Structural unit

Abstract

The present invention facilitates connection between devices installed in a structure. This structural unit comprises: a first structure; a second structure; a conductive member for electrically connecting a first device installed in the first structure and a second device installed in the second structure; and a support part that is provided to at least one of the first structure and the second structure and supports the conductive member. The conductive member is disposed in the first structure and the second structure so as to span the first structure and the second structure.

Description

Structure Unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure unit.

[0002] Conventionally, water electrolysis apparatuses have been used in which a plurality of solid polymer-type water electrolysis cells each having feeders arranged on both sides of an electrolyte membrane are stacked. In recent years, instead of individually installing the water electrolysis apparatus and its peripheral equipment at the site of use, for example, these apparatuses and equipment are pre-accommodated in a standardized container and the container is transported, thereby achieving convenience in transportation and installation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a hydrogen generator in which two stacks connected in series, an oxygen separation device, a hydrogen separation device, a purification unit, a rectifier, and a general-purpose control panel for the two stacks are accommodated in a 40-foot container.

[0004] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2019-515126

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, no special measures have been taken to facilitate the connection between the cell stack installed in the structure and the rectifier, and there is room for improvement in terms of facilitating the connection between apparatuses installed in the structure.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of facilitating the connection between apparatuses installed in a structure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure unit including: a first structure; a second structure; a conductive member for electrically connecting a first apparatus installed in the first structure and a second apparatus installed in the second structure; and a support portion provided on at least one of the first structure and the second structure and supporting the conductive member, wherein the conductive member is arranged in the first structure and the second structure so as to straddle the first structure and the second structure. Since the conductive member supported by the support portion is arranged in the first structure and the second structure so as to straddle the first structure and the second structure, it is possible to easily connect the first apparatus arranged in the first structure and the second apparatus arranged in the second structure.

[0008] The support portion includes a partition wall for partitioning the first structure, and the first device is a water electrolysis device arranged in a region partitioned by the partition wall, the partition wall having an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the partition wall. By providing the insulating member along the outer circumference of the opening in the partition wall with the insulating member in contact with the conductive member, the insulating member surrounds the outer circumference of the conductive member. By surrounding the outer circumference of the conductive member with the insulating member, the opening in the partition wall is closed, and airtightness is ensured in the region partitioned by the partition wall.

[0009] The conductive member is placed on the insulating member. Because the conductive member is placed on the insulating member, it can be moved while it is penetrating the opening in the partition wall. Furthermore, since the conductive member is not fixed to the insulating member, stress concentration can be avoided even if it expands or contracts due to temperature changes, thereby preventing damage to the conductive member.

[0010] The first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate and partially open, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, the conductive member passing through the open part of the first outer peripheral wall. The second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, the second outer peripheral wall having an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the second outer peripheral wall. Because the conductive member passes through the open part of the first outer peripheral wall of the first housing and the conductive member passes through the opening in the second outer peripheral wall of the second housing, it is possible to easily connect the first device located in the first housing and the second device located in the second housing. By providing the insulating member along the outer circumference of the opening in the second outer peripheral wall of the second housing with the insulating member in contact with the conductive member, the insulating member surrounds the outer circumference of the conductive member. By surrounding the outer periphery of the conductive member with an insulating member, airtightness between the first housing and the second housing is ensured.

[0011] The first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, wherein the first outer peripheral wall has an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the first outer peripheral wall. The second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate and partially open, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, wherein the conductive member passes through the open portion of the second outer peripheral wall. Because the conductive member passes through the opening in the first outer peripheral wall of the first housing and the conductive member passes through the open portion of the second outer peripheral wall of the second housing, it is possible to easily connect the first device located in the first housing and the second device located in the second housing. By providing the insulating member along the outer circumference of the opening in the first outer peripheral wall of the first housing with the insulating member in contact with the conductive member, the insulating member surrounds the outer circumference of the conductive member. By surrounding the outer periphery of the conductive member with an insulating member, airtightness between the first housing and the second housing is ensured.

[0012] The first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, wherein the first outer peripheral wall has a first opening through which the conductive member passes, and a first insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the first opening of the first outer peripheral wall. The second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, wherein the second outer peripheral wall has a second opening through which the conductive member passes, and a second insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the second opening of the second outer peripheral wall. Because the conductive member passes through the opening in the first outer peripheral wall of the first housing and the conductive member passes through the opening in the second outer peripheral wall of the second housing, it is possible to easily connect the first device arranged in the first housing and the second device arranged in the second housing. With the first insulating member in contact with the conductive member, the first insulating member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the first outer wall of the first housing, thereby surrounding the outer circumference of the conductive member. By surrounding the outer circumference of the conductive member with the first insulating member, airtightness between the first housing and the second housing is ensured. With the second insulating member in contact with the conductive member, the second insulating member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the second outer wall of the second housing, thereby surrounding the outer circumference of the conductive member. By surrounding the outer circumference of the conductive member with the second insulating member, airtightness between the first housing and the second housing is ensured.

[0013] The first structure has a first bottom plate, a plurality of first columns erected on the first bottom plate, and a first frame provided on the upper part of the plurality of first columns. The second structure has a second bottom plate, a plurality of second columns erected on the second bottom plate, and a second frame provided on the upper part of the plurality of second columns. The conductive member passes through two of the plurality of first columns and through two of the plurality of second columns. Because the conductive member passes through two of the plurality of first columns and through two of the plurality of second columns, it is possible to easily connect the first device located in the first housing and the second device located in the second housing.

[0014] The conductive member is a busbar, and the first device and the busbar are electrically connected by a first flexible conductor, and the second device and the busbar are electrically connected by a second flexible conductor. The first device and the busbar are electrically connected by the first flexible conductor, which makes it easy to attach and detach the first device during maintenance or replacement, and prevents the weight of the busbar from directly loading the connection terminals of the first device.

[0015] The conductive member has a crank shape. When the conductive member expands or contracts due to temperature changes, the crank-shaped portion of the conductive member functions as a buffer. This prevents the conductive member from coming into contact with the equipment even when it expands or contracts due to temperature changes.

[0016] According to the present invention, the connection between devices installed within a structure is facilitated.

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the water electrolysis system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is an external view of the container. Figure 3 is an external view of the container. Figure 4 is a plan view of the water electrolysis system housed inside the container. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the partition wall. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the protective cover. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of each container. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of each container. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first container as viewed from the direction of arrow X1 in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second container as viewed from the direction of arrow X2 in Figure 9. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first container as viewed from the direction of arrow X3 in Figure 13. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second container as viewed from the direction of arrow X4 in Figure 13. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of each container. Figure 19 shows the configuration of the first container as viewed from the direction of arrow X5 in Figure 17. Figure 20 shows the configuration of the second container as viewed from the direction of arrow X6 in Figure 17. Figure 21 shows the configuration of each structure. Figure 22 shows the configuration of each structure. Figure 23 shows the configuration of the first structure as viewed from the direction of arrow X7 in Figure 21. Figure 24 shows the configuration of the second structure as viewed from the direction of arrow X8 in Figure 21.

[0018] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the figures. The embodiments shown below are one aspect of the present application and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present application.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water electrolysis system 1 according to an embodiment. The water electrolysis system 1 in Figure 1 has a water electrolysis cell stack 13 as a water electrolysis device, which is constructed by connecting and stacking a plurality of solid polymer type water electrolysis cells (unit cells) in series horizontally, with each cell standing upright in the vertical direction, and sandwiching them from both sides with end plates 11 and 12. The water electrolysis cell stack 13 (water electrolysis device) is an example of a first device.

[0020] Raw water (electrolyzed water, for example, pure water) is supplied to the pure water inlet port P1 of the water electrolysis cell stack 13. Specifically, raw water is supplied to the pure water inlet port P1 of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 from a tank 21 that has an oxygen-side gas-liquid separation function, and water electrolysis is performed.

[0021] More specifically, a pipe 22 is connected between the bottom of the tank 21 and the pure water inlet port P1 of the water electrolysis cell stack 13. A pump 23 installed in the pipe 22 supplies raw water from the tank 21 to the pure water inlet port P1 of the water electrolysis cell stack 13.

[0022] A return pipe 25 is connected to the piping 22 downstream of the pump 23 to return a portion of the water flowing through the piping 22 to the tank 21 via a heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 exchanges heat between the water flowing through the return pipe 25 and the cooling water supplied by the pump 27 from a cooling tower 26 located outside the system, maintaining the water returned to the tank 21 at, for example, 30°C or below. The cooling water from the cooling tower 26 is sent to the heat exchanger 24 through piping 41, and the cooling water is returned to the cooling tower 26 through piping 42. A pump 47 installed in piping 45 supplies cooling water to the rectifier 2, and the rectifier 2 is cooled by the cooling water. The heat exchanger 48 exchanges heat between the cooling water flowing through piping 42 and the cooling water that has been heated by cooling the rectifier 2. A cooling water expansion tank 44 is connected upstream of the pump 27 in piping 41. The cooling water expansion tank 44 is a tank for absorbing the volume expansion of the cooling water. In a closed piping system, the cooling water expansion tank 44 may be placed at a lower position, but in a non-closed system, it is preferable to install it at the highest position within the system, as shown in Figure 1.

[0023] By installing purification components and equipment such as an ion exchange resin tower 14 and a filter 15 in the return pipe 25 and treating the water flowing through the return pipe 25, the water quality in the tank 21 can be maintained within a predetermined range. In addition, a liquid level sensor 21a is installed in the tank 21 to detect the water level in the tank 21. Based on the signal from the liquid level sensor 21a, tap water is supplied to the cistern tank 30 from an external water supply source (not shown) through piping 28, and after the tap water is treated into pure water by the pure water device 29, it is replenished in the tank 21. This maintains the water level in the tank 21 within a predetermined range.

[0024] The steam and oxygen gas accumulating in the gas layer of tank 21 are sent through piping 31 to heat exchanger 32, where they are cooled to below the dew point temperature and dehumidified. After dehumidification, they are sent together with the generated water to tank 33, which has a gas-liquid separation function. The water in tank 33 is returned to tank 21 through piping 34. The oxygen gas in the gas layer of tank 33 is then released outside the system through piping 35.

[0025] The raw water supplied to the water electrolysis cell stack 13 from the pure water inlet port P1 via piping 22 is partially electrolyzed in the water electrolysis cell stack 13, and the oxygen and the water that was not decomposed are returned to the tank 21 via piping 43 from the pure water outlet port P2, which serves as the oxygen outlet, and gas-liquid separation is performed in the tank 21.

[0026] A pipe 51 is connected to the hydrogen outlet port P3, which serves as the hydrogen outlet for the water electrolysis cell stack 13. The pipe 51 leads to a tank 52 that has a gas-liquid separation function on the hydrogen side.

[0027] A pipe 53 is connected between the bottom of tank 52 and the gas layer of tank 21 (the part above the liquid level of the water stored in the tank, which the liquid level will not reach even if the stored liquid level rises). Inside tank 52, a liquid level sensor 52a is provided to detect the water level in the tank. The pipe 53 is equipped with a water filter 66 for purifying the water returning from tank 52 to tank 21, and a gas-liquid separator 67 for separating the water flowing through the pipe 53 from a gas containing hydrogen. The gas separated by the gas-liquid separator 67 is discharged outside the system.

[0028] In the water electrolysis cell stack 13, the hydrogen generated by water electrolysis is sent to the tank 52 through piping 51 along with the associated water, where it is separated into gas and liquid. The hydrogen gas separated in tank 52 is sent to the heat exchanger 55 through piping 54, where it is cooled to below the dew point temperature and dehumidified. The dehumidified hydrogen gas, along with the water generated during dehumidification, is sent to a tank 56 which has a gas-liquid separation function. The water in tank 56 is returned to tank 52 through piping 57.

[0029] Although both tank 33, located on the oxygen side, and tank 56, located on the hydrogen side, have a gas-liquid separation function, they are positioned higher than tanks 21 and 52 in order to recover the water that has been dehumidified by heat exchangers 32 and 55 by gravity.

[0030] Furthermore, the dimensions of tanks 21, 33 and tanks 52, 56 are as follows. Specifically, in the case of tank 21, water is sent to the piping system when the device is started, so the water level in tank 21 decreases, but when it is stopped, some of the water in the system returns, so the water level increases by that amount. Therefore, in order to absorb such increases and decreases in water, a volume that can accommodate these increases and decreases in water without functional problems is required, so a corresponding size is necessary. Also, during electrolysis, a large amount of oxygen is generated and returns to tank 21 in a mixture with a large amount of water, so in order to reliably separate this gas and liquid, a tank gas layer volume large enough to enable such separation is required. For this reason, tank 21 is larger than the other tanks. On the other hand, tank 33 does not experience any increase or decrease in water level when starting or stopping, and the amount of water separated into gas and liquid is also small, so the volume of tank 33 is smaller than the volume of tank 21.

[0031] Regarding tank 52, when the device is started, water is supplied from the water electrolysis cells of the water electrolysis cell stack 13, so the water volume increases. To absorb this increase in water, a volume at least larger than that of the supplied water is required. Also, during electrolysis, a large amount of hydrogen is generated and flows into tank 52 mixed with a considerable amount of associated water. To reliably separate this gas-liquid, it is necessary to secure a gas layer volume large enough to enable such separation. For this reason, tank 52 has a considerable size, although not as large as tank 21. On the other hand, since there is no increase in water volume in tank 56 during startup and the amount of water to be separated into gas and liquid is small, the volume of tank 56 can be considerably smaller than that of tank 52.

[0032] Chilled water (for example, 7°C to 10°C) from a chiller 58 located outside the system is sent to the heat exchanger 55 via piping 59, where it undergoes heat exchange with hydrogen gas that has been separated into gas and liquid in tank 52. A pump 68 is provided in piping 59 to send the chilled water from the chiller 58 to the heat exchanger 55.

[0033] The chilled water, after heat exchange with hydrogen gas in the heat exchanger 55, is sent through piping 60 to the oxygen-side heat exchanger 32, where it is used for heat exchange with the steam and oxygen gas remaining in the gas layer of the oxygen-side tank 21. The chilled water, heated by the heat exchange, is returned to the chiller 58 via piping 61. A chilled water expansion tank 46 is connected to the upstream side of the heat exchanger 55 in piping 59. The chilled water expansion tank 46 is a tank that absorbs the volume expansion of the chilled water.

[0034] The hydrogen gas cooled and dehumidified in the heat exchanger 55 is then dehumidified further in the dehumidifier 62 after foreign matter has been removed in the gas filter 69, and then released out of the system through the piping 63 and subsequently sent to, for example, consumers or hydrogen storage tanks (high-pressure vessels, not shown).

[0035] Unnecessary drainage from tanks 21 and 52 and dehumidifier 62 is discharged outside the system through drain pipe 65.

[0036] A rectifier 2, acting as a power supply, is connected to the water electrolysis cell stack 13. According to its output, the pure water supplied from the pure water inlet port P1 is electrolyzed into hydrogen ions and oxygen ions. The oxygen ions become oxygen molecules on the catalyst within the water electrolysis cell and, as described above, are discharged outside the cell through the pure water outlet port P2 along with the pure water. Meanwhile, the hydrogen ions generated by electrolysis move to the hydrogen side of the water electrolysis cell along with the associated water, become hydrogen molecules on the hydrogen-side catalyst, and are discharged outside the cell through the hydrogen outlet port P3. The rectifier 2 is an example of a second device.

[0037] Figures 2 and 3 show the external views of containers C1 and C2. Container C1 is provided with openable and closable doors 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E to allow access to the inside of container C1 from the outside. On the outside of container C1 are multiple ventilation hoods 72 and air conditioners 73 to allow outside air to enter container C1. Container C2 is provided with doors 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D to allow access to the inside of container C2. On the outside of container C2 are multiple ventilation hoods 75 and air conditioners 76 to allow outside air to enter container C2. Access to containers C1 and C2 means not only that workers can enter and exit the containers, but also that equipment installed inside the containers can be worked on and operated from outside the containers.

[0038] Figure 4 is a plan view of the water electrolysis system 1 housed in containers C1 and C2. As shown in Figure 4, containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, with container C1 housing the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and container C2 housing the rectifier 2. Containers C1 and C2 may be connected. Container C1, as the first enclosure (first box, first enclosure), is an example of the first structure. Container C2, as the second enclosure (second box, second enclosure), is an example of the second structure. Containers C1 and C2 are standardized, for example, 20-foot containers, but are not limited to this example. The rectifier 2 supplies power to the cells of the water electrolysis cell stack 13, and therefore requires a large amount of power, and the device itself is also large. Therefore, considering the standardized container size, by separating container C2, which houses the rectifier 2, from container C1, which houses the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and its peripheral equipment, a large-capacity rectifier 2 can be used. Furthermore, as described later, the area where the water electrolysis cells are installed can be partitioned to reduce the required ventilation volume and to easily secure maintenance space for workers.

[0039] Furthermore, the power required to supply power to various devices, such as auxiliary equipment like pumps 23 and 27, and cooling towers 26 and chillers 58, can be less than that required by the rectifier 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, it is possible to place the power distribution panel 3 and the safety panel 4, which are considerably smaller than those of the rectifier 2, inside container C1. Moreover, by placing the power distribution panel 3 and the safety panel 4 inside container C1, power supply lines to various devices that are placed in large numbers inside container C1 can be laid and connected between the power distribution panel 3 and the safety panel 4 before transporting containers C1 and C2 separately. The power distribution panel 3 supplies power to various devices (for example, auxiliary equipment like pumps 23 and 27, cooling towers 26 and chillers 58). The safety panel 4 detects overvoltage and leakage current and shuts off and protects various devices.

[0040] By housing the various equipment, piping, and wiring required for the water electrolysis system 1 in standardized containers C1 and C2, the labor required for on-site installation and connection work for operation can be reduced even if containers C1 and C2 are transported separately. Furthermore, because containers C1 and C2 are of standardized size, the transportation work itself can be carried out without the use of special machinery or transport vehicles, including the installation of containers C1 and C2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, a partition wall 81 is provided inside container C1 to divide the interior of container C1. Hydrogen-side equipment is installed in the area H partitioned by the partition wall 81. Hydrogen-side equipment refers to equipment in which hydrogen is present, and includes the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and various other hydrogen-side equipment (for example, tanks 52, 56 for gas-liquid separation, heat exchanger 55, dehumidifier 62, gas filter 69, piping 51, 54, 57, 63, etc.). These hydrogen-side equipment are objects from which hydrogen gas may leak. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the various hydrogen-side equipment are arranged close to one side wall inside container C1, and the area around the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the various hydrogen-side equipment is surrounded by a partition wall 81 that extends from the floor to the ceiling inside the container. However, the portion of the partition wall 81 closest to the floor is partially or completely open and communicates with other spaces inside container C1.

[0042] The partition wall 81 may be constructed by combining a plurality of panel members 81P having transparent portions, for example, as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, some of the panel members 81P are denoted by reference numerals. Preferably, each panel member 81P is constructed by fixing a transparent panel 81t (hereinafter referred to as "transparent panel 81t") inside a frame member 81f. Each panel member 81P illustrated in Figure 5 consists of a rectangular frame member 81f and a rectangular transparent panel 81t, and is fixed by fitting or fastening the transparent panel 81t inside the frame member 81f.

[0043] Examples of the material of the frame member 81f include metals such as aluminum, and examples of the material of the transparent panel 81t include resins such as vinyl chloride and acrylic. By forming the frame member 81f from aluminum (aluminum frame) and the transparent panel 81t from vinyl chloride (vinyl chloride plate), a panel member 81P (partition wall 81) that is lightweight and excellent in flame retardancy and antistatic property can be manufactured. Each panel member 81P is set to have a size and mass such that, for example, a person can lift it by hand. The partition wall 81 is configured such that a plurality of panel members 81P surround a hydrogen-side device, and the panel members 81P adjacent to each other in the left-right direction and the up-down direction are fastened to each other.

[0044] The partition wall 81 is preferably configured such that at least a part of the plurality of panel members 81P is removable. For example, by providing one or more removable panel members 81P, an operator may be allowed to enter the area H, or even if the operator does not enter the area H, the operator may be allowed to access, for example, a valve or the like of the hydrogen-side device. Further, a part of the panel member 81P, for example, the transparent panel 81t, may be configured to be removable from the frame member 81f, or a removably configured access window portion may be provided. Even in these cases, a part of the panel member 81P (the transparent panel 81t or the window portion) can be removed to allow access into the area H.

[0045] In the partition wall 81, portions other than the frame of each panel member 81P are transparent, so it is possible to check the state of the hydrogen-side equipment inside the area H from the outside. As shown in FIG. 5, all the panel members 81P do not need to have the same shape, and the vertical length and the horizontal length may be set according to the shape of the area H. Further, in the partition wall 81 illustrated in FIG. 5, the lowermost panel member 81P is located above the floor surface, and leg portions 81s extend downward from the panel member 81P. Accordingly, an opening 81a is formed in a portion of the partition wall 81 close to the floor surface. This opening 81a functions as an air intake port when ventilating the area H.

[0046] Further, in this partition wall 81, a protective cover 95 for protecting the bus bar 91 and preventing electric shock is provided on the panel member 81P located closest to the container C2 side. Furthermore, a rectangular second opening 81c is formed in the panel member 81P in the vicinity of the protective cover 95. This second opening 81c is a portion into which one side surface 13a (rectangular side surface) of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 is fitted without a gap. The second opening 81c is formed at a position, size, and shape that allow one side surface 13a of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 disposed in the region H to fit snugly. Note that one side surface 13a of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 is a portion where there is no possibility of hydrogen gas leakage. That is, no piping or the like through which hydrogen gas flows is connected to the one side surface 13a, and even if a crack occurs in the one side surface 13a, hydrogen gas will not leak. Note that any piping through which oxygen flows may be connected to the one side surface 13a.

[0047] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, one side surface 13a of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 of the present embodiment is disposed on the dividing line of the region H and fitted into the second opening 81c, so that it is substantially flush with the panel member 81P around the second opening 81c without any gap, and constitutes a part of the partition wall 81. The reason why one side surface 13a of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 is utilized as the partition wall 81 in this manner is to reduce the flat cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the region H in the horizontal direction as much as possible.

[0048] The protective cover 95 may be configured by combining a plurality of panel members 95P, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. Note that the protective cover 95 shown in FIG. 6 is a protective cover disposed inside the container C2, and in FIG. 6, reference numerals are assigned to some of the panel members 95P. Each panel member 95P is preferably configured by fixing a panel 95t to the inside of a frame member 95f. The panel 95t may be a transparent panel or an opaque panel. Each panel member 95P illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a rectangular frame member 95f and a rectangular panel 95t, and is fixed by fitting or fastening the panel 95t to the inside of the frame member 95f. A leg portion 95s that supports the panel member 95P is provided at the bottom of the panel member 95P.

[0049] Examples of materials for the frame member 95f include metals such as aluminum, and examples of materials for the panel 95t include resins such as polyvinyl chloride or acrylic. By making the frame member 95f out of aluminum (aluminum frame) and the panel 95t out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC sheet), a panel member 95P that is lightweight and has excellent flame retardancy and antistatic properties can be manufactured. Each panel member 95P is set to a size and mass that can be lifted by hand, for example. As shown in Figure 6, it is not necessary for all panel members 95P to be the same shape, and the vertical and horizontal lengths may be set according to the shape of the busbars 91 and 92.

[0050] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the internal structure of containers C1 and C2. In Figures 7 and 8, some of the walls of containers C1 and C2 are not shown. In Figure 7, an opaque panel is used as the panel 95t of the protective cover 95. In Figure 8, a transparent panel is used as the panel 95t of the protective cover 95. When a transparent panel is used as the panel 95t, it is possible to check the condition of the internal busbars 91 and 92 from the outside of the protective cover 95. As shown in Figure 8, an insulating member 96 is provided inside the protective cover 95. The insulating member 96 is attached to the frame member 95f. The busbars 92 are supported by the insulating member 96. Since the busbars 92 are not fixed to the insulating member 96, even if the busbars 92 expand and contract due to temperature changes, stress concentration can be avoided, and damage to the busbars 92 is suppressed.

[0051] Ventilation fans 83A and 83B are provided in the portion of the partition wall 81 near the ceiling, serving as exhaust devices for exhausting the atmosphere within area H to the outside of container C1. The operation of ventilation fan 83A is configured to control its start / stop and rotation speed based on signals from a hydrogen gas sensor 84 that detects the concentration of hydrogen gas in area H. Ventilation fan 83B is always in operation. It is preferable to place ventilation fans 83A and 83B near the water electrolysis cell stack 13, where hydrogen gas may leak. Ventilation hoods 85A and 85B are provided on the outside of container C1. Ventilation hood 85A is connected to ventilation fan 83A, and ventilation hood 85B is connected to ventilation fan 83B. Air and hydrogen gas within area H are exhausted to the outside of container C1 via ventilation fans 83A and 83B and ventilation hoods 85A and 85B.

[0052] Inside container C2, a ventilation fan 86 is provided as an exhaust device for exhausting the atmosphere inside container C2 to the outside. Outside container C2, a ventilation hood 87 is provided. The ventilation hood 87 is connected to the ventilation fan 86. The air inside container C2 is exhausted to the outside of container C2 via the ventilation fan 86 and the ventilation hood 87.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, busbars 91 and 92 are arranged inside container C1 and container C2 to electrically connect the rectifier 2 and the water electrolysis cell stack 13. Busbars 91 and 92 are examples of conductive materials. Busbars 91 and 92 are connected, for example, by fixing them with bolts. Busbars 91 and 92 may be copper bars or aluminum bars. For example, copper bars that have been tin-plated or electroless nickel-plated may be used as busbars 91 and 92.

[0054] Busbar 91 is positioned inside container C1 and container C2, straddling both containers C1 and C2. Busbar 91 is also positioned to straddle region H and the area outside region H. Busbar 92, connected to busbar 91, is positioned inside container C2. Busbars 91 and 92 are more rigid than flexible conductors, which are conductors with flexibility. In the example shown in Figure 4, two busbars 91 and two busbars 92 are shown, but the example is not limited to this; there may be one busbar 91 and 92 each, or three or more busbars each. Busbar 91 is supported by a partition wall 81. The partition wall 81 is an example of a support for busbar 91.

[0055] The busbar 91, supported by the partition wall 81, is positioned within container C1 and container C2, straddling both containers C1 and C2. This allows for easy connection between the water electrolysis cell stack 13 located in container C1 and the rectifier 2 located in container C2. The rectifier 2 and the water electrolysis cell stack 13 are electrically connected using the busbar 91 supported by the partition wall 81 and the busbar 92 connected to the busbar 91. The busbars 91 and 92 are less expensive than flexible conductors. Therefore, the cost required to connect the rectifier 2 and the water electrolysis cell stack 13 can be reduced compared to the case where the rectifier 2 and the water electrolysis cell stack 13 are electrically connected using only flexible conductors.

[0056] In the water electrolysis system 1, the water electrolysis cell stack 13, the gas-liquid separation tank 52 for hydrogen gas, and the dehumidifier 62 are located within a region H enclosed by a partition wall 81 inside container C1. The lower part of the partition wall 81 is in communication with the space outside region H inside container C1. On the other hand, a ventilation fan 83A is provided in the upper space of region H. Therefore, equipment that may leak hydrogen gas generated during water electrolysis is contained within region H, and the atmosphere inside region H is exhausted by the ventilation fan 83A. As a result, there is no need to make special specifications for region H and container C1 that take safety into consideration (such as making the container (casing, box, enclosure) itself or the installed equipment explosion-proof, or providing explosion-proof structures inside the container), which reduces costs. Furthermore, since the lower part of the partition wall 81 is in communication with the space outside region H inside container C1, the atmosphere outside region H, such as air, enters region H from the lower part of the partition wall 81, and the exhaust portion is handled, allowing for smooth exhaust. Furthermore, to remove the heat generated during water electrolysis, the ventilation fan 83B is kept running at all times during water electrolysis. In particular, the amount of heat radiated from the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the dehumidifier 62 is large in the equipment inside container C1.

[0057] Thus, even if hydrogen gas leaks from equipment within area H, it will move upward and be discharged outside container C1 by the ventilation fan 83A. Therefore, when housing the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and its peripheral equipment, such as the hydrogen gas gas-liquid separation tank 52 and dehumidifier 62, inside container C1, the required ventilation volume is limited to ventilation within area H, making it possible to reduce the total ventilation volume compared to ventilating the entire container C1.

[0058] The hydrogen tanks 52 and 56 and the heat exchanger 55 are positioned in almost the same location in a plan view, that is, almost in a straight line vertically, and from top to bottom, they are in the order of heat exchanger 55, tank 56, and tank 52. Tank 56 performs gas-liquid separation by recovering water generated by dehumidification by the heat exchanger 55 using gravity, and is positioned higher than tank 52. Within the region H enclosed by the partition wall 81, multiple pieces of equipment are arranged vertically within a predetermined narrow compartment, making efficient use of space. In this way, the area of ​​the hydrogen region H enclosed by the partition wall 81 can be reduced, and from this point of view, the ventilation rate of region H can also be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, the arrangement of devices and equipment within the partition wall 81 also contributes to eliminating the need for explosion-proof structures and specifications. Specifically, the water electrolysis cell stack 13, which could potentially be an ignition source (such as sparks), is placed at the bottom, while the other hydrogen-carrying piping is placed at the top, thereby keeping the piping away from ignition sources. This arrangement eliminates the need to cover the electrodes and busbars 91 of the water electrolysis cell stack 13, as well as the flexible conductors 93 connecting them, within the partition wall 81, thus contributing to cost reduction.

[0060] Furthermore, a hydrogen gas sensor 84 is provided to detect the concentration of hydrogen gas in area H. By controlling the ventilation fan 83A based on the signal from the hydrogen gas sensor 84, it becomes possible to control the ventilation volume based on the concentration of hydrogen gas in area H, thereby achieving appropriate ventilation control. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, containers C1 and C2 are provided with openable and closable doors 71A to 71E and 74A to 74D, respectively, which allow access to the inside of the container from outside, making maintenance, operation, and repair work on various equipment easy. Container C1 is provided with an openable and closable door 71A that allows access to the area where the water electrolysis cell stack 13 is installed from outside container C1. When removing or installing the water electrolysis cell stack 13 for maintenance or replacement, this door 71A can be opened to easily perform maintenance, removal, installation, etc.

[0061] Incidentally, the water electrolysis cell stack 13 used in the embodiment is a large one with a hydrogen production capacity of 100 Nm3 / h or more, and a large rectifier 2 is also required to supply the electrolysis power. For example, the rectifier 2 used needs to be capable of supplying DC power with a voltage of several hundred volts (e.g., 100V to 800V) and a current of several thousand amperes (e.g., 1000A to 8000A). In such a case, the rectifier 2 will be a large one, occupying, for example, more than 30% of the volume of a 20-foot container. Furthermore, regarding the ion exchange resin tower 14, since the water electrolysis cell stack 13 is as large as described above, and the flow rate of electrolyzed water is also large, the ion exchange resin tower 14 that purifies the electrolyzed water must also be large. Specifically, for example, if the flow rate of electrolyzed water is 100 L / min or more (several hundred L / min), an ion exchange resin tower 14 large enough to purify that flow rate needs to be 500 mm or more, or 1000 mm or more in height.

[0062] In this embodiment, instead of using a general cable to conduct the large current described above, busbars 91 and 92 are used, which are suitable for conducting large currents because they require less space compared to cables to conduct the same current. These busbars 91 and 92 are heavy and are formed in a flat, rigid shape (they are not flexible), which can make installation and connection to equipment difficult in some cases, but as in this embodiment, they can be easily installed and connected.

[0063] <First Example of Structure> The first example of containers C1 and C2 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Figures 9 and 10 show the configurations of containers C1 and C2. Figure 11 shows the configuration of container C1 as viewed from the direction of arrow X1 in Figure 9. Figure 12 shows the configuration of container C2 as viewed from the direction of arrow X2 in Figure 9. Some equipment and other items inside container C1 are omitted from the illustration in Figures 9 to 11. Some equipment and other items inside container C2 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 10.

[0064] Container C1 has a bottom plate 101, an outer peripheral wall 102 erected on the bottom plate 101 and partially open, and a top plate 103 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 102. The bottom plate 101 is an example of a first bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 102 is an example of a first outer peripheral wall. The top plate 103 is an example of a first top plate. The bottom plate 101 and the top plate 103 are rectangular flat plates. A bus bar 91 passes through the open portion of the outer peripheral wall 102 of container C1.

[0065] Container C2 has a bottom plate 201, an outer peripheral wall 202 erected on the bottom plate 201, and a top plate 203 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 202. The bottom plate 201 is an example of a second bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 202 is an example of a second outer peripheral wall. The top plate 203 is an example of a second top plate. The outer peripheral wall 202 of container C2 is provided with through holes through which pipes and cables extended from inside container C2 pass, but these through holes are not shown in Figures 10 and 12.

[0066] The partition wall 81 supporting the bus bar 91 has an opening (through hole) 111 through which the bus bar 91 passes. The opening 111 in the partition wall 81 is a through hole that allows the bus bar 91 to straddle the inside and outside of region H. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, the opening 111 in the partition wall 81 is provided so that it faces container C2. An insulating member 112 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 111 in the partition wall 81. The insulating member 112 is attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the partition wall 81. The outer surface of the partition wall 81 is the surface of the partition wall 81 that faces outwards from region H. The inner surface of the partition wall 81 is the surface of the partition wall 81 that faces inwards from region H.

[0067] With the insulating member 112 in contact with the busbar 91, the insulating member 112 is installed along the outer circumference of the opening 111 of the partition wall 81, so that the insulating member 112 surrounds the outer circumference of the busbar 91. By surrounding the outer circumference of the busbar 91 with the insulating member 112, the opening 111 of the partition wall 81 is closed, and airtightness within region H is ensured. This prevents hydrogen gas from leaking from region H through the opening 111 of the partition wall 81.

[0068] The busbar 91 is supported by the insulating member 112 and rests on the insulating member 112. Because the busbar 91 rests on the insulating member 112, the busbar 91 can be moved while it is passing through the opening 111 of the partition wall 81. Also, since the busbar 91 is not fixed to the insulating member 112, stress concentration can be avoided even if the busbar 91 expands and contracts due to temperature changes, and damage to the busbar 91 is suppressed. When connecting the busbar 91 and the busbar 92 while the busbar 91 is passing through the opening 111 of the partition wall 81, the busbar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between the busbar 91 and the busbar 92 easier.

[0069] The outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2 has an opening (through hole) 121 through which the bus bar 91 passes. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202 is provided such that it faces container C1. An insulating member 122 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer perimeter of the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202. The insulating member 122 is attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the outer perimeter wall 202. The outer surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 that faces outward from container C2. The inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 that faces inward from container C2.

[0070] With the insulating member 122 in contact with the busbar 91, the insulating member 122 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202, so that the insulating member 122 surrounds the outer circumference of the busbar 91. By surrounding the outer circumference of the busbar 91 with the insulating member 122, the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202 is closed, thus ensuring airtightness between container C1 and container C2. Since the required ventilation airflow inside container C1 is different from the required ventilation airflow inside container C2, it is preferable to ensure airtightness between container C1 and container C2. The amount of heat dissipated from the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and dehumidifier 62 inside container C1 is large, and the amount of heat dissipated from the rectifier 2 inside container C2 is also large. Since the required ventilation airflow inside container C2 is larger than the required ventilation airflow inside container C1, it is preferable to ventilate container C1 and container C2 separately. In cold regions, if there is no wall between container C1 and container C2, and ventilation is performed together, and a large amount of outside air is also drawn into container C1, there is a risk that the pure water will freeze. The busbar 91 is supported by the insulating member 122 and is placed on the insulating member 122. Because the busbar 91 is placed on the insulating member 122, the busbar 91 can be moved while it is penetrating the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202. Also, since the busbar 91 is not fixed to the insulating member 122, even if the busbar 91 expands and contracts due to temperature changes, stress concentration can be avoided, and damage to the busbar 91 is suppressed. When connecting busbar 91 and busbar 92 while the busbar 91 is penetrating the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202, the busbar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between busbar 91 and busbar 92 easier.

[0071] In Figures 9 to 11, a portion of the outer wall 102 of container C1 is open. When containers C1 and C2 are placed adjacent to each other, a portion of the outer wall 102 is open so that the open portion faces container C2. By opening a portion of the outer wall 102 of container C1, the busbars 91 and 92 can be easily installed inside container C1. By opening a portion of the outer wall 102 of container C1, equipment can be easily placed inside container C1. The busbar 91 passes through the open portion of the outer wall 102 of container C1. Since the busbar 91 passes through the open portion of the outer wall 102 of container C1 and also passes through the opening 121 in the outer wall 202 of container C2, it is possible to easily connect the water electrolysis cell stack 13 located inside container C1 and the rectifier 2 located inside container C2.

[0072] The water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91 are electrically connected by a flexible conductor 93. The flexible conductor 93 is a component with lower rigidity than the busbars 91 and 92. The flexible conductor 93 is an example of a first flexible conductor. By electrically connecting the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91 with the flexible conductor 93, the attachment and detachment of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 during maintenance or replacement is made easier, and the weight of the busbar 91 does not directly load the connection terminals of the water electrolysis cell stack 13. When replacing the water electrolysis cell stack 13, the use of the flexible conductor 93, which is more expensive than the busbars 91 and 92, can be minimized to reduce costs while ensuring maintainability. For example, the transmission of vibrations from the water electrolysis cell stack 13 to the busbar 91 during an earthquake is suppressed. If the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91 were directly connected, for example, vibrations from the water electrolysis cell stack 13 during an earthquake could be transmitted to the busbar 91, potentially causing poor contact between the busbar 91 and the busbar 92. Furthermore, vibrations of the water electrolysis cell stack 13 during an earthquake, for example, can be transmitted to the busbar 91, potentially causing poor contact between the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91. By electrically connecting the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91 via the flexible conductor 93, poor contact between the busbar 91 and the busbar 92, and poor contact between the water electrolysis cell stack 13 and the busbar 91 are suppressed.

[0073] The rectifier 2 and the busbar 92 are electrically connected by a flexible conductor 94. The flexible conductor 94 is a component with lower rigidity than the busbars 91 and 92. The flexible conductor 94 is an example of a second flexible conductor. By electrically connecting the rectifier 2 and the busbar 92 with the flexible conductor 94, the rectifier 2 can be easily attached and detached during maintenance or replacement, and the weight of the busbar 92 does not directly load the connection terminals of the rectifier 2. The transmission of vibrations from the rectifier 2 to the busbar 92 during an earthquake is suppressed. For example, if the rectifier 2 and the busbar 92 were directly connected, vibrations from the rectifier 2 during an earthquake could be transmitted to the busbar 92, potentially causing poor contact between the busbar 91 and the busbar 92. Also, vibrations from the rectifier 2 during an earthquake could be transmitted to the busbar 92, potentially causing poor contact between the rectifier 2 and the busbar 92. The rectifier 2 and the busbar 92 are electrically connected by the flexible conductor 94, thereby suppressing poor contact between the busbar 91 and the busbar 92, and poor contact between the rectifier 2 and the busbar 92.

[0074] The bus bar 92 has a bent shape, for example, a crank shape. When the bus bar 92 expands or contracts due to temperature changes, the crank-shaped portion of the bus bar 92 functions as a buffer. This prevents the bus bar 92 from coming into contact with equipment inside container C2, even if it expands or contracts due to temperature changes. In addition, the crank shape of the bus bar 92 improves the freedom of layout in container C2. The bus bar 91 may also have a crank shape. When the bus bar 91 expands or contracts due to temperature changes, the crank-shaped portion of the bus bar 91 functions as a buffer. This prevents the bus bar 91 from coming into contact with equipment inside container C1 and equipment inside container C2, even if it expands or contracts due to temperature changes. In addition, the crank shape of the bus bar 91 improves the freedom of layout in container C1.

[0075] In Figures 9, 10, and 12, a portion of the outer wall 202 of container C2 is not open, but the configuration is not limited to this, and a portion of the outer wall 202 of container C2 may be open. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, a portion of the outer wall 202 may be open so that the open portion of the outer wall 202 faces container C1. In this case, the bus bar 91 penetrates the open portion of the outer wall 202 of container C2. By opening a portion of the outer wall 202 of container C2, the bus bars 91 and 92 can be easily installed inside container C2. By opening a portion of the outer wall 202 of container C2, equipment can be easily placed inside container C2.

[0076] <Second Example of Structure> A second example of container C1 and container C2 will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. Figures 13 and 14 show the configurations of container C1 and container C2. Figure 15 shows the configuration of container C1 as viewed from the direction of arrow X3 in Figure 13. Figure 16 shows the configuration of container C2 as viewed from the direction of arrow X4 in Figure 13. In Figure 14, some of the equipment inside container C1 and some of the equipment inside container C2 are omitted from the illustration. In Figure 16, the equipment inside container C2 is omitted from the illustration.

[0077] Container C1 has a bottom plate 101, an outer peripheral wall 102 erected on the bottom plate 101, and a top plate 103 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 102. The bottom plate 101 is an example of a first bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 102 is an example of a first outer peripheral wall. The top plate 103 is an example of a first top plate. The bottom plate 101 and the top plate 103 are rectangular flat plates. The outer peripheral wall 102 of container C1 is provided with through holes through which pipes and cables extended from inside container C2 pass, but these through holes are not shown in Figures 13 to 15.

[0078] Container C2 has a bottom plate 201, an outer peripheral wall 202 erected on the bottom plate 201 and partially open, and a top plate 203 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 202. The bottom plate 201 is an example of a second bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 202 is an example of a second outer peripheral wall. The top plate 203 is an example of a second top plate.

[0079] In Figures 13 to 15, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 102 of container C1 is not open, and the outer perimeter wall 102 has an opening (through hole) 131 through which the bus bar 91 passes. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, the opening 131 in the outer perimeter wall 102 is provided so that it faces container C2. An insulating member 132 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 131 in the outer perimeter wall 102. The insulating member 132 is attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the outer perimeter wall 102. The outer surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 that faces outward from container C1. The inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 that faces inward from container C1.

[0080] With the insulating member 132 in contact with the busbar 91, the insulating member 132 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102, so that the insulating member 132 surrounds the outer circumference of the busbar 91. By surrounding the outer circumference of the busbar 91 with the insulating member 132, the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102 is closed, thus ensuring airtightness between container C1 and container C2. The busbar 91 is supported by the insulating member 132 and rests on the insulating member 132. Because the busbar 91 is resting on the insulating member 132, the busbar 91 can be moved while it is passing through the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102. When connecting busbar 91 and busbar 92 while busbar 91 is passing through the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102, the busbar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between busbar 91 and busbar 92 easy.

[0081] In Figure 15, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2 is open, and there are no openings 121 and insulating members 122 in the outer perimeter wall 202. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 is open so that the open portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 faces container C1. By opening a portion of the outer perimeter wall 202, the busbars 91 and 92 can be easily installed inside container C2. By opening a portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2, equipment can be easily placed inside container C2. The busbar 91 passes through the open portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2. Since the busbar 91 passes through the opening 131 in the outer perimeter wall 102 of container C1 and the busbar 91 passes through the open portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2, it is possible to easily connect the water electrolysis cell stack 13 located inside container C1 and the rectifier 2 located inside container C2. The busbars 92, flexible conductors 93 and 94 in the second example of containers C1 and C2 are the same as in the first example of containers C1 and C2.

[0082] <Third Example of Structure> A third example of containers C1 and C2 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Figures 17 and 18 show the configurations of containers C1 and C2. Figure 19 shows the configuration of container C1 as viewed from the direction of arrow X5 in Figure 17. Figure 20 shows the configuration of container C2 as viewed from the direction of arrow X6 in Figure 17. In Figure 18, some of the equipment inside container C1 and some of the equipment inside container C2 are omitted from the illustration.

[0083] Container C1 has a bottom plate 101, an outer peripheral wall 102 erected on the bottom plate 101, and a top plate 103 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 102. The bottom plate 101 is an example of a first bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 102 is an example of a first outer peripheral wall. The top plate 103 is an example of a first top plate. The bottom plate 101 and the top plate 103 are rectangular flat plates. The outer peripheral wall 102 of container C1 is provided with through holes through which pipes and cables extended from inside container C2 pass, but these through holes are not shown in Figures 17 to 19.

[0084] Container C2 has a bottom plate 201, an outer peripheral wall 202 erected on the bottom plate 201 and partially open, and a top plate 203 provided on the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 202. The bottom plate 201 is an example of a second bottom plate. The outer peripheral wall 202 is an example of a second outer peripheral wall. The top plate 203 is an example of a second top plate. The outer peripheral wall 202 of container C2 is provided with through holes through which pipes and cables extended from inside container C2 pass, but these through holes are not shown in Figures 18 and 20.

[0085] In Figures 17 to 19, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 102 of container C1 is not open, and the outer perimeter wall 102 has an opening (through hole) 131 through which the bus bar 91 passes. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, the opening 131 in the outer perimeter wall 102 is provided so that it faces container C2. An insulating member 132 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 131 in the outer perimeter wall 102. The insulating member 132 is attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the outer perimeter wall 102. The outer surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 that faces outward from container C1. The inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 102 that faces inward from container C1.

[0086] With the insulating member 132 in contact with the busbar 91, the insulating member 132 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102, so that the insulating member 132 surrounds the outer circumference of the busbar 91. By surrounding the outer circumference of the busbar 91 with the insulating member 132, the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102 is closed, thus ensuring airtightness between container C1 and container C2. The busbar 91 is supported by the insulating member 132 and rests on the insulating member 132. Because the busbar 91 is resting on the insulating member 132, the busbar 91 can be moved while it is passing through the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102. When connecting busbar 91 and busbar 92 while busbar 91 is passing through the opening 131 in the outer peripheral wall 102, the busbar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between busbar 91 and busbar 92 easy.

[0087] In Figures 17 and 18, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2 is not open, and the outer perimeter wall 202 of container C2 has an opening (through hole) 121 through which the bus bar 91 passes. When containers C1 and C2 are arranged adjacent to each other, the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202 is provided in such a way that the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202 faces container C1. An insulating member 122 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 121 in the outer perimeter wall 202. The insulating member 122 is attached to the outer surface and inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 202. The outer surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 that faces outward from container C2. The inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 is the surface of the outer perimeter wall 202 that faces inward from container C2.

[0088] Since the busbar 91 penetrates the opening 131 in the outer wall 102 of container C1 and the busbar 91 penetrates the opening 121 in the outer wall 202 of container C2, it is possible to easily connect the water electrolysis cell stack 13 located inside container C1 and the rectifier 2 located inside container C2.

[0089] With the insulating member 122 in contact with the busbar 91, the insulating member 122 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202, so that the insulating member 122 surrounds the outer circumference of the busbar 91. By surrounding the outer circumference of the busbar 91 with the insulating member 122, the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202 is closed, thus ensuring airtightness between container C1 and container C2. The busbar 91 is supported by the insulating member 122 and placed on the insulating member 122. Because the busbar 91 is placed on the insulating member 122, the busbar 91 can be moved while it is passing through the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202. When connecting busbar 91 and busbar 92 while busbar 91 is passing through the opening 121 in the outer peripheral wall 202, the busbar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between busbar 91 and busbar 92 easier. The busbars 92, flexible conductors 93 and 94 in the third example of containers C1 and C2 are the same as in the first example of containers C1 and C2.

[0090] <Fourth example of a structure> Structures C3 and C4 will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 24. Figures 21 and 22 show the configurations of structures C3 and C4. Figure 23 shows the configuration of structure C3 as viewed from the direction of arrow X7 in Figure 21. Figure 24 shows the configuration of structure C4 as viewed from the direction of arrow X8 in Figure 21. In Figures 21 and 23, the illustration of equipment etc. inside structure C3 is omitted. In Figure 22, the illustration of some equipment etc. inside structure C3 and some equipment etc. inside structure C4 is omitted. In Figure 23, the illustration of equipment etc. inside structure C3 is omitted. In Figure 24, the illustration of equipment etc. inside structure C4 is omitted.

[0091] Structure C3 has a base plate 301, a plurality of columns 302 erected on the base plate 301, and a frame 303 provided on the upper part of the plurality of columns 302. The base plate 301 is a rectangular flat plate. The base plate 301 is an example of a first base plate. The columns 302 are an example of a first column. The frame 303 is an example of a first frame. A support plate 140 is arranged inside structure C3. The support plate 140 is provided on the base plate 301. The bus bar 91 is supported by the support plate 140. The support plate 140 is an example of a support part that supports the bus bar 91. The bus bar 91 passes between two of the plurality of columns 302 of structure C3. Structure C4 has a base plate 401, a plurality of columns 402 erected on the base plate 401, and a frame 403 provided on the upper part of the plurality of columns 402. The base plate 401 is a rectangular flat plate. The base plate 401 is an example of a second base plate. The column 402 is an example of a second column. The frame 403 is an example of a second frame. A bus bar 91 passes between two of the multiple columns 402 of the structure C4.

[0092] Structure C3 does not have an outer perimeter wall, and the support plate 140 of structure C3 has an opening (through hole) 141 through which the bus bar 91 passes. When structures C3 and C4 are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other, the opening 141 of the support plate 140 is provided in such a way that the opening 141 of the support plate 140 faces structure C4.

[0093] An insulating member 142 that contacts the bus bar 91 is provided along the outer circumference of the opening 141 of the support plate 140. The insulating member 142 is attached to both sides of the support plate 140. The insulating member 142 surrounds the outer circumference of the bus bar 91. The bus bar 91 is supported by the insulating member 142 and placed on the insulating member 142. Because the bus bar 91 is placed on the insulating member 142, the bus bar 91 can be moved while it is passing through the opening 141 of the support plate 140. When connecting bus bar 91 and bus bar 92 while bus bar 91 is passing through the opening 141 of the support plate 140, the bus bar 91 can be moved, making the connection work between bus bar 91 and bus bar 92 easier. The bus bar 92, flexible conductors 93 and 94 in the fourth example of structures C3 and C4 are the same as in the first example of containers C1 and C2.

[0094] A cover having side walls and a top plate surrounding structure C3 may be placed over structure C3. Similarly, a cover having side walls and a top plate surrounding structure C4 may be placed over structure C4. In this case, by not providing a cover between structure C3 and structure C4, the bus bar 91 can pass through between two of the multiple columns 402 of structure C4.

[0095] 1: Water electrolysis system 2: Rectifier 13: Water electrolysis cell stack 81: Partition wall 91, 92: Busbar 93, 94: Flexible conductor 101, 201, 301, 401: Bottom plate 102, 202: Outer wall 103, 203: Top plate 111, 121, 131, 141: Opening 112, 122, 132, 142: Insulating material 302, 402: Column 303, 403: Frame C1, C2: Container C3, C4: Structure

Claims

1. A structural unit comprising: a first structure; a second structure; a conductive member for electrically connecting a first device installed within the first structure and a second device installed within the second structure; and a support portion provided on at least one of the first structure and the second structure for supporting the conductive member, wherein the conductive member is arranged within the first structure and the second structure so as to straddle the first structure and the second structure.

2. The structural unit according to claim 1, wherein the support portion includes a partition wall for partitioning the inside of the first structure, the first device is a water electrolysis device disposed within the area partitioned by the partition wall, the partition wall has an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the partition wall.

3. The structural unit according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member is placed on the insulating member.

4. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate and partially open, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, the conductive member passing through the open part of the first outer peripheral wall; the second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, the second outer peripheral wall having an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening in the second outer peripheral wall.

5. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, the first outer peripheral wall having an opening through which the conductive member passes, and an insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the opening of the first outer peripheral wall, and the second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate and partially open, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, the conductive member passing through the open portion of the second outer peripheral wall.

6. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first structure is a first housing having a first bottom plate, a first outer peripheral wall erected on the first bottom plate, and a first top plate provided on the upper part of the first outer peripheral wall, the first outer peripheral wall having a first opening through which the conductive member passes, and a first insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the first opening of the first outer peripheral wall, and the second structure is a second housing having a second bottom plate, a second outer peripheral wall erected on the second bottom plate, and a second top plate provided on the upper part of the second outer peripheral wall, the second outer peripheral wall having a second opening through which the conductive member passes, and a second insulating member that contacts the conductive member is provided along the outer circumference of the second opening of the second outer peripheral wall.

7. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first structure comprises a first base plate, a plurality of first columns erected on the first base plate, and a first frame provided on the upper part of the plurality of first columns, and the second structure comprises a second base plate, a plurality of second columns erected on the second base plate, and a second frame provided on the upper part of the plurality of second columns, wherein the conductive member penetrates between two of the plurality of first columns and the conductive member penetrates between two of the plurality of second columns.

8. The structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive member is a busbar, the first device and the busbar are electrically connected by a first flexible conductor, and the second device and the busbar are electrically connected by a second flexible conductor.

9. The conductive member has a crank shape, the structural unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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