prior to performing the pretreatment process.

[0029] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a stack assembly (100) after a high temperature pretreatment process has been performed on the stack (120). Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view of the stack assembly (100) after the pretreatment process has been performed, and Figure 2b is a side cross-sectional view of the stack assembly (100) after the pretreatment process has been performed.

[0030] A stack assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (110), a stack (120), and a non-repeating unit (130).

[0031] The case (110) is intended to accommodate the stack (120) and the non-repeating unit (130), and may have a rectangular parallelepiped frame shape with an open bottom and an internal space.

[0032] The case (110) may include an upper surface (111) and a side surface connected to the upper surface (111). The side surface may include a first side surface (112), a second side surface (113), a third side surface (114), and a fourth side surface (115).

[0033] The first side portion (112) can be connected to the second side portion (113) at one end and to the fourth side portion (115) at the other end. The second side portion (113) and the fourth side portion (115) can be arranged to face each other.

[0034] The third side portion (114) can be connected to the second side portion (113) at one end and to the fourth side portion (115) at the other end. The third side portion (114) can be arranged opposite the first side portion (112).

[0035] The case (110) may further include a gas discharge pipe (116) formed on a side portion. The gas discharge pipe (116) may be arranged, for example, on the third side portion (114).

[0036] The gas discharge pipe (116) can connect the internal space of the case (110) and the exterior of the case (110). Therefore, the fluid located in the internal space of the case (110) can be discharged to the exterior of the case (110) through the gas discharge pipe (116).

[0037] The stack (120) may have a structure in which a plurality of cell units are stacked. The plurality of cell units may include a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) that generates oxygen or hydrogen.

[0038] Multiple cell units can be supplied with air and generate oxygen through an oxidation reaction, or supplied with steam (water vapor) and generate hydrogen through a reduction reaction.

[0039] In a state where the stack (120) is accommodated in the internal space of the case (110), the upper surface of the stack (120) is in contact with the upper surface (111) of the case (110), and surface pressure can be applied to the stack (120) by the upper surface (111).

[0040] The non-repeating unit (130) can support the stack (120) from below the stack (120). The upper surface of the non-repeating unit (130) can contact the lower surface of the stack (120).

[0041] The non-repeating unit (130) may refer to a lower component that does not have a repetitive structure, unlike the stack (120) formed by repeatedly stacking some components among the components constituting the stack assembly (100). The non-repeating unit (130) may include, for example, at least one of a support plate that supports the stack (120), an end plate that finishes the bottom of the stack assembly (100), and a manifold that injects gas into the stack (120).

[0042] The case (110) can accommodate a stack (120) and a non-repeating unit (130). With the stack (120) and the non-repeating unit (130) accommodated in the internal space of the case (110), the case (110) can cover the upper surface of the stack (120), the side surface of the stack (120), and the side surface of the non-repeating unit (130).

[0043] The side portion of the case (110) may be in contact with the side portion of the stack (120) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (130), or may be spaced apart from the side portion of the stack (120) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (130) to cover the side portion of the stack (120) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (130).

[0044] Specifically, the stack (120) may have an external manifold structure for the first gas and an internal manifold structure for the second gas.

[0045] For example, the first gas to which the external manifold structure is applied may be air used in the oxidation reaction and oxygen generated by the oxidation reaction, and the second gas to which the internal manifold structure is applied may be steam used in the reduction reaction and hydrogen generated by the reduction reaction.

[0046] The first gas generated from the stack (120) can be discharged from the internal space of the case (110) to the outside of the case (110) through the gas discharge pipe (116).

[0047] For example, a first gap (140a) may be formed between the first side portion (112) and the stack (120), and a second gap (140b) may be formed between the third side portion (114) and the stack (120).

[0048] For example, the first gas may be supplied to the stack (120) through the first gap (140a) and may cause an oxidation reaction while passing through the stack (120). The first gas may be introduced from the stack (120) into the gas outlet pipe (116) through the second gap (140b) and may be discharged to the outside of the case (110) through the gas outlet pipe (116).

[0049] Meanwhile, the second side portion (113) and the fourth side portion (115) can be in contact with the side of the opposing stack (120) and the side of the non-repeating unit (130). The flow of the second gas can be controlled by the non-repeating unit (130).

[0050] The stack (120) may further include a sealant, a separator, and a current collector. Shrinkage of the sealant may occur due to the high-temperature pretreatment process for the stack (120). The thickness of the sealant may be reduced by, for example, a shrinkage ratio of 30%.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, before the pretreatment process for the stack (120), the stack (120) may have a first thickness (h1).

[0052] During the pretreatment process for stack manufacturing, gas must be supplied while applying a constant surface pressure to the stack (120). The case (110) of the stack assembly (100) according to the present invention is capable of applying a constant surface pressure to the stack (120) while performing the pretreatment process for the stack (120).

[0053] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, after the pretreatment process for the stack (120), the stack (120) may have a second thickness (h2). The change in the thickness of the stack (120) before and after the pretreatment process is due to the phenomenon of the sealant shrinking due to the high-temperature treatment, and the second thickness (h2) may have a smaller value than the first thickness (h1).

[0054] The case (110) may further include a lower pressure member (117). The pressure member (117) may include, for example, a spring pipe or a load cell.

[0055] The case (110) can control the surface pressure applied to the stack (120) using the pressure member (117). For example, from the start of the pretreatment process for the stack (120) to the end of the pretreatment process for the stack (120), the case (110) can be controlled to apply a first surface pressure (P) of a certain size to the stack (120) using the pressure member (117).

[0056] The stack assembly (100) may further include a fastening member that is fastened to the case (110) at the bottom of the stack (120). The fastening member may be fastened to the case (110) so that a first surface pressure (P) applied to the stack (120) by the case (110) is maintained after the pretreatment process for the stack (120) is completed.

[0057] The stack assembly (100) according to the present invention can apply an external manifold structure by using a case (110) that accommodates the stack (120) from the preprocessing process without additionally providing a separate external manifold member, thereby simplifying the process.

[0058] In addition, the stack assembly (100) according to the present invention has the effect of preventing a phenomenon in which a leak occurs due to a gasket seal when a conventional external manifold member is applied.

[0059] In addition, it is possible to maintain pressure between the case (110) and the stack (120) so that a uniform flow rate can be distributed throughout the stack (120), and there is an effect of improving the durability and reliability of the stack (120).

[0060] The stack assembly (100) according to the present invention can be applied to a hot box device as is by fastening the case (110) used from the preprocessing stage of the stack (120), thereby simplifying the entire process without requiring an additional assembly process.

[0061] Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate a hot box device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hot box device (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (310), a first gas outlet pipe (320), one or more stack assemblies (330), and a stack module manifold (340).

[0062] The first gas discharge pipe (320) may be formed on the side of the housing (310). The first gas discharge pipe (320) may communicate the internal space of the housing (310) with the exterior of the housing (310). Therefore, a fluid located in the internal space of the housing (310) may be discharged to the exterior of the housing (310) through the first gas discharge pipe (320).

[0063] One or more stack assemblies (330) may be implemented through the stack assembly (100) illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b described above.

[0064] The stack assembly (330) may include a case (331), a stack (332), and a non-repeating unit (333).

[0065] The case (331) is intended to accommodate a stack (332) and a non-repeating unit (333), and may have a rectangular parallelepiped frame shape with an open bottom and an internal space.

[0066] The case (331) may include an upper surface and a side surface connected to the upper surface. The case (331) may further include a second gas discharge pipe (336) formed in the side surface.

[0067] The second gas discharge pipe (336) can communicate the internal space of the case (331) with the external space of the case (331). Therefore, the fluid located in the internal space of the case (331) can be discharged to the external space of the case (331) through the second gas discharge pipe (336). In the hot box device (30), the external space of the case (331) can be the internal space of the housing (310).

[0068] The stack (332) may have a structure in which a plurality of cell units, a sealant, a separator, and a current collector are stacked. The plurality of cell units may include a solid oxide electrolysis cell that generates oxygen or hydrogen.

[0069] Multiple cell units can be supplied with air and generate oxygen through an oxidation reaction, or supplied with steam (water vapor) and generate hydrogen through a reduction reaction.

[0070] In a state where the stack (332) is accommodated in the internal space of the case (331), the upper surface of the stack (332) is in contact with the upper surface of the case (331), and surface pressure can be applied to the stack (332) by the upper surface of the case (331).

[0071] The non-repeating unit (333) can support the stack (332) from below the stack (332). The upper surface of the non-repeating unit (333) can contact the lower surface of the stack (332).

[0072] The non-repetitive unit (333) may include, for example, at least one of a support plate supporting the stack (332), an end plate finishing the lower portion of the stack assembly (330), and a manifold for injecting gas into the stack (332).

[0073] The case (331) can accommodate a stack (332) and a non-repeating unit (333). With the stack (332) and the non-repeating unit (333) accommodated in the internal space of the case (331), the case (331) can cover the upper surface of the stack (332), the side surface of the stack (332), and the side surface of the non-repeating unit (333).

[0074] The side portion of the case (331) may be in contact with the side portion of the stack (332) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (333), or may be spaced apart from the side portion of the stack (332) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (333) to cover the side portion of the stack (332) and the side portion of the non-repeating unit (333).

[0075] Specifically, the stack (332) may have an external manifold structure for the first gas and an internal manifold structure for the second gas.

[0076] For example, the first gas to which the external manifold structure is applied may be air used in the oxidation reaction and oxygen generated by the oxidation reaction, and the second gas to which the internal manifold structure is applied may be steam used in the reduction reaction and hydrogen generated by the reduction reaction.

[0077] The first gas generated from the stack (332) can be discharged from the internal space of the case (331) to the internal space of the housing (310) outside the case (331) through the gas discharge pipe (116).

[0078] A first gap (334a) and a second gap (334b) may be formed between the case (331) and the stack (332). The first gap (334a) and the second gap (334b) may be formed between two opposing side surfaces of the case (331) and the stack (332). The remaining two side surfaces of the case (331) may be in contact with the stack (332).

[0079] For example, the first gas may be supplied to the stack (332) through the first gap (334a) and may cause an oxidation reaction while passing through the stack (332). The first gas may be introduced from the stack (332) into the second gas outlet pipe (336) through the second gap (334b) and may be discharged into the internal space of the housing (310) outside the case (331) through the second gas outlet pipe (336).

[0080] The flow of the second gas can be controlled by the non-repetitive unit (333).

[0081] One or more stack assemblies (330) may be disposed on a stack module manifold (340) and at least partially connected to the stack module manifold (340).

[0082] The stack module manifold (340) includes one or more piping and can control the flow of the first gas and the second gas. For example, at least one of the first gas and the second gas can be supplied to one or more stack assemblies (330) through the stack module manifold (340).

[0083] The hot box device (30) according to the present invention can reduce the number of pipes required for the stack module manifold (340) and simplify the structure of the stack module manifold (340). This can reduce the space occupied by the stack module manifold (340) within the hot box device (30), and has the effect of improving the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolysis system itself.

[0084] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hot box device (30) may further include an auxiliary chamber (350), a temperature control device (360), a first valve (370), and a second valve (380).

[0085] An auxiliary chamber (350) may be connected to a lower side of the housing (310). The auxiliary chamber (350) may be for accommodating a temperature control device (360).

[0086] A temperature control device (360) may be placed within the auxiliary chamber (350) and may control the temperature of the housing (310). The temperature control device (360) may include, for example, a heater and a heat exchanger.

[0087] The first valve (370) is installed in the first gas discharge pipe (320), and the gas flow rate moving through the first gas discharge pipe (320) can be controlled depending on the degree of opening of the first valve (370).

[0088] The second valve (380) is installed between the housing (310) and the auxiliary chamber (350), and the gas flow rate moving from the internal space of the housing (310) to the internal space of the auxiliary chamber (350) can be controlled depending on the degree of opening of the second valve (380).

[0089] FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the first valve (370) is opened and the second valve (380) is closed in a hot box device (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the first valve (370) is opened and the second valve (380) is closed, the first gas discharged from the stack assembly (330) through the second gas discharge pipe (336) into the internal space of the housing (310) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (310) through the first gas discharge pipe (320).

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the first valve (370) is closed and the second valve (380) is open in a hot box device (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the first valve (370) is closed and the second valve (380) is open, the first gas discharged from the stack assembly (330) to the internal space of the housing (310) through the second gas discharge pipe (336) can move from the internal space of the housing (310) to the internal space of the auxiliary chamber (350). The first gas is supplied to a temperature control device (360) disposed within the auxiliary chamber (350) and can be used for temperature control.

[0091] The stack assembly and the hot box device including the stack assembly according to the present invention can implement an external manifold structure using a case that accommodates the stack from the preprocessing process without a separate external manifold member.

[0092] A hot box device to which a stack assembly according to the present invention is applied has an advantage in that the shape of a stack module manifold applied to a modularized stack assembly can be simplified.

[0093] Additionally, the durability and reliability of the stack can be improved by maintaining pressure between the stack and the case to ensure uniform flow distribution throughout the stack.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, a method (500) for manufacturing a stack assembly may include a step of accommodating a stack within a case (S510), a step of preprocessing the stack while applying surface pressure to the stack by the case (S520), and a step of fastening the case (S530).

[0096] The stack assembly manufactured according to FIG. 5 can be implemented as a stack assembly (100) of FIGS. 2a and 2b and a stack assembly (330) included in a hot box device (30) of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0097] According to the present invention, when pressurized operation is performed, a hot box device including a stack assembly has the effect of facilitating pressurized operation and improving the efficiency of the system because only the steam line and the internal space of the hot box need to be controlled to a uniform pressure, compared to a conventional device that must control the steam line, the air line, and the internal space of the hot box to a uniform pressure.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A case including an upper surface, a side surface, and a gas discharge pipe formed on the side surface; and Stack accommodated in the internal space of the above case Including, A water electrolysis stack assembly in which surface pressure is applied to the stack by the upper surface of the case.

2. In paragraph 1, A non-repeating unit supporting the stack at the bottom of the stack. Including more, A stack assembly accommodating the stack and the non-repeating unit such that the case covers the upper surface of the stack, the side surface of the stack, and the side surface of the non-repeating unit.

3. In paragraph 2, The above stack has an external manifold structure for the first gas and an internal manifold structure for the second gas, A stack assembly in which the first gas is discharged from the stack to the outside of the case through the gas discharge pipe.

4. In paragraph 3, The side portion includes a first side portion, a second side portion connected to the first side portion, a third side portion opposite the first side portion, and a fourth side portion opposite the second side portion. The above gas discharge pipe is formed on the third side portion, A first gap is formed between the first side portion and the stack, A second gap is formed between the third side portion and the stack, A stack assembly in which the first gas is supplied to the stack through the first gap and flows from the stack into the gas outlet pipe through the second gap.

5. In paragraph 4, The second side portion and the fourth side portion are in contact with the stack, A stack assembly in which the flow of the second gas is controlled using the non-repeating unit.

6. In paragraph 1, Before the pretreatment process for the stack, the stack has a first thickness, and after the pretreatment process, the stack has a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, A stack assembly wherein the case further includes a lower pressurizing member, and the stack assembly is controlled by using the pressurizing member so that a first surface pressure is applied to the stack from the start of the pretreatment process to the end of the pretreatment process.

7. In paragraph 6, A fastening member that is fastened to the case at the bottom of the above stack Including more, A stack assembly wherein the above fastening member is fastened to the case so that the first surface pressure is maintained on the stack after the above pretreatment process is completed.

8. Housing; A first gas outlet pipe formed on a side of the above housing; one or more stack assemblies disposed within said housing; and A stack module manifold supporting one or more stack assemblies within the housing and connected to the one or more stack assemblies. Including, One or more of the stack assemblies above A case comprising a top surface, a side surface, and a second gas outlet pipe formed on the side surface; and Stack accommodated in the internal space of the above case Including, A hot box device in which surface pressure is applied to the stack by the upper surface of the case.

9. In paragraph 8, The above stack assembly further includes a non-repeating unit supporting the stack at the bottom of the stack, A hot box device accommodating the stack and the non-repeating unit such that the case covers the upper surface of the stack, the side surface of the stack, and the side surface of the non-repeating unit.

10. In paragraph 9, The above stack has an external manifold structure for the first gas and an internal manifold structure for the second gas, A hot box device in which the first gas is discharged from the stack into the internal space of the housing through the second gas discharge pipe.

11. In Article 10, The side portion includes a first side portion, a second side portion connected to the first side portion, a third side portion opposite the first side portion, and a fourth side portion opposite the second side portion. The above second gas discharge pipe is formed on the third side portion, A first gap is formed between the first side portion and the stack, A second gap is formed between the third side portion and the stack, A stack assembly in which the first gas is supplied to the stack through the first gap and flows from the stack into the second gas outlet pipe through the second gap.

12. In paragraph 11, The second side portion and the fourth side portion are in contact with the stack, A hot box device in which the flow of the second gas is controlled using the non-repeating unit.

13. In paragraph 10, The above hot box device A first valve for controlling the gas flow rate moving through the first gas outlet pipe Including more, A hot box device in which, when the first valve is opened, the first gas is discharged from the internal space of the housing to the outside of the housing through the first gas discharge pipe.

14. In paragraph 10, an auxiliary chamber connected to the lower portion of the above housing; and A temperature control device positioned within the auxiliary chamber and controlling the temperature of the housing A hotbox device further comprising:

15. In paragraph 14, A second valve for controlling the flow rate of gas moving from the internal space of the housing to the internal space of the auxiliary chamber. Including more, A hot box device in which the first gas is supplied from the internal space of the housing to the temperature control device within the auxiliary chamber when the second valve is opened.

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