Flow path member, electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module accommodation device

Abstract

A flow path member comprises a metal first member and a metal second member. The first member has a first surface, a second surface that is located on the opposite side from the first surface, and a plurality of through holes that open to the first surface and the second surface. The second member is positioned such that a flow path is sandwiched between the first surface and the second member, and has a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the first surface. The plurality of through holes include a first through hole that overlaps with at least one of the plurality of protrusions, in plan view from the second surface. The first through hole has: a second opening that opens to the second surface; and a first opening that opens to the first surface and that has a smaller opening area than the second opening.

Description

Flow path member, electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path member, an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device.

[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] JP 2023-93447 A

[0004] A flow path member according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a first member made of metal and a second member made of metal. The first member has a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a plurality of through holes opening into the first surface and the second surface. The second member is located across the flow path from the first surface and has a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the first surface. The plurality of through holes includes a first through hole that overlaps with at least one of the plurality of convex portions when viewed from the second surface. The first through hole has a second opening that opens into the second surface and a first opening that has a smaller opening area than the second opening and opens into the first surface.

[0005] An electrochemical cell according to the present disclosure includes the flow path member described above, and an element portion located on the second surface and including a first electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a second electrode.

[0006] The electrochemical cell device of the present disclosure also includes a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above.

[0007] The module of the present disclosure also includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container for housing the electrochemical cell device.

[0008] The module housing device of the present disclosure also includes the module described above, an accessory configured to operate the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the accessory.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a plan view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a plan view showing an example of a flow path member according to an embodiment, viewed from the first member side. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of region R1 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of line A-A shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line A-A shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view showing another example of line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. 4H is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the BB line shown in FIG. 2B. 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 the XX line 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.

[0010] The above-described fuel cell stack device has room for improvement in terms of durability.

[0011] Therefore, it is desired to provide a flow path member, an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve durability.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a flow path member, 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. Note that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 1A and 1B, 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.

[0015] Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a plan view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. Note that Figs. 1A and 1B show enlarged views of parts of each component of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may also be simply referred to as a cell.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 1A and 1B, a cell stack device 10 according to this embodiment includes a cell 1. The cell 1 includes an element portion 3 and a flow path member 30.

[0018] The element section 3 has an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8. The anode 5 is a first 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 is sometimes referred to as the porosity or void ratio of the anode 5.

[0019] 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:

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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:

[0022] The air electrode 8 is a second 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The element unit 3 may also have an intermediate layer (not shown) located between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8. When the element unit 3 has an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer functions, for example, as a diffusion suppression layer. When a specific element such as Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, SrZrO ３ The intermediate layer makes it difficult for elements such as Sr to diffuse, resulting in a resistive phase such as SrZrO ３ This makes it difficult for compounds such as

[0026] The material of the intermediate layer 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 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).

[0027] The cell 1 may further include a constraining layer (not shown). The constraining layer may be located between the element section 3 and a first member 23 (described later) of the flow path member 30. The constraining layer cooperates with the solid electrolyte layer 6 to make the element section 3 less susceptible to warping, bending, and the like.

[0028] The material of the constraining layer exhibits 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The cell 1 may further include a gas diffusion layer (not shown). The gas diffusion layer may be located between the anode 5 and a first member 23 (described later) of the flow path member 30. The gas diffusion layer is gas permeable and allows the fuel gas flowing through a flow path 24 (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%.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The cell 1 may further include an adhesive (not shown). The adhesive may be located between the element portion 3 and the support member 2. The adhesive bonds the element portion 3 and the first member 23 together, and fixes the element portion 3 to the first member 23.

[0033] The adhesive may be conductive. For example, the adhesive may be a mixture of conductive particles such as Ni and TiO ２, rare earth element oxides (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.

[0034] The adhesive may be gas permeable. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may be positioned so as to cover the side surface of the adhesive.

[0035] The flow path member 30 has a first member 23 and a second member 25. The first member 23 has a first surface 231 and a second surface 232 located at both ends in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction). The first surface 231 is located so as to face the second member 25. The second surface 232 is located on the opposite side of the first surface 231.

[0036] The first member 23 is made of metal. The first member 23 may be electrically conductive. The first member 23 may also be a metal plate containing chromium, for example. The first member 23 may also be stainless steel, such as ferritic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel, which has high heat resistance. The first member 23 may also be a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy, for example. The first member 23 may contain a metal oxide, for example. The first member 23 may also have a coating covering the surface. The first member 23 does not have to have a coating on the surface.

[0037] The second member 25 is located between the first member 23 supporting the first element unit 3A and the second element unit 3B, which is an element unit 3 separate from the first element unit 3A. The second member 25 is located between the fuel electrode 5 of the first element unit 3A and the air electrode 8 of the second element unit 3B.

[0038] The second member 25 is made of metal. The material of the second member 25 may be a dense metal or alloy. The material of the second member 25 may be the same as or different from the material of the first member 23. The second member 25 has a first surface 251 facing the first member 23 across the flow path 24 and a second surface 252 located on the opposite side of the first surface 251. The second member 25 reduces leakage of the fuel gas flowing on the first surface 251 side and the oxygen-containing gas flowing on the second surface 252 side. The second member 25 may have a coating. For example, the first surface 251 of the second member 25 may have a coating that is resistant to reduction. Furthermore, the second surface 252 may have a coating that is resistant to oxidation. These coatings may be electrically conductive.

[0039] The second member 25 is fixed and electrically joined to the first member 23 by, for example, welding or the like at the contact portion. The second member 25 may also be fixed and electrically joined to the first member 23 by a conductive sealing material, brazing material, or the like. The joint portion between the first member 23 and the second member 25 may contain, for example, a material or metal element contained in the first member 23 and / or the second member 25. Furthermore, the joint portion between the first member 23 and the second member 25 may contain, for example, a material or element not contained in the first member 23 or the second member 25.

[0040] A flow path 24 through which the fuel gas flows is located between the first surface 251 of the second member 25 and the first member 23. The fuel gas flowing through the flow path 24 passes through the first member 23 and is supplied to the anode 5.

[0041] The second surface 252 is fixed to and electrically joined to the air electrode 8, for example, via a conductive adhesive. A space through which an oxygen-containing gas flows is located between the second member 25 and the air electrode 8.

[0042] 1C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1C, a sealant 9 different from the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be located on the side surface of the fuel electrode 5 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. 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 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 - An MgO-based material may be used. The sealing material 9 may have electrical insulating properties.

[0043] <Details of Flow Channel Member> Next, details of the flow channel member 30 will be further described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2A to 3B. Figure 2A is a plan view showing an example of the flow channel member according to the embodiment as viewed from the first member side.

[0044] 2A , the second surface 232 of the first member 23 may have a first portion 232a and a second portion 232b. The first portion 232a is located in the center of the ZX plane facing the anode 5 of the element section 3. The second portion 232b is located so as to surround the periphery of the first portion 232a. The first portion 232a is formed so that its width along the X-axis direction corresponds to the flow path 24 located between the first member 23 and the second member 25.

[0045] The flow path member 30 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b located at opposite ends in the Z-axis direction, which is the first direction. The flow path 24 may be open at both ends in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the fuel gas may flow, for example, from the first end 24a side of the flow path 24 toward the second end 24b side.

[0046] Furthermore, the first member 23 and the second member 25 of the flow path member 30 may be joined to each other at least a portion of both ends in the X-axis direction as a second direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction as a first direction. Specifically, for example, the second portion 232b of the first member 23 may be joined to the second member 25 at a position that does not overlap with the flow path 24 in a plan view.

[0047] Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a region R1 shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the line AA shown in Fig. 2B.

[0048] 3A , the first member 23 has a plurality of through holes 23a. The through holes 23a have first openings 23a1 that open to the first surface 231 and second openings 23a2 that open to the second surface 232. The through holes 23a penetrate the first portion 232a of the first member 23 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction).

[0049] The fuel gas flowing through the flow path 24 is supplied to the fuel electrode 5 (see FIG. 1A) of the element section 3 through the multiple through holes 23a. The diameter of the through holes 23a may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. The aperture ratio of the first portion 232a in which the through holes 23a are formed may be, for example, 10% or more. The first member 23 may have a coating covering the wall surfaces of the through holes 23a. The first member 23 may not have a coating on the wall surfaces of the through holes 23a.

[0050] The first surface 251 of the second member 25 has a flat portion 251a and a plurality of protruding portions 251b. The flat portion 251a is positioned to face the first surface 231 of the first member 23. The protruding portions 251b protrude from the flat portion 251a toward the first surface 231 of the first member 23.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2B , the plurality of through holes 23a includes a through hole 23a serving as a first through hole that overlaps with one of the plurality of convex portions 251b when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. An end 251c of the convex portion 251b located inside the first through hole is joined to a wall surface 23c of the through hole 23a. In this case, the opening area of ​​the first opening 23a1 of the through hole 23a serving as the first through hole is smaller than the opening area of ​​the second opening 23a2. As shown in FIG. 2B , part of the outline of the first opening 23a1 of the through hole 23a serving as the first through hole may be formed by the end 251c of the convex portion 251b.

[0052] In this way, the plurality of through holes 23a include first through holes each having a second opening 23a2 and a first opening 23a1 whose opening area is smaller than that of the second opening 23a2, and therefore the flow path member 30 improves the bonding strength between the first member 23 and the second member 25. Therefore, according to the flow path member 30 of this embodiment, the durability of the cell 1 is improved.

[0053] Furthermore, when viewed from above from the second surface 232, the inner diameter of the through hole 23a as the first through hole overlapping with the protrusion 251b may gradually decrease from the second opening 23a2 toward the first opening 23a1. This improves the bonding strength between the first member 23 and the second member 25 in the flow path member 30. Therefore, the flow path member 30 according to this embodiment improves the durability of the cell 1.

[0054] 2B , the plurality of protrusions 251b may include protrusions 251b that overlap two or more through holes 23a when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. This further improves the bonding strength between the first member 23 and the second member 25 of the flow path member 30. Therefore, according to the flow path member 30 of this embodiment, the durability of the cell 1 is further improved. Note that the second member 25 may include protrusions 251b that do not overlap any of the through holes 23a when viewed in plan from the second surface 232.

[0055] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cross section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 3B, the plurality of protrusions 251b may include protrusions 251b as first protrusions having an apex 251e bonded to the first surface 231 of the first member 23. This allows the flow path member 30 to ensure a predetermined spacing as the flow path 24 located between the first member 23 and the second member 25, thereby improving the power generation performance of the cell 1. The first protrusions 251b having an apex 251e bonded to the first surface 231 may overlap one or more through holes 23a when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. The first protrusions may include protrusions 251b that do not overlap any of the through holes 23a when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. Note that the plurality of protrusions 251b may include protrusions 251b whose apex 251e is not bonded to the first surface 231. The protrusion 251b, the top 251e of which is not joined to the first surface 231, may have an end 251c joined to the wall surface 23c of the through-hole 23a.

[0056] Furthermore, the convex portion 251b as the first convex portion has a wall portion 251d located around the apex 251e. The angle θ of this wall portion 251d with respect to the first surface 231 may be less than 90°. This improves the strength of the convex portion 251b in the flow path member 30 compared to when the angle θ between the wall portion 251d and the first surface 231 is 90° or greater. Therefore, the flow path member 30 according to this embodiment improves the durability of the cell 1.

[0057] 2A , the first member 23 may have two or more first through holes that overlap with the convex portions 251b when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. The second member 25 may have two or more convex portions 251b that overlap with the through holes 23a when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. When the first member 23 is viewed in plan from the second surface 232, one first through hole may overlap with two or more convex portions 251b. The second member 25 may have two or more convex portions 251b as first convex portions that have a top 251e joined to the first surface 231 of the first member 23.

[0058] Furthermore, the first member 23 may have a through hole 23a in which the first opening 23a1 is closed by the protrusion 251b. In other words, the first member 23 may have a recess that opens to the second surface 232 but does not open to the first surface 231.

[0059] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 251b may include protrusions 251b that do not overlap with the first through holes when viewed from the second surface 232 in a plan view.

[0060] The plurality of through holes 23a may include a second through hole that does not overlap any of the plurality of protrusions 251b when viewed in plan from the second surface 232. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the B-B line shown in Fig. 2B. As shown in Fig. 4A, the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the opening area of ​​the first opening 23a1, the opening area of ​​the second opening 23a2, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole along the second surface 232 between the two openings are approximately equal.

[0061] 4B to 4H are cross-sectional views showing another example of the cross-sectional configuration along the line B-B shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4F, the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the opening area of ​​at least one of the first opening 23a1 and the second opening 23a2 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole along the second surface 232 between the two openings. For example, the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the opening area of ​​the first opening 23a1 and / or the second opening 23a2 is larger than the cross-sectional area between the two openings. For example, the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the opening area of ​​the first opening 23a1 and / or the second opening 23a2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area between the two openings.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4G , the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the cross-sectional area along the second surface 232 of at least some of the second through holes between two openings is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the remaining portions. As shown in FIG. 4H , the first member 23 may have second through holes in which the cross-sectional area along the second surface 232 of at least some of the second through holes between two openings is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the remaining portions. The first member 23 may have second through holes with a shape that appropriately combines the shapes of FIGS. 4B to 4H . The first member 23 may have second through holes with a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases or increases from the first opening 23a1 to the second opening 23a2. The central axis of the second through hole in the first member 23 may be along the Y-axis direction, may be inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction, or may even be curved.

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

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the cells 1, 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 flow path 24 (see Fig. 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated in a reformer 104 (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 T, 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: see FIG. 1A ).

[0072] As shown in Fig. 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 flow paths 24 (see Fig. 1A) of each cell 1 communicate with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at, for example, first ends 24a (see Fig. 2A) located at the 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 system, 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.

[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] <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.

[0081] 6, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed in the storage container 101. A reformer 102 is disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The fuel gas produced in the reformer 102 is supplied to the flow path 24 of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1A) through the gas distribution pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0084] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation reaches approximately 500°C to 1000°C due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of the cells 1.

[0085] In such a module 100, as described above, the durability of the module 100 can be improved by accommodating the cell stack device 10, which has improved durability.

[0086] <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 outer case 111 accommodates the module 100 and the auxiliary equipment. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 7.

[0087] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Figure 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. The space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an accessory accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates accessories configured to operate the module 100. Note that in Figure 7, the accessories accommodated in the accessory accommodating chamber 116 are omitted from the illustration.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In such a module accommodating device 110, as described above, the module 100 with improved durability is provided in the module accommodating chamber 115, thereby making it possible to provide a module accommodating device 110 with improved durability.

[0090] 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. The electrolysis cell has a hydrogen electrode as a first electrode and an oxygen electrode as 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 can improve durability. Solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells are collectively referred to as solid oxide electrochemical cells.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In one embodiment, (1) the flow path member comprises: a first metal member having a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a plurality of through holes opening into the first surface and the second surface; and a second metal member located across the flow path from the first surface and having a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the first surface, wherein the plurality of through holes include a first through hole that overlaps with at least one of the plurality of convex portions when viewed in a plan view from the second surface, and the first through hole has a second opening that opens into the second surface and a first opening that has an opening area smaller than that of the second opening and opens into the first surface.

[0093] (2) In the flow path member of (1) above, the inner diameter of the first through hole may gradually decrease from the second opening toward the first opening.

[0094] (3) In the flow path member of (1) or (2) above, the plurality of protrusions may include protrusions that overlap two or more of the first through holes when viewed in a plan view from the second surface.

[0095] (4) In the flow path member of any one of (1) to (3) above, the plurality of protrusions may include a first protrusion having a top joined to the first surface.

[0096] (5) In the flow path member of (4) above, the first convex portion may have a wall portion located around the periphery of the top portion, and the wall portion may form an angle of less than 90° with the first surface.

[0097] (6) In the flow path member according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the flow path may be open to both ends in a first direction along the first surface.

[0098] (7) In the flow path member of (6) above, the first member and the second member may be joined to each other at least a portion of both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction along the first surface.

[0099] In one embodiment, (8) an electrochemical cell includes the flow path member according to any one of (1) to (7) above, and an element portion located on the second surface and including a first electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a second electrode.

[0100] In one embodiment, (9) an electrochemical cell device has a cell stack including the electrochemical cell of (8) above.

[0101] In one embodiment, a module (10) includes the electrochemical cell device (9) described above, and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0102] In one embodiment, (11) a module housing device includes the module of (10) above, an auxiliary device configured to operate the module, and an outer case housing the module and the auxiliary device.

[0103] 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.

[0104] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 cell 3 element section 5 fuel electrode 6 solid electrolyte layer 8 air electrode 10 cell stack device 23 first member 23a through hole 24 flow path 25 second member 30 flow path member 100 module 110 module accommodating device 231 first surface 232 second surface 251a flat portion 251b convex portion 251c end portion 251d wall portion 251e top portion

Claims

1. A flow path member comprising: a first metal member having a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a plurality of through holes opening into the first surface and the second surface; and a second metal member located across a flow path from the first surface and having a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the first surface, wherein the plurality of through holes include a first through hole that overlaps with at least one of the plurality of protrusions when viewed in a plan view from the second surface, and the first through hole has a second opening that opens into the second surface, and a first opening that opens into the first surface and has an opening area smaller than that of the second opening.

2. A flow path member according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the first through hole gradually decreases from the second opening toward the first opening.

3. A flow path member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions include protrusions that overlap with two or more of the first through holes when viewed in a plan view from the second surface.

4. A flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion having a top joined to the first surface.

5. A flow path member according to claim 4, wherein the first convex portion has a wall portion positioned around the periphery of the top portion, and the wall portion forms an angle of less than 90° with the first surface.

6. A flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow path is open to both ends in the first direction along the first surface.

7. A flow path member according to claim 6, wherein the first member and the second member are joined together at least partially at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction along the first surface.

8. An electrochemical cell comprising: a flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and an element portion located on the second surface and comprising a first electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a second electrode.

9. An electrochemical cell device having a cell stack comprising the electrochemical cell according to claim 8.

10. A module comprising the electrochemical cell device according to claim 9 and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

11. A module housing device comprising: a module according to claim 10; an accessory configured to operate said module; and an outer case housing said module and said accessory.

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