Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module storage device

Abstract

This electrochemical cell is provided with a metal plate, a flow path member, and an element part. The metal plate has a first surface and a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface. The flow path member has an inner surface facing the first surface across the first flow path, and an outer surface located on a side opposite to the inner surface. The element part is located on the second surface. The metal plate and / or the flow path member has a bent portion positioned at an end portion in a first direction along the first surface.

Description

Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrochemical cells, electrochemical cell devices, modules and module housing devices.

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell stack devices having multiple fuel cell units have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell unit is a type of electrochemical cell that can generate electric power using a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 218431

[0004] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a metal plate, a flow path member, and an element unit. The metal plate has a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. The flow path member has an inner surface facing the first surface across a first flow path, and an outer surface located opposite the inner surface. The element unit is located on the second surface. The metal plate and / or the flow path member have a bent portion located at an end in a first direction along the first surface.

[0005] The electrochemical cell device of the present disclosure also includes a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above.

[0006] The module of the present disclosure includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0007] The module housing device of the present disclosure includes the module described above, an auxiliary device for operating the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the auxiliary device.

[0008] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of line A-A shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an element unit. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an element unit. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a protrusion. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a protrusion. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a protrusion. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4I is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4K is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4L is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4M is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4N is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4O is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4P is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 4Q is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a module housing device according to an embodiment.

[0009] In the above-described fuel cell stack device, there is a concern that power generation performance may be reduced.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide electrochemical cells, electrochemical cell devices, modules, and module housing devices that are less likely to deteriorate in performance.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0013] 1A to 2B, an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment will be described using an example of a solid oxide fuel cell. The electrochemical cell device may include a cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. An electrochemical cell device having a plurality of electrochemical cells will be simply referred to as a cell stack device.

[0014] Fig. 1A is a plan view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a line AA shown in Fig. 1A. Figs. 1A and 1B show enlarged views of parts of each component of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may be simply referred to as a cell.

[0015] For ease of understanding, Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z axis, with the vertical upward direction as the positive direction and the vertical downward direction as the negative direction. This Cartesian coordinate system may also be shown in other drawings used in the following description. Furthermore, components similar to those in the electrochemical cells shown in Figures 1A and 1B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a cell 1 according to the embodiment includes an element portion 3, a metal plate 30, a flow path member 40, and a first flow path 50.

[0017] The metal plate 30 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 is positioned to face the flow path member 40. A first flow path 50 is positioned between the first surface 31 and the flow path member 40.

[0018] The second surface 32 is located on the opposite side to the first surface 31. The element portion 3 is located on the second surface 32.

[0019] 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the element unit. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the element unit. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the element unit 3 has an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an cathode 8.

[0020] The anode 5 is an electrode that comes into contact with the fuel gas, which is a reducing gas. The anode 5 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the anode 5 may be, for example, in the range of 30% to 50%, particularly 35% to 45%. The open porosity of the anode 5 may also be referred to as the porosity or void ratio of the anode 5.

[0021] A generally known material can be used for the fuel electrode 5. The fuel electrode 5 is made of a porous conductive ceramic, such as calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved. ２ and Ni and / or NiO may be used. The rare earth element oxide may contain, for example, a plurality of rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved may be used. ２ The stabilized zirconia may contain partially stabilized zirconia. The anode 5 is made of CeO in which La, Nd, or Yb is solid-solved. ２ may include:

[0022] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and transfers ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties and makes it difficult for leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0023] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 is, for example, ZrO in which 3 mol % to 15 mol % of rare earth element oxide is dissolved.２ The rare earth element oxide may contain, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO in which Yb, Sc, or Gd is solid-solved. ２ and CeO in which La, Nd or Yb is solid-solved. ２ and BaZrO in which Sc or Yb is solid-solved. ３ and BaCeO in which Sc or Yb is solid-solved. ３ may include:

[0024] The air electrode 8 is an electrode that comes into contact with an oxygen-containing gas. The air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, in the range of 20% to 50%, particularly 30% to 50%. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may also be referred to as the porosity of the air electrode 8.

[0025] There are no particular limitations on the material of the air electrode 8 as long as it is a material that is generally used for air electrodes. ３ Conductive ceramics such as perovskite oxides may also be used.

[0026] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La ｘ Sr １－ｘ Co ｙ Fe １－ｙ O ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ MnO ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ FeO ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ CoO ３ Here, x is 0<x<1, and y is 0<y<1.

[0027] The element unit 3 may also have an intermediate layer 7 located between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8. When the element unit 3 has the intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for a specific element to diffuse. For example, when an element such as Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, the solid electrolyte layer 6 becomes a layer of SrZrO ３ The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for specific elements such as Sr to diffuse, thereby forming a resistive phase such as SrZrO ３ This makes it difficult for compounds such as

[0028] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it generally prevents diffusion of elements between the air electrode 8 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. The material of the intermediate layer 7 is, for example, cerium oxide (CeO) in which rare earth elements other than Ce (cerium) are dissolved. ２ ) may be included. Examples of such rare earth elements include Gd (gadolinium) and Sm (samarium).

[0029] The element unit 3 may further include a constraining layer (not shown). The constraining layer may be located between the fuel electrode 5 and the metal plate 30 of the element unit 3. The constraining layer cooperates with the solid electrolyte layer 6 to make the element unit 3 less susceptible to warping, bending, and the like.

[0030] The material of the constraining layer may exhibit a shrinkage rate similar to that of the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 during firing. The material of the constraining layer may be the same as the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6. The element unit 3 obtained by sandwiching the material of the anode 5 of the element unit 3 between the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the material of the constraining layer and firing the resulting element unit 3 has little warping or deformation.

[0031] The constraining layer may or may not be gas permeable. When the constraining layer has gas barrier properties comparable to those of the solid electrolyte layer 6, the constraining layer can be partially disposed so as not to obstruct the inflow of fuel gas to the anode 5.

[0032] The element section 3 may further include a gas diffusion layer (not shown). The gas diffusion layer may be located between the anode 5 and the metal plate 30. The gas diffusion layer has gas permeability and allows the fuel gas flowing through the first flow passage 50 (described later) to pass through to the anode 5. The open porosity of the gas diffusion layer may be in the range of, for example, 30% to 50%, particularly 35% to 45%.

[0033] The material of the gas diffusion layer may be a porous conductive ceramic, such as a ceramic containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or stabilized zirconia or partially stabilized zirconia in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved, and Ni and / or NiO. The rare earth element oxide may contain a plurality of rare earth elements selected from, for example, Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb.

[0034] The cell 1 may further include an adhesive (not shown). The adhesive may be located between the element portion 3 and the metal plate 30. The adhesive bonds the element portion 3 and the metal plate 30 together, and fixes the element portion 3 to the metal plate 30.

[0035] The adhesive may be conductive. For example, the adhesive may be a mixture of conductive particles such as Ni, TiO2, and rare earth oxide (Y), ２ O ３ , CeO ２ etc.), transition metal oxides (Fe ２ O ３ The inorganic oxide may include inorganic oxides such as SiO 2 , CuO, etc.

[0036] The adhesive may be gas permeable. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may be positioned so as to cover the side surface of the adhesive.

[0037] The adhesive may be formed as a single layer using a single material, or may be formed as a laminate of multiple materials.

[0038] 2B, a sealant 9 different from the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be located on the side of the anode 5. The material of the sealant 9 may be dense glass or ceramic. The material of the sealant 9 may be, for example, amorphous glass or crystallized glass. Examples of crystallized glass include SiO２ -CaO system, MgO-B ２ O ３ System, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -MgO-based, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -ZnO-based, SiO ２ -CaO-ZnO system materials, etc., may be used, and in particular SiO ２ A -MgO-based material may be used. The sealing material 9 may have electrical insulation properties. The material of the sealing material 9 may be the same as the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6. The sealing material 9 may be positioned so as to surround the side surfaces of the element portion 3.

[0039] Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the cell 1 according to the embodiment will be further described. The metal plate 30 further has an end surface 33 and a bent portion 34. The end surface 33 is a first side surface located at both ends in the X-axis direction of the metal plate 30 extending along the ZX plane in a plan view. The bent portion 34 is a portion extending from the end surface 33 along the Y-axis direction. A tip 35 of the bent portion 34 is located on the negative Y-axis side of the second surface 32. The bent portion 34 is located at the end in the first direction (X-axis direction) along the first surface 31. The bent portion 34 may be formed by metal forming, for example, by pressing or bending the end in the first direction (X-axis direction) of a flat metal plate.

[0040] The metal plate 30 also has a plurality of holes 30a. The holes 30a are through-holes that penetrate between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. The fuel gas flowing through the first flow path 50 along the Z-axis is supplied to the fuel electrode 5 of the element unit 3 through the holes 30a. When viewed in a plan view along the Y-axis direction, the aperture ratio of the region of the metal plate 30 where the holes 30a are formed may be, for example, 10% or more. The metal plate 30 may have a coating that covers the wall surfaces of the holes 30a. The metal plate 30 does not need to have a coating on the wall surfaces of the holes 30a.

[0041] The first surface 31 of the metal plate 30 has regions 311 to 313. The region 311 is a portion facing the first flow path 50. The region 312 is a portion in contact with or close to the flow path member 40. The region 313 is located on the opposite side of the end face 33 and is a portion that constitutes a part of the bent portion 34.

[0042] The metal plate 30 is electrically conductive. The metal plate 30 may be, for example, a member made of a metal containing chromium. The metal plate 30 may be, for example, a stainless steel such as a ferritic stainless steel or an austenitic stainless steel, which has high heat resistance. The metal plate 30 may be, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. The metal plate 30 may contain, for example, a metal oxide. The metal plate 30 may have a coating covering the surface. The metal plate 30 does not have to have a coating on the surface.

[0043] The flow path member 40 has a third surface 41 and a fourth surface 42. The third surface 41 is located so as to face the metal plate 30. A first flow path 50 is located between the third surface 41 and the metal plate 30.

[0044] The fourth surface 42 is located on the opposite side to the third surface 41. The fourth surface 42 is an outer surface located on the opposite side to an inner surface described below.

[0045] The flow path member 40 further has end faces 43. The end faces 43 are second side faces located at both ends in the X-axis direction of the flow path member 40 extending along the ZX plane in a plan view. The end faces 43 are in contact with or close to the region 313.

[0046] Furthermore, the third surface 41 of the flow path member 40 has regions 411 to 413. Region 411 is a portion facing the first flow path 50. Region 412 is a portion in contact with or close to region 312 of the metal plate 30. Region 413 is a portion located between regions 411 and 412 and extending along the Y-axis direction. The third surface 41 is an inner surface that includes region 411 facing the first flow path 50.

[0047] The flow path member 40 is made of a dense metal or alloy. The flow path member 40 prevents leakage of the fuel gas flowing on the third surface 41 side facing the first flow path 50 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing on the fourth surface 42 side. The flow path member 40 may have a coating layer. For example, the third surface 41 of the flow path member 40 may have a coating layer that is resistant to reduction. Furthermore, the fourth surface 42 may have a coating layer that is resistant to oxidation. These coating layers may be electrically conductive.

[0048] The cell 1 according to this embodiment has a bent portion 34 located at the end in the first direction (X-axis direction) along the first surface 31. As a result, the metal plate 30 having the bent portion 34 is less likely to undergo dimensional changes due to warping, bending, etc. of the first surface 31 and / or the second surface 32, and the power generation performance of the cell 1 is less likely to deteriorate.

[0049] Furthermore, the flow path member 40 is joined and fixed at and in the vicinity of a bent portion 34 of the metal plate 30 having a portion in contact with and / or adjacent to the flow path member 40. The joint joining the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 may be located between a region 313 of the first surface 31 and an end face 43 of the flow path member 40. Alternatively, this joint may be located between a region 312 of the first surface 31 and a region 412 of the third surface 41. This makes it less likely that the flow path member 40 will deform, and the power generation performance of the cell 1 will be less likely to deteriorate.

[0050] The joining of the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 at the contact portion and / or the adjacent portion thereof may be, for example, welding, glass sealing using a glass sealing material, brazing using a brazing material, or adhesion using an adhesive material such as ceramic. The metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 may also be joined by caulking. Alternatively, the joining may be performed by a combination of the above-mentioned methods.

[0051] Furthermore, the joint portion joining the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 may be located over the entire contact area and / or the adjacent area of ​​the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40, or may be located over only a portion of the contact area and / or the adjacent area of ​​the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40. In this case, if the adjacent area of ​​the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 is joined so as not to be exposed to air, problems such as corrosion due to condensation are less likely to occur, and the durability of the cell 1 is further improved.

[0052] Here, an example of joining the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. Figures 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views showing an example of a protrusion.

[0053] 3A , the bent portion 34 has a gap 300 between the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40. At this time, a sealing material 60 may be used for joining so as to fill the gap 300. The sealing material 60 may have a protruding portion 60 a protruding from the gap 300.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3B, the protrusion 60a may have a convex meniscus shape that protrudes in a direction away from the flow path member 40 and the bent portion 34. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3C, the protrusion 60a may have a concave meniscus shape that sinks in a direction toward the flow path member 40 and the bent portion 34. Here, the meniscus shape generally refers to the curved shape of the surface of a liquid that contacts a solid. Note that the protrusion 60a is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and may have a different shape depending on the material of the sealant 60, the attitude of the sealant 60 until it hardens, and the like.

[0055] 4A to 4Q are cross-sectional views showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4D, the metal plate 30 may have a bent portion 34 located at its end in the first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4E, 4F, 4H, and 4I, the flow path member 40 may have a bent portion 44 located at its end in the first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 4G, and 4J to 4Q, the cell 1 may have bent portions 34, 44 located at its end in the first direction (X-axis direction). Thus, the cell 1 having the bent portion 34 and / or the bent portion 44 is less susceptible to dimensional changes due to warping, bending, and / or deformation of the metal plate 30 and / or deformation of the flow path member, and the power generation performance of the cell 1 is less likely to deteriorate.

[0056] 4J to 4Q, the cell 1 may have a joint located at the bent portion 34 and / or the bent portion 44, which joins the metal plate 30 and the flow path member 40. This joint may join one or both of the first surface 31 and the end surface 33 to one or both of the third surface 41 and the end surface 43. This makes it less likely that dimensional changes will occur due to warping or bending of the metal plate 30 and / or deformation of the flow path member, and therefore makes it less likely that the power generation performance of the cell 1 will deteriorate.

[0057] 4A to 4D, 4J to 4M, and 4Q, the cell 1 may have a joint at the bent portion 34 where the first surface 31 is joined to at least a part of the end face 43 and to the third surface 41. This makes it less likely that dimensional changes will occur due to warping or bending of the metal plate 30 and / or deformation of the flow path member, and reduces the likelihood of a decrease in the power generation performance of the cell 1.

[0058] 4C and 4D , the first surface 31 may be further joined to at least a portion of the fourth surface 42. Such a configuration can be achieved, for example, by having the bent portion 34 have a plurality of bent portions 341, 342. This makes it even less likely that the metal plate 30 will warp or bend and / or that dimensional changes associated with deformation of the flow path member will occur, and the power generation performance of the cell 1 will be less likely to deteriorate.

[0059] 4E to 4I, the third surface 41 may have a joint at the bent portion 44 that is joined to at least a portion of the end surface 33 and the first surface 31. This makes it less likely that the metal plate 30 will warp or bend, and / or that dimensional changes will occur due to deformation of the flow path member, and therefore the power generation performance of the cell 1 will be less likely to deteriorate.

[0060] 4H and 4I, the third surface 41 may be further joined to at least a portion of the second surface 32. Such a configuration can be achieved, for example, by having the bent portion 44 have a plurality of bent portions 441, 442. This makes it even less likely that the metal plate 30 will warp or bend and / or that dimensional changes associated with deformation of the flow path member will occur, and the power generation performance of the cell 1 will be less likely to deteriorate.

[0061] 4L and 4M, the bent portion 34 may have three or more bent portions 341 to 344. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4P and 4Q, the bent portion 44 may have three or more bent portions 441 to 444. This makes it even less likely that dimensional changes will occur due to warping or bending of the metal plate 30 and / or deformation of the flow path member, and thus makes it less likely that the power generation performance of the cell 1 will deteriorate.

[0062] 4J and 4K, the flow path member 40 may have a portion where the opposing fourth surfaces 42 contact each other and / or are close to each other at the bent portion 44. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4N and 4O, the metal plate 30 may have a portion where the opposing second surfaces 32 contact each other and / or are close to each other at the bent portion 34. In such a case, the fourth surfaces 42 and the second surfaces 32 that are in contact with or close to each other can be joined by the same method as used to join the metal plates 30 and the flow path members 40 that are in contact with or close to each other.

[0063] <Configuration of Electrochemical Cell Device> Next, an electrochemical cell device according to this embodiment using the above-described cell 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5A to 5C. Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5A, the cell stack device 10 comprises a cell stack 11 having multiple cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction of the element section 3 (the Y-axis direction shown in Figure 1B), and a fixing member 12.

[0065] The fixing member 12 has a fixing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The fixing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also has a support 15 and a gas tank 16. The support 15 and the gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, are made of metal and are electrically conductive.

[0066] 5B, the support body 15 has insertion holes 15a into which the lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion holes 15a are joined with fixing material 13.

[0067] The gas tank 16 has an opening for supplying a reaction gas to the cells 1 through the insertion holes 15a, and a recessed groove 16a located around the opening. The outer peripheral edge of the support 15 is joined to the gas tank 16 by a bonding material 21 filled in the recessed groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0068] In the example shown in Fig. 5A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 (see Fig. 5B) formed by a support body 15, which is the support member 14, and a gas tank 16. A gas circulation pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas circulation pipe 20, and is supplied from the gas tank 16 to a first flow path 50 (see Fig. 1B) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 may be generated in a reformer 102 (see Fig. 6), which will be described later.

[0069] The hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming the raw fuel, etc. When the fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0070] The example shown in FIG. 5A includes two rows of cell stacks 11, two supports 15, and a gas tank 16. Each of the two rows of cell stacks 11 has a plurality of cells 1. Each cell stack 11 is fixed to a corresponding support 15. The gas tank 16 has two through-holes on its top surface. A support 15 is disposed in each through-hole. The internal space 22 is formed by one gas tank 16 and two supports 15. The cell stack device 10 may include only one cell stack 11, or may include three or more cell stacks 11.

[0071] The shape of the insertion hole 15a may be, for example, an oval shape when viewed from above. For example, the length of the insertion hole 15a in the arrangement direction of the cells 1, i.e., the thickness direction (Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1B ), may be greater than the distance between the two end current collecting members 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. For example, the width of the insertion hole 15a may be greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction (X-axis direction shown in FIG. 1B ).

[0072] 5B , the joints between the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a and the lower ends of the cells 1 are filled with and solidified with fixing material 13. This bonds and fixes the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a to the lower ends of the multiple cells 1, respectively, and also bonds and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The first flow paths 50 of each cell 1 communicate with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at their lower ends.

[0073] A material with low conductivity, such as glass, can be used for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21. Specific materials for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass.

[0074] Examples of the crystallized glass include SiO ２ -CaO system, MgO-B ２ O ３ System, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -MgO-based, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -ZnO-based, SiO ２ -CaO-ZnO system materials, etc., may be used, and in particular SiO ２ - MgO-based materials may also be used.

[0075] 5B , a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the plurality of cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects one adjacent cell 1 to the other adjacent cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive member 18 connects the fuel electrode 5 of one cell 1 to the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1. The conductive member 18 may be the flow path member 40 shown in FIG. 1B or may be a member separate from the flow path member 40.

[0076] 5B, an end current collecting member 17 is electrically connected to the cell 1 located at the outermost position in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collecting member 17 is connected to a conductive portion 19 that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive portion 19 collects electricity generated by power generation in the cells 1 and extracts it to the outside. Note that the end current collecting member 17 is not shown in FIG. 5A.

[0077] 5C, the cell stack device 10 may be a single battery in which two cell stacks 11A, 11B are connected in series. In such a case, the conductive portion 19 of the cell stack device 10 may have a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0078] The positive electrode terminal 19A is a positive electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside. The positive electrode terminal 19A is electrically connected to the end current collector 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11A. The negative electrode terminal 19B is a negative electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside. The negative electrode terminal 19B is electrically connected to the end current collector 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0079] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11A to the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0080] Although not shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the cell stack device 10 may also be provided with a second gas tank at the top of the cell stack 11, which fixes the upper ends of multiple cells 1 and collects gas discharged from the first flow path 50 inside the cells 1.

[0081] <Module> Next, a module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the above-described cell stack device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are parts of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside has been removed to the rear.

[0082] 6, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed in the storage container 101. A reformer 102 may be disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0083] The reformer 102 reforms raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate fuel gas, which is then supplied to the cell 1. The raw fuel is supplied to the reformer 102 through a raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may include a vaporizer 102a that vaporizes water, and a reformer 102b. The reformer 102b includes a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuel into fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, a highly efficient reforming reaction.

[0084] The fuel gas produced in the reformer 102 is supplied to the first flow path 50 of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1B) through the gas distribution pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0085] Note that, when the cell stack device 10 includes a second gas tank above the cell stack 11, the reformer 102 may be disposed in a location other than above the cell stack device 10. The raw fuel supply pipe 103, the gas circulation pipe 20, and the like may be disposed as appropriate depending on the arrangement of the cell stack device 10 and the reformer 102.

[0086] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation becomes approximately 500°C to 1000°C as the cells 1 generate power.

[0087] In such a module 100, as described above, by accommodating the cell stack device 10 whose power generation performance is unlikely to deteriorate, the module 100 can be made to be one whose power generation performance is unlikely to deteriorate.

[0088] <Module Enclosure Device> Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a module enclosure device according to an embodiment. The module enclosure device 110 according to this embodiment includes an outer case 111, the module 100 shown in Fig. 6, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the outer case 111. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 7.

[0089] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Fig. 7 has support columns 112 and an exterior plate 113. A partition plate 114 divides the interior of the exterior case 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is a module accommodating chamber 115 that accommodates the module 100, and the space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an accessory accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates accessories that operate the module 100. Note that in Fig. 7, the accessories accommodated in the accessory accommodating chamber 116 are omitted from the illustration.

[0090] The partition plate 114 also has an air flow port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 to flow toward the module housing chamber 115. The exterior plate 113 that constitutes the module housing chamber 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting air from within the module housing chamber 115.

[0091] In such a module accommodating device 110, as described above, the module accommodating chamber 115 is provided with a module 100 whose power generation performance is unlikely to deteriorate, thereby making it possible to provide a module accommodating device 110 whose power generation performance is unlikely to deteriorate.

[0092] [Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiments, a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device are shown as examples of an "electrochemical cell," "electrochemical cell device," "module," and "module housing device." However, other examples may be an electrolysis cell, an electrolysis cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device, respectively. An electrolysis cell has a first electrode and a second electrode, and decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen, or decomposes carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen, when supplied with electric power. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an oxide ion conductor or a hydrogen ion conductor is shown as an example of the electrolyte material of the electrochemical cell, but a hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. Such electrolysis cells, electrolysis cell stack devices, electrolysis modules, and electrolysis devices are less likely to deteriorate in electrolysis performance. Solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells are collectively referred to as solid oxide electrochemical cells.

[0093] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0094] In one embodiment, (1) an electrochemical cell includes: a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface; a flow path member having an inner surface facing the first surface across a first flow path and an outer surface located opposite the inner surface; and an element portion located on the second surface, wherein the metal plate and / or the flow path member has a bent portion located at an end in a first direction along the first surface.

[0095] (2) In the electrochemical cell of (1) above, a joint may be provided at the bent portion to join the metal plate and the flow path member, and the joint may join one or both of the first surface and a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface to one or both of the inner surface and a second side surface connecting the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0096] (3) In the electrochemical cell of (1) or (2) above, the first surface may have a joint portion at the bent portion that is joined to the inner surface and at least a portion of a second side surface that connects the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0097] (4) In the electrochemical cell of (3) above, the first surface may be further bonded to at least a portion of the outer surface.

[0098] (5) In the electrochemical cell of (1) or (2) above, the inner surface may have a joint portion at the bent portion that is joined to at least a portion of a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface and to the first surface.

[0099] (6) In the electrochemical cell of (5) above, the inner surface may be further joined to at least a portion of the second surface.

[0100] (7) In the electrochemical cell of any one of (1) to (6) above, the bent portion may have a gap between the metal plate and the flow path member at the bent portion, and may have a sealing portion located at an end of the gap.

[0101] (8) In the electrochemical cell of (7) above, the sealing portion may have a protrusion that protrudes from the gap.

[0102] (9) In the electrochemical cell of (8) above, the protrusion may have a convex or concave meniscus shape.

[0103] In one embodiment, (10) an electrochemical cell device has a cell stack including any one of the electrochemical cells (1) to (9) above.

[0104] In one embodiment, (11) a module includes the electrochemical cell device of (10) above, and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0105] In one embodiment, (12) a module housing device includes the module of (11) above, an auxiliary device for operating the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the auxiliary device.

[0106] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 cell 3 element section 5 fuel electrode 6 solid electrolyte layer 8 air electrode 9 sealing material 10 cell stack device 30 metal plate 40 flow path member 50 first flow path 100 module 110 module housing device

Claims

1. An electrochemical cell comprising: a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface; a flow path member having an inner surface facing the first surface across a first flow path and an outer surface located opposite the inner surface; and an element portion located on the second surface, wherein the metal plate and / or the flow path member have a bent portion located at an end in a first direction along the first surface.

2. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, further comprising a joint located at the bent portion and joining the metal plate and the flow path member, the joint joining one or both of the first surface and a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and one or both of the inner surface and a second side surface connecting the inner surface and the outer surface.

3. An electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface has a joint at the bent portion joined to the inner surface and to at least a portion of the second side surface connecting the inner surface and the outer surface.

4. The electrochemical cell of claim 3, wherein said first surface is further bonded to at least a portion of said outer surface.

5. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface has a joint at the bent portion that is joined to at least a portion of a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and to the first surface.

6. The electrochemical cell of claim 5, wherein said inner surface is further bonded to at least a portion of said second surface.

7. The electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bent portion has a gap between the metal plate and the flow path member at the bent portion, and has a sealing portion located at an end of the gap.

8. The electrochemical cell according to claim 7, wherein the sealing portion has a protrusion that protrudes from the gap.

9. The electrochemical cell according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion has a convex or concave meniscus shape.

10. An electrochemical cell device comprising a cell stack comprising the electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A module comprising the electrochemical cell device according to claim 10 and a container for housing the electrochemical cell device.

12. A module housing device comprising: the module according to claim 11; an auxiliary device for operating said module; and an exterior case for housing said module and said auxiliary device.

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