DE102020209081A1 - Electrochemical reaction cell stack - Google Patents

Abstract

[Object] A decrease in the power generation performance of a fuel cell stack due to a deterioration in gas flow in a gas chamber due to a positional displacement of a spacer is prevented Surface of the first conductive component is, and with a second contact portion which is in contact with a first electrode, one of the cathode or. Is anode, and is provided with a connecting portion which connects the first contact portion with the second contact portion. The second conductive component is provided with a first front end which is connected to a side of the second contact portion which is opposite to a side connected to the connecting portion, wherein if at least one cross section parallel to the first direction as a certain cross section and one to the first direction vertical direction in the specific cross-section is referred to as the second direction, in the specific cross-section at least a part of the first front end of the second conductive component of a specific reaction unit, which is at least one of a plurality of electrochemical reaction units, is positioned on a side that is the connecting portion in the second Direction in

Description

[Technical area]

The technique disclosed in the present specification relates to an electrochemical reaction cell stack.

[Technical background]

Solid oxide fuel cells (hereinafter referred to as “SOFCs”) are known as a type of fuel cell that generates electricity using the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. SOFCs are generally used in the form of a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cell power generation units (hereinafter referred to as “power generation units”) are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as “first direction”). Each power generation unit is provided with a single fuel cell (hereinafter referred to simply as “single cell”). The single cell comprises an electrolyte layer as well as a cathode and an anode which are opposite via the electrolyte layer in the first direction.

The power generation unit is further provided with an interconnector arranged in the first direction with respect to the single cell, an anode-side current collector and a spacer. The anode-side current collector is provided with an interconnector contact portion, an electrode contact portion and a connection portion for electrically connecting the anode to the interconnector, the interconnector contact portion being in contact with a surface of the interconnector, the electrode contact portion in contact with the anode is and the connecting section connects the interconnector contact section with the electrode contact section. The spacer is arranged between the interconnector contact section and the electrode contact section of the anode-side current collector. The spacer is arranged between the interconnector contact section and the electrode contact section of the anode-side current collector, whereby the anode-side current collector follows the deformation of the power generation unit due to temperature cycles or reaction gas pressure fluctuations and the electrical connection between the anode and the interconnector via the anode-side current collector is well maintained .

[Prior Art Document]

[Patent document]

[Patent Document 1] JP 2018-185957 A

[Summary of the invention]

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the conventional fuel cell stack described above, however, due to factors such as mutually different thermal expansion of the respective parts (e.g. anode; interconnector) of the fuel cell stack, the anode-side current collector may not be able to ensure a force for clamping the spacer, which causes a Displacement of the spacer in a direction vertical to the first direction (more precisely in a direction which is opposite to the connection portion of the anode-side current collector with respect to the spacer) can occur. As a result, in the conventional fuel cell stack described above, there is a fear that the occurrence of a positional displacement of the spacer in the direction vertical to the first direction may result in a deterioration in gas flow in a combustion chamber and thus in a reduction in the power generation performance of the fuel cell stack.

This problem also occurs in a fuel cell stack with a cathode-side current collector due to a positional offset of the spacer in a direction vertical to the first direction, the cathode-side current collector being provided with an interconnector contact section, an electrode contact section and a connection section, the interconnector contact section is in contact with a surface of an interconnector, the electrode contact portion is in contact with a cathode and the connecting portion connects the interconnector contact portion with the electrode contact portion, and wherein a spacer is between the interconnector contact portion and the electrode contact portion of the cathode-side current collector is arranged. Electrolytic cell stacks also have this problem in common with several electrolytic cell units which are the components of a solid oxide electrolytic cell (hereinafter referred to as “SOEC”) that generate hydrogen using the water electrolysis reaction. In the present description, the single fuel cell and the single electrolytic cell are collectively referred to as an electrochemical reaction single cell, the power generation unit and the electrolytic cell unit are collectively referred to as an electrochemical reaction unit, and the The fuel cell stack and the electrolysis cell stack are collectively referred to as an electrochemical reaction cell stack. This problem is also shared by not only SOFCs and SOECs but also other types of electrochemical reaction cell stacks.

In the present specification, there is disclosed a technique which can solve the problem described above.

[Means of solving the task]

The technique disclosed in the present specification can be implemented in the following forms.

(1) The electrochemical reaction cell stack disclosed in the present description is designed in such a way that several electrochemical reaction units are arranged next to one another, each of which is provided with a single cell, a first conductive component, a second conductive component and a spacer,
wherein the single cell comprises an electrolyte layer as well as a cathode and an anode, wherein the two electrodes are opposite via the electrolyte layer in a first direction,
wherein the first conductive component is arranged on the side in the first direction with respect to the single cell, the second conductive component being provided with a first contact portion, a second contact portion and a connection portion, the first contact portion in contact with a surface of the first conductive component is, the second contact portion is in contact with a first electrode, which is a cathode or anode, and the connecting portion connects the first contact portion with the second contact portion,
wherein the spacer is arranged between the first contact section and the second contact section of the second conductive component,
wherein the second conductive member is provided with a first front end connected to a side of the second contact portion opposite to a side connected to the connecting portion, and
wherein, if at least one cross section parallel to the first direction is designated as a specific cross section and a direction vertical to the first direction in the specific cross section is designated as the second direction, in the specific cross section at least part of the first front end of the second conductive component of a specific reaction unit, the at least one of the electrochemical reaction units is positioned on a side opposite to the connecting portion in the second direction with respect to the spacer.

In a construction of the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, in which the second conductive component is not provided with the first front end, it can due to factors such as the mutually different thermal expansion of the respective parts (e.g.: said first electrode; said first conductive component) of the electrochemical Reaction cell stack occur that the second conductive component is not able to ensure a force for clamping the spacer, whereby a positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction can occur. As a result, with this construction, there is a fear that the occurrence of a positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction may lead to a deterioration in gas flow in a gas chamber (gas chamber to which the first electrode faces) and thus to a reduction in the power generation capacity of the electrochemical reaction cell stack.

In contrast, in the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, as mentioned above, in the specific cross section, the entire first front end of the second conductive member is positioned on a side opposite to the connecting portion in the second direction with respect to the spacer. Therefore, a positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction is prevented by the presence of the first front end of the second conductive component. As a result, according to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, a reduction in power generation performance of the electrochemical reaction cell stack due to deterioration in gas flow in the gas chamber (gas chamber facing the first electrode) due to a positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction can be prevented.

(2) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the first front end of the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit may be formed to be connected to the first conductive member. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction can be prevented more effectively.

(3) The above electrochemical reaction cell stack can also be designed in such a way that, if a direction vertical to the specific cross section is designated as the third direction, the second conductive component of the specific reaction unit is provided with a second front end in a cross section vertical to the specific cross section, that is connected to a certain side that is at least one of the ends of the second contact portion in the third direction, wherein at least a part of the second front end is positioned on the particular side in the third direction with respect to the spacer.

In a construction of the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, in which the second conductive component is not provided with the second front end, it can due to factors such as mutually different thermal expansion of the respective parts (e.g., said first electrode; said first conductive component) of the electrochemical reaction cell stack it can happen that the second conductive component is not able to ensure a force for clamping the spacer, as a result of which a positional offset of the spacer in the third direction can occur. As a result, there is a fear in this construction that the occurrence of a positional displacement of the spacer in the third direction may lead to a deterioration in the gas flow in the gas chamber (gas chamber to which the first electrode faces) and thus to a reduction in the power generation capacity of the electrochemical reaction cell stack.

In contrast, in the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, as mentioned above, in the cross section vertical to the specific cross section, the second conductive member of each electrochemical reaction unit is provided with the second front end connected to one end of the second contact portion in the third direction, the entire second front end is positioned on the side in the third direction with respect to the spacer. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, a positional displacement of the spacer in the third direction can therefore be prevented.

(4) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit may be formed to be connected to the first conductive member on the side in the third direction with respect to the spacer. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, positional displacement of the spacer in the third direction can be prevented.

(5) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the spacer of the specific reaction unit may be formed to have a part protruding to the outside of the second conductive member when viewed from the first direction and the second conductive member when viewed from the second direction superimposed. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, a positional displacement of the spacer in the third direction can also be prevented.

(6) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, a position at which the first front end of the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit is connected to the first conductive member may be in the middle of the first front end of the second conductive member in the second direction or closer to Be spacers than the center. In the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, the position at which the first front end of the second conductive component of the electrochemical reaction unit is connected to the first conductive component is relatively close to the spacer. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, a positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction can therefore be prevented more effectively.

(7) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the position at which the first front end of the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit is connected to the first conductive member may be in the middle of the first front end of the second conductive member in the second direction or further from Be spacers than the center. In the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, a part of the first front end of the second conductive component closer to the spacer than the position at which the first front end is connected to the first conductive component is not connected to the first conductive component, so that this part extends to can expand freely to a certain extent as the space between the first electrode and the first conductive member widens. As a result, according to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, the part of the first front end of the second conductive element not connected to the first conductive element is relatively long, so that the contact area between the first electrode and the second contact portion of the second conductive element can be prevented more effectively decreased when the gap between the first electrode and the first conductive component widens. Thus, a decrease in power generation performance of the above electrochemical reaction cell stack can be prevented more effectively.

(8) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit may be formed such that a space is formed between the connecting portion of the second conductive member and the spacer.

If the gap between the first electrode and the first conductive component is different due to one another Thermal expansion of the respective parts (eg: said first electrode; said first conductive component) of the electrochemical reaction cell stack expanded, the first electrode could be torn off from the second contact section of the second conductive component. As a result, the contact area between the first electrode and the second contact portion of the second conductive member decreases, which may decrease the power generation performance of the above electrochemical reaction cell stack.

In contrast to this, in the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, as mentioned above, the second conductive component is formed such that a space is formed between the connecting portion of the second conductive component and the spacer. Therefore, neither part of the second contact portion of the second conductive member on the side of the connection portion nor part of the first contact portion on the side of the connection portion is in contact with the first electrode, so that these parts can freely expand to a certain extent when the space between the first electrode and the first conductive component widens. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, therefore, the contact area between the first electrode and the second contact portion of the second conductive member can be prevented from being reduced by widening the gap between the first electrode and the first conductive member. Thus, a decrease in the power generation performance of the above electrochemical reaction cell stack can be prevented.

(9) In the above electrochemical reaction cell stack, the first front end may be formed to be in contact with the spacer. According to the present electrochemical reaction cell stack, positional displacement of the spacer in the second direction can be prevented more effectively.

In addition, the technology disclosed in the present description can be implemented in various forms, e.g. in the form of an electrochemical reaction cell stack (fuel cell stack or electrolytic cell stack), an electrochemical reaction system (fuel cell system or electrolytic cell system) with the electrochemical reaction cell stack, a method for their production, etc.

Figure list

• 1 Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the external view of a fuel cell stack 100 shows in one embodiment.
• 2 Fig. 13 is a view showing an XZ cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell stack 100 at a position II-II in 1 explained.
• 3 Fig. 13 is a view showing a YZ cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell stack 100 at a position III-III in 1 explained.
• 4th Fig. 13 is a view showing an XZ cross-sectional structure of two power generation units adjacent to each other 102 at the same position as that in cross section in 2 explained.
• 5 Fig. 13 is a view showing a YZ cross-sectional construction of two power generation units adjacent to each other 102 at the same position as that in cross section in 3 explained.
• 6 Fig. 13 is a view showing an XY cross-sectional structure of the power generation unit 102 at a position VI-VI in 5 explained.
• 7th Fig. 13 is a view showing an XY cross-sectional structure of the power generation unit 102 at a position VII-VII in 5 explained.
• 8th FIG. 13 is a view showing an enlarged XZ cross-sectional construction of a part (section X1 in FIG 4th ) a single cell 110 explained.
• 9 FIG. 13 is a view showing an enlarged YZ cross-sectional structure of a part (section X2 in FIG 5 ) of the single cell 110 explained.
• 10 is a view showing a protrusion 149A a spacer 149 explained in a modified example.

[Embodiment of the invention]

Embodiment

construction

(Construction of the fuel cell stack 100 )

1 Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the external view of a fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment. 2 Fig. 13 is a view showing an XZ cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell stack 100 at a position II-II in 1 explained. 3 Fig. 13 is a view showing a YZ cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell stack 100 at a position III-III in 1 explained. Each figure shows mutually orthogonal XYZ axes to identify the directions. For simplicity is in the present Describes the positive Z direction as the “upward direction” and the negative Z direction as the “downward direction”. The fuel cell stack 100 however, it can actually be installed in an orientation other than this. The same applies to 4th ff. In addition, the upward and downward direction (Z direction) corresponds to the first direction in the claims. The fuel cell stack corresponds to the electrochemical reaction cell stack in the patent claims.

The fuel cell stack 100 is with multiple (seven in the present embodiment) power generation units 102 and a pair of end plates 104 , 106 Mistake. The seven power generation units 102 are arranged side by side in a predetermined orientation (upward and downward direction in the present embodiment). The end plates 104 , 106 are arranged in such a way that they form an assembly consisting of the seven power generation units 102 pinch in from above and below.

In the edge area of the respective fuel cell stack 100 forming layers (power generation units 102 ; End plates 104 , 106 ) Several (eight in the present embodiment) through bores in the upward and downward direction are formed around the Z direction. The holes formed in the respective layers and corresponding to each other are connected with each other in the upward and downward directions to form a communication hole 108 form, extending up and down from the one end plate 104 to the other end plate 106 extends. In the following explanation are also the bores that are used to form the connecting hole 108 in the respective layers of the fuel cell stack 100 are formed, referred to as “connecting bore 108”.

In every connecting hole 108 becomes a bolt that extends up and down 22nd introduced. The fuel cell stack 100 is by means of the bolts 22nd and nuts 24 each on the two ends of each bolt 22nd are screwed on, clamped. As in 2 and 3 shown, there is also an insulating film 26th between the mother 24 that is on one end (top) of the bolt 22nd is screwed, and a top surface of the end plate 104 that is a top end of the fuel cell stack 100 forms, and between the mother 24 that is on the other end (bottom) of the bolt 22nd is screwed, and a lower surface of the end plate 106 that is a lower end of the fuel cell stack 100 forms. At a point where a later-described gas passage member 27 is provided, however, the gas passage element is located 27 and the insulating foils 26th between the mother 24 and a surface of the end plate 106 , the insulating film 26th each on the top and the bottom of the gas passage element 27 are arranged. Any insulation film 26th is formed, for example, from a mica film, a ceramic fiber film, a ceramic press powder film, a glass film, a glass-ceramic composite material, etc.

The outside diameter of the shank of each bolt 22nd is smaller than the inner diameter of each connecting hole 108 . Therefore, there is a space between the outer peripheral surface of the shank of each bolt 22nd and the inner peripheral surface of each communication hole 108 guaranteed. As in 1 and 2 shown, a space works by a bolt 22nd (Bolt 22A) near the midpoint of one side (one side on the positive X-direction side of two sides parallel to the Y-axis) on the outer periphery of the fuel cell stack 100 around the Z direction and a connecting hole 108 into which the bolt 22A is inserted is formed as a manifold 161 for supplying oxidizing gas which is a gas flow path in which an oxidizing gas 1st floor from outside the fuel cell stack 100 and each power generation unit 102 is fed. A space through a bolt 22nd (Bolt 22B) near the midpoint of a side opposite to said side (a side on the negative X-direction side of two sides parallel to the Y-axis) and a connecting hole 108 into which the bolt 22B is inserted is formed functions as a distributor 162 for discharging oxidizing gas, which is an oxidizing exhaust gas OOG that of an air chamber 166 each power generation unit 102 was drained to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 drains. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, air is used as the oxidizing gas 1st floor used.

As in 1 and 3 shown, a space also works by a bolt 22nd (Bolt 22D) near the center of one side (one side on the positive Y-direction side of two sides parallel to the X-axis) on the outer circumference of the fuel cell stack 100 around the Z direction and a connecting hole 108 into which the bolt 22D is inserted is formed as a manifold 171 for supplying fuel gas in which a fuel gas FG from outside the fuel cell stack 100 and each power generation unit 102 is fed. A space through a bolt 22nd (Bolt 22E) near the midpoint of a side opposite to said side (a side on the negative Y-direction side of two sides parallel to the X-axis) and a connecting hole 108 in which the bolt 22E is inserted is formed functions as a manifold 172 for discharging fuel gas, which is a fuel exhaust gas FOG that from a combustion chamber 176 each power generation unit 102 was drained to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 drains. In the present embodiment, for example, also becomes off Town gas reformed hydrogen-rich gas as fuel gas FG used.

The fuel cell stack 100 is with four gas passage elements 27 Mistake. Any gas passage element 27 has a hollow tubular main body 28 and a hollow tubular branch section 29 coming from a side surface of the main body 28 branches off, on. The bore of the branch section 29 is with the bore of the main body 28 connected. A gas line (not shown) is attached to the branch section 29 each gas passage element 27 connected. As in 2 also shown is the bore of the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 , which is arranged on the bolt 22A, which the distributor 161 for supplying oxidizing gas forms with the distributor 161 connected to the supply of oxidizing gas. The hole in the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 , which is arranged on the bolt 22B that the distributor 162 to vent oxidizing gas forms is with the manifold 162 connected to the discharge of oxidizing gas. As in 3 also shown is the bore of the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 , which is arranged on the bolt 22D that the distributor 171 for supplying fuel gas forms with the distributor 171 connected for supplying fuel gas. The hole in the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 , which is arranged on the bolt 22E, which the distributor 172 for discharging fuel gas forms is with the distributor 172 connected to discharge fuel gas.

(Construction of the end plates 104 , 106 )

The end plates arranged in pairs 104 , 106 are conductive components in the form of a substantially rectangular flat plate and are made of stainless steel, for example. The one end plate 104 is above the top power generation unit 102 and the other end plate 106 is below the lowest power generation unit 102 arranged. The power generation units 102 are through the pair of end plates 104 , 106 pinched when pressed. The top end plate 104 functions as the positive output terminal of the fuel cell stack 100 , and the lower end plate 106 functions as the negative output terminal of the fuel cell stack 100 .

(Construction of the power generation unit 102 )

4th Fig. 13 is a view showing an XZ cross-sectional structure of two power generation units adjacent to each other 102 at the same position as that in cross section in 2 explained. 5 Fig. 13 is a view showing a YZ cross-sectional construction of two power generation units adjacent to each other 102 at the same position as that in cross section in 3 explained. Furthermore is 6 Fig. 3 is a view showing an XY cross-sectional structure of the power generation unit 102 at a position VI-VI in 5 explained. 7th Fig. 13 is a view showing an XY cross-sectional structure of the power generation unit 102 at a position VII-VII in 5 explained.

As in 4th and 5 shown is the power generation unit 102 with a single cell 110 , a separator 120 , a cathode-side frame 130 , a cathode-side current collector 134 , an anode-side frame 140 , anode-side current collectors 144 , Spacers 149 and a pair of interconnectors 150 provided, the top and bottom layers of the power generation unit 102 form. In the edge area of the separator 120 , the cathode-side frame 130 , the frame on the anode side 140 and the interconnectors 150 Bores are formed around the Z-direction that correspond to the connecting bore described above 108 correspond into which the bolt 22nd is introduced.

Any interconnector 150 is a conductive component in the form of an essentially rectangular flat plate and consists, for example, of ferrite-based stainless steel. The interconnector 150 ensures electrical conductivity between the power generation units 102 and prevents the reaction gases from mixing between the power generation units 102 . Also, in the present embodiment, when two power generation units 102 are arranged side by side, an interconnector 150 through the two neighboring power generation units 102 shared. That is, the upper interconnector 150 for a power generation unit 102 is the same component as the lower interconnector 150 for one at the top of this power generation unit 102 adjacent other generating unit 102 . Because the fuel cell stack 100 with the pair of end plates 104 , 106 is provided, also has the uppermost power generation unit 102 of the fuel cell stack 100 no upper interconnector 150 and the lowest power generation unit 102 no lower interconnector 150 on (cf. 2 and 3 ).

The single cell 110 is with an electrolyte layer 112 , a cathode (cathode) 114 and an anode (anode) 116 provided that over the electrolyte layer 112 in upward and downward direction (orientation of the power generating units 102 ) are opposite. That is, the cathode 114 and the anode 116 lie over the electrolyte layer 112 in upward and downward direction opposite. Also is the single cell 110 in the present embodiment an anode-supported single cell in which the anode 116 the electrolyte layer 112 and the cathode 114 supports.

The electrolyte layer 112 is a structural member in the form of a substantially rectangular flat plate viewed from the up and down direction and a dense layer (with low porosity). The view from the upward and downward direction here means “viewed from a direction parallel to the upward and downward direction” (the same applies to the following “view from the upward and downward direction”). The electrolyte layer 112 consists of solid oxide, such as YSZ (yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconium oxide), ScSZ (scandia-stabilized zirconium oxide), SDC (samarium-doped cerium oxide), GDC (gadolinium-doped cerium oxide), an oxide of the perovskite type or similar cathode 114 Fig. 13 is a component in the form of a substantially rectangular flat plate which is smaller than the electrolyte layer when viewed from the up and down directions 112 , and a porous layer (with a higher porosity than the electrolyte layer 112 ). The cathode 114 consists for example of oxide of the perovskite type (e.g. LSCF (lanthanum-strontium-cobalt-iron oxide); LSM (lanthanum-strontium-manganese oxide); LNF (lanthanum-nickel-iron)). The anode 116 Fig. 13 is a component in the form of a substantially rectangular flat plate which is substantially the same size as the electrolyte layer when viewed from the up and down directions 112 . It is also a porous layer (with a higher porosity than the electrolyte layer 112 ). The thickness of the anode 116 is for example 200 µm to 1000 µm. The average porosity of the anode-side current collector 144 near part of the anode 116 lies, for example, between 25 and 60% by volume. The average pore size of this part is, for example, 0.5 µm to 4 µm. The single cell formed in this way 110 (Power generation unit 102 ) in the present embodiment is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that uses a solid oxide as an electrolyte.

The separator 120 is a frame-shaped component, which near the center has a substantially rectangular bore 121 which is continuous in the upward and downward direction, and consists for example of metal. The peripheral part of the bore 121 of the separator 120 is the edge area of a surface of the electrolyte layer 112 on the cathode side 114 across from. The separator 120 is with the electrolyte layer 112 (Single cell 110 ) via a connector 124 connected, which consists of a soldering material (for example: Ag solder) which is arranged at said opposite point. The separator 120 divides the air chamber 166 that the cathode 114 facing, and the combustion chamber 176 that the anode 116 is facing, and thereby prevents the escape of gas from one electrode side to the other in the edge area of the single cell 110 .

As in 6 shown is the frame on the cathode side 130 a frame-shaped component, which near the center has a substantially rectangular bore 131 continuous in the upward and downward direction, and consists, for example, of an insulator, such as mica or the like. The bore 131 of the frame on the cathode side 130 forms the air chamber 166 that the cathode 114 is facing. The frame on the cathode side 130 is in contact with the edge portion of a surface of the separator 120 on one side, which is one of the electrolyte layer 112 opposite side is opposite, and with the edge region of a surface of the interconnector 150 on one of the cathode 114 opposite side. Furthermore, the in the power generation unit 102 included, paired interconnectors 150 through the frame on the cathode side 130 electrically isolated from each other. On the frame on the cathode side 130 are also a connecting hole 132 for supplying oxidizing gas and a connecting hole 133 formed for venting oxidizing gas, the former being the manifold 161 for supplying oxidizing gas with the air chamber 166 connects and the latter the air chamber 166 with the distributor 162 to vent oxidizing gas connects.

As in 7th shown is the anode-side frame 140 a frame-shaped component, which near the center has a substantially rectangular bore 141 which is continuous in the upward and downward direction, and consists for example of metal. The hole 141 of the anode-side frame 140 forms the combustion chamber 176 that the anode 116 is facing. The frame on the anode side 140 is in contact with the edge portion of a surface of the separator 120 on one of the electrolyte layer 112 opposite side and with the edge region of a surface of the interconnector 150 on one of the anode 116 opposite side. Furthermore, on the anode-side frame 140 a connecting hole 142 for supplying fuel gas and a connecting hole 143 formed for venting fuel gas, the former being the manifold 171 for supplying fuel gas to the combustion chamber 176 connects and the latter the combustion chamber 176 with the distributor 172 for discharging fuel gas connects.

The cathode-side current collector 134 is in the air chamber 166 arranged. The cathode-side current collector 134 is made up of several current collector elements essentially in the form of a square post and consists, for example, of ferrite-based stainless steel. The cathode-side current collector 134 is in contact with a surface of the cathode 114 on one side, which is one of the electrolyte layer 112 opposite side is opposite, and with a surface of the interconnector 150 on one of the cathode 114 opposite side. However, as mentioned above, is the top power generation unit 102 of the fuel cell stack 100 not with the upper one Interconnector 150 provided so that the cathode-side current collector 134 this power generation unit 102 in contact with the upper end plate 104 stands. The cathode-side current collector 134 is designed to be the cathode 114 electrically with the interconnector 150 (or the end plate 104 ) connects. In the present embodiment, there are also the cathode-side current collector 134 and the interconnector 150 designed as a one-piece component. In other words, the flat-shaped section of the one-piece component that is orthogonal to the upward and downward direction (Z direction) functions as an interconnector 150 , and the current collector members, which are multiple convex portions extending from the flat portion to the cathode 114 are formed above, function as a cathode-side current collector 134 . The one-piece component from the cathode-side current collector 134 and the interconnector 150 can alternatively be covered with a conductive coating. Between the cathode 114 and the cathode-side current collector 134 Alternatively, there may be a conductive tie layer connecting the two.

The anode-side current collector 144 is in the combustion chamber 176 arranged. The anode-side current collector 144 is with an interconnector contact section 146 , an electrode contact portion 145 , a connecting section 147 that is the positive X-direction side of the electrode contact portion 145 with the positive X-direction side of the interconnector contact section 146 linked, a first front end 148 and second front ends 148A provided and consists, for example, of nickel, a nickel alloy, stainless steel or the like The electrode contact section 145 is in contact with a surface of the anode 116 on one side, which is one of the electrolyte layer 112 opposite side is opposite. The interconnector contact section 146 is in contact with a surface of the interconnector 150 on one of the anode 116 opposite side. That is, the interconnector contact section 146 is in contact with a surface of one on the lower side (that is, one side in the up and down direction) with respect to the single cell 110 arranged interconnector 150 of the interconnectors arranged in pairs 150 the power generation unit 102 . In the present embodiment, the lower interconnector corresponds 150 of the interconnectors arranged in pairs 150 the power generation unit 102 the first conductive component in the claims. However, as mentioned above, is the lowest power generation unit 102 of the fuel cell stack 100 not with the lower interconnector 150 provided so that the interconnector contact portion 146 this power generation unit 102 in contact with the lower end plate 106 stands. The first front end 148 is like in 4th shown with one side (negative X-direction side) of the electrode contact portion 145 connected, the one with the connecting section 147 connected side is opposite. As in 5 shown are the second front ends 148A each with one end (negative Y-direction) and the other end (positive Y-direction) of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the Y direction. The detailed constructions of the first front end 148 and the second front ends 148A will be described later. In addition, the anode-side current collector corresponds 144 the second conductive component in the claims. The interconnector contact section 146 corresponds to the first contact section in the claims. The electrode contact portion 145 corresponds to the second contact section in the claims. In the present embodiment, the Y direction corresponds to the third direction in the claims.

In the present embodiment, it is the anode-side current collector 144 formed from a metal foil (for example with a thickness of 10 to 800 μm), which for example consists of nickel, a nickel alloy, stainless steel or the like. As in the partially enlarged view in 7th shown is the anode-side current collector 144 produced by cutting into a substantially rectangular metal foil and bending several rectangular sections.

The anode-side current collector 144 is designed to be the anode 116 electrically with the interconnector 150 (or the end plate 106 ) connects. In the present embodiment, there are also the interconnector contact portion 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connecting section 147 , the first front end 148 and the second front ends 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 formed from a one-piece component.

A spacer 149 made of mica or the like, for example, is between the electrode contact portion 145 and the interconnector contact portion 146 arranged. Therefore, the anode-side current collector follows 144 the deformation of the power generation unit 102 due to temperature cycles or reaction gas pressure fluctuations, whereby the electrical connection between the anode 116 and the interconnector 150 (or the end plate 106 ) via the anode-side current collector 144 is well maintained. The thickness of the spacer 149 is, for example, 0.5 to 3 mm.

Operation of the fuel cell stack 100

Will the oxidizing gas 1st floor , as in 2 , 4th and 6 shown via a gas line (not shown) connected to the branch section 29 of the gas passage element 27 at the distributor 161 connected to the supply of oxidizing gas, supplied, it gets through the holes in the branch section 29 and the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 in the distributor 161 directed for supply of oxidizing gas and from the distributor 161 for supplying oxidizing gas via the connecting hole 132 for supplying oxidizing gas to each power generation unit 102 into the air chamber 166 directed. Will also be the fuel gas FG , as in 3 , 5 and 7th shown via a gas line (not shown) connected to the branch section 29 of the gas passage element 27 at the distributor 171 is connected for supplying fuel gas, it is supplied via the bores of the branch section 29 and the main body 28 of the gas passage element 27 in the distributor 171 for supplying fuel gas and routed from the distributor 171 for supplying fuel gas through the connecting hole 142 for supplying fuel gas to each power generation unit 102 into the combustion chamber 176 directed.

Will the oxidizing gas 1st floor into the air chamber 166 each power generation unit 102 and the fuel gas FG into the combustion chamber 176 conducted, takes place in the single cell 110 a generation of electricity by the electrochemical reaction between that in the oxidizing gas 1st floor contained oxygen and in the fuel gas FG contained hydrogen. This power generation reaction is an exothermic reaction. In every power generation unit 102 is the cathode 114 the single cell 110 via the cathode-side current collector 134 with an interconnector 150 electrically connected, and the anode 116 is via the anode-side current collector 144 with the other interconnector 150 electrically connected. Furthermore, they are in the fuel cell stack 100 included power generation units 102 electrically connected in series. Hence, the in every power generation unit 102 generated electrical energy from the end plates 104 , 106 taken as the output terminals of the fuel cell stack 100 function. In addition, since the SOFC generates electricity at a relatively high temperature (e.g. 700 ° C to 1000 ° C), the fuel cell stack can 100 be heated by a heater (not shown) after activation, until the high temperature can be maintained by the heat generated during power generation.

The oxidation exhaust OOG that from the air chamber 166 each power generation unit 102 has been drained, as in 2 , 4th and 6 shown via the connecting hole 133 to discharge oxidizing gas into the manifold 162 to discharge oxidizing gas and further discharged through the holes of the main body 28 and the branch section 29 of the gas passage element 27 at the distributor 162 for exhausting oxidizing gas via one with the branch section 29 connected gas line (not shown) to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 drained. Furthermore, the combustion exhaust gas FOG that from the combustion chamber 176 each power generation unit 102 was drained as in 3 , 5 and 7th shown via the connecting hole 143 for discharging fuel gas into the distributor 172 to discharge fuel gas and further discharged through the holes of the main body 28 and the branch section 29 of the gas passage element 27 at the distributor 172 for discharging fuel gas via one with the branch section 29 connected gas line (not shown) to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 drained.

Detailed construction of the anode-side current collector 144

Detailed construction of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144

8th FIG. 13 is a view showing an enlarged XZ cross-sectional construction of a part (section X1 in FIG 4th ) of the single cell 110 explained. In the present embodiment, in the XZ cross section in 8th a first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with a first upward and downward stretch 200 and an X extension 201 with the former extending from one side (X-direction negative side) of the electrode contact portion 145 the one with the connecting section 147 connected side is opposite, extends downward and the latter extends from the lower end of the first upward and downward extension 200 extends in the negative X direction.

In the present embodiment, in the XZ cross section in 8th the entire first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 on one of the connecting section 147 opposite side in the X direction with respect to the spacer 149 positioned. In the present embodiment, furthermore, in the same cross section (XZ cross section in 8th ) the first up and down stretch 200 of the first front end 148 in contact with the spacer 149 . As a result, in the present embodiment, in the same cross section (XZ cross section in 8th ) the spacer 149 each power generation unit 102 through the first front end 148 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 and the interconnector contact portion 146 of the anode-side current collector 144 covered. In addition, the XZ cross-section corresponds to in 8th the specific cross-section in the claims. In the present embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the second direction in the claims.

In the present embodiment, it is the anode-side current collector 144 everyone Power generation unit 102 , as in 8th shown, formed such that between the connecting portion 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 and the spacer 149 a space 180 is formed.

As in 7th and 8th shown is the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 by resistance welding with the interconnector 150 connected. In more detail, is the bottom of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 by resistance welding with the interconnector 150 connected. Hence, as in 8th shown on the underside of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 Sweat marks 151 formed which the bottom with the interconnector 150 connect. In the present embodiment is the center of each weld line 151 closer to the spacer 149 positioned as the center CL1 of the first front end 148 in X direction. In other words, the position is (position of the center of the weld line 151 ) at the first front end 148 with the interconnector 150 connected closer to the spacer 149 as the center CL1 of the first front end 148 in X direction.

Detailed construction of the second front ends 148A of the anode-side current collector 144

9 FIG. 13 is a view showing an enlarged YZ cross-sectional structure of a part (section X2 in FIG 5 ) of the single cell 110 explained. In the present embodiment, in the YZ cross section in 9 a second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 connected to one end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the positive Y-direction, with a second upward and downward extension 203 and a Y extension 204 provided, the former extending from the end of the electrode contact portion 145 extends downward in the positive Y direction and the latter extends from a lower end of the second upward and downward extension 203 extends in the positive Y direction. In the present embodiment, the second are upward and downward 203 and the Y extension 204 on the positive Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 positioned. In other words, is the entire second front end 148A on the positive Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 positioned. Also, in the present embodiment, the positive Y direction corresponds to the one specific page in the claims, and the negative Y direction corresponds to the one specific page in the claims.

In the present embodiment, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 , the one with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the positive Y-direction to the interconnector 150 connected. In more detail is the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 connected. Hence, as in 9 shown on the bottom of the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A a sweat trail 151 formed which the bottom with the interconnector 150 connects. In addition, in 7th for the sake of simplicity and for better understanding of the figure, a state before the second front end is connected 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 shown.

In the present embodiment, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) in each power generation unit 102 the center of the weld line 151 that are on the bottom of the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 is formed with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the positive Y direction, closer to the spacer 149 positioned as the center CL2 of the second front end 148A in the Y direction. In other words, the position is (position of the center of the weld line 151 ) at the second front end 148A with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 anode-side current collector connected in the positive Y-direction 144 with the interconnector 150 connected closer to the spacer 149 as the center CL2 of the second front end 148A in the Y direction.

In the present embodiment, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 , the one with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the negative Y direction, with the second upward and downward extension 203 and the Y-extension 204 provided, the former extending from the end of the electrode contact portion 145 extends downward in the negative Y-direction and the latter extends from the lower end of the second upward and downward extension 203 extends in the negative Y direction. In the present embodiment, the second are upward and downward 203 and the Y extension 204 on the negative Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 positioned. In other words, is the entire second front end 148A on the negative Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 positioned.

In the present embodiment, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 , the one with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 in the negative Y-direction is connected to the interconnector 150 connected. In more detail is the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 connected. Hence, as in 9 shown on the bottom of the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A a sweat trail 151 formed which the bottom with the interconnector 150 connects.

In the present embodiment, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) in each power generation unit 102 the center of the weld line 151 that are on the bottom of the Y-extension 204 of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 is formed with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the negative Y direction, closer to the spacer 149 positioned as the center CL3 of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 in the Y direction. In other words, the position is (position of the center of the weld line 151 ) at the second front end 148A with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 anode-side current collector connected in the negative Y-direction 144 with the interconnector 150 connected closer to the spacer 149 as the center CL3 of the second front end 148A in the Y direction.

A-4. Advantages of the Present Embodiment As explained above, the fuel cell stack is 100 in the present embodiment with multiple power generation units 102 which are arranged side by side in the upward and downward direction (Z direction). Any power generation unit 102 is with the single cell 110 , the interconnectors 150 , the anode-side current collectors 144 and the spacer 149 Mistake. The single cell 110 includes the electrolyte layer 112 as well as the cathode 114 and the anode 116 that is over the electrolyte layer 112 face each other in the up and down directions. Any interconnector 150 is on the lower side (one side in the up and down direction) with respect to the single cell 110 arranged. Any anode-side current collector 144 is with the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 and the connecting portion 147 provided, wherein the interconnector contact portion 146 in contact with the surface of the interconnector 150 stands, the electrode contact portion 145 in contact with the anode 116 and the connecting section 147 the interconnector contact section 146 with the electrode contact portion 145 connected. The anode-side current collector 144 is with the first front end 148 provided with one side of the electrode contact portion 145 is connected, the one with the connecting portion 147 connected side is opposite. The spacer 149 is between the interconnector contact portion 146 and the electrode contact portion 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 arranged. In the XZ cross section (cross section parallel to the upward and downward direction (Z direction)) in 8th is the entire first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 positioned on a side that is the connecting section 147 in the X direction (vertical to the up and down direction (Z direction)) with respect to the spacer 149 is opposite.

In a construction of the fuel cell stack 100 where the anode-side current collector 144 not with the first front end 148 is provided, it can be due to factors such as different thermal expansion of the respective parts (e.g. fuel electrode 116 ; Interconnector 150 ) of the fuel cell stack 100 it happens that the anode-side current collector 144 unable to exert a force to pinch the spacer 149 to ensure, whereby a positional misalignment of the spacer 149 can occur in the X direction. As a result, it is to be feared with this construction that a positional offset of the spacer will occur 149 in the X direction to a deterioration in the gas flow in the combustion chamber 176 and hence a reduction in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack 100 can lead.

This is in contrast to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, as mentioned above, in the XZ cross-section in 8th the entire first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 positioned on a side that is the connecting section 147 in the X direction with respect to the spacer 149 is opposite. Therefore, there is a positional displacement of the spacer 149 in the X-direction due to the presence of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 prevented. As a result, according to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack 100 due to a deterioration in gas flow in the combustion chamber 176 as a result of a positional offset of the spacer 149 can be prevented in the X direction.

With the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment is also the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the interconnector 150 connected. According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment can hence a positional offset of the spacer 149 can be prevented more effectively in the X direction.

With the fuel cell stack 100 In the present embodiment, furthermore, in the YZ cross section (cross section vertical to the XZ cross section in 8th ) in 9 the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the second front end 148A provided with one end of the electrode contact portion 145 in the Y direction (direction vertical to the upward and downward direction in the YZ cross-section in 9 ) is connected, at least part of the second front end 148A on one side in the Y direction (direction vertical to the up and down direction in the YZ cross section in 9 ) in relation to the spacer 149 is positioned.

In a construction of the fuel cell stack 100 where the anode-side current collector 144 not with the second front end 148A is provided, it can be due to factors such as different thermal expansion of the respective parts (e.g. anode 116 ; Interconnector 150 ) of the fuel cell stack 100 it happens that the anode-side current collector 144 unable to exert a force to pinch the spacer 149 to ensure, whereby a positional misalignment of the spacer 149 can occur in the Y direction. As a result, it is to be feared with this construction that a positional offset of the spacer will occur 149 in the Y direction to a deterioration in the gas flow in the combustion chamber 176 and hence a reduction in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack 100 can lead.

This is in contrast to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, as mentioned above, in the YZ cross section in 9 the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the second front end 148A provided with one end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the positive Y direction with the entire second front end 148A on the positive Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 is positioned. According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a positional offset of the spacer can therefore 149 in the positive Y direction can be prevented. Furthermore, is with the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, as mentioned above, in the same cross section (YZ cross section in 9 ) the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the second front end 148A provided with one end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the negative Y direction, with the entire second front end 148A on the negative Y-direction side with respect to the spacer 149 is positioned. According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a positional offset of the spacer can therefore 149 in the negative Y direction can be prevented.

As in 9 is also shown in the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, the anode-side current collector 144 (the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 ) each power generation unit 102 with the interconnector 150 on the side in the Y direction (direction vertical to the in 8th XZ cross-section shown) in relation to the spacer 149 connected. According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a positional offset of the spacer can therefore 149 prevented in the Y direction.

With the fuel cell stack 100 Further, in the present embodiment, there is a position where the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the interconnector 150 connected closer to the spacer 149 as the center CL1 of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 in the X direction (direction vertical to the upward and downward direction in the XZ cross section in 8th ; Direction vertical to the up and down direction and Y direction). Hence the position is where the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 with the interconnector 150 is connected, relatively close to the spacer 149 . According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a positional offset of the spacer can therefore 149 can be prevented more effectively in the X direction.

With the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment is also the anode-side current collector 144 each power generation unit 102 designed such that the space 180 between the connecting portion 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 and the spacer 149 is formed.

When the gap between the fuel electrode 116 and the interconnector 150 due to different thermal expansion among other things of the respective parts (e.g. fuel electrode 116 ; Interconnector 150 ) of the fuel cell stack 100 expanded, could be the fuel electrode 116 from the electrode contact portion 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 to be demolished. As a result, the contact area between the anode is reduced 116 and the electrode contact portion 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 , thereby increasing the power generation performance of the fuel cell stack 100 can decrease.

This is in contrast to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, as mentioned above, the anode-side current collector 144 designed such that the space 180 between the connecting portion 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 and the spacer 149 is formed. Therefore, neither part of the electrode contact portion stands 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 on the side of the connecting section 147 part of the interconnector contact section 146 on the side of the connecting section 147 in contact with the anode 116 so that these parts can expand freely to some extent when the space between the anode is 116 and the interconnector 150 expanded. According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, therefore, the contact area between the anode can be prevented from being 116 and the electrode contact portion 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 by widening the space between the anode 116 and the interconnector 150 scaled down. Thus, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack can decrease 100 be prevented.

With the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, the first front end also stands 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 the power generation unit 102 in contact with the spacer 149 . According to the fuel cell stack 100 in the present embodiment, a positional offset of the spacer can therefore 149 can be prevented more effectively in the X direction.

Modified examples

The technique disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be variously changed within the scope of the gist of the invention. E.g. the following variants are also possible.

In the above embodiment (or in the modified examples, hereinafter the same), the electrode contact portion 145 alternatively be designed such that it is in contact with a surface of the anode via a connecting material 116 stands on one side, which is one of the electrolyte layer 112 opposite side is opposite. Further, in the above embodiment, the interconnector contact portion 146 alternatively, be designed such that it is in contact with a surface of the interconnector via a connecting material 150 on one of the anode 116 opposite side.

Also in the above embodiment are the interconnector contact portion 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connecting section 147 and the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 formed from a one-piece component. Alternatively, however, the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 and the connecting portion 147 be formed entirely or partially from a separate component.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each anode-side current collector becomes 144 in the fuel cell stack 100 with the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 , the first front end 148 and the second front ends 148A Mistake. However, if at least one of the anode-side current collectors 144 in the fuel cell stack 100 with the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 , the first front end 148 and / or the second front ends 148A is provided, a positional offset of the spacer 149 can be prevented from occurring between the electrode contact portion 145 and the interconnector contact portion 146 of the anode-side current collector 144 is arranged.

For example, if at least one of the in the fuel cell stack 100 included power generation units 102 with the anode-side current collectors 144 is provided, each with the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 , the first front end 148 and / or the second front ends 148A are provided, a positional offset of the spacer 149 the power generation unit 102 can be prevented with the anode-side current collector 144 is provided. It is particularly preferable if at least 50% (more preferably at least 80%) the number of in the power generation unit 102 included anode-side current collectors 144 such a construction (with the interconnector contact portion 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 , the first front end 148 and / or the second front ends 148A ) having. It is also particularly preferred if at least 20% (more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably 80%) of the number of the fuel cell stack 100 included power generation units 102 at least 50% (more preferably at least 80%) of the number of the anode-side current collectors having such a construction 144 contains.

In the above embodiment, furthermore, in the XZ cross section in 8th only part of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 be positioned on a side that is the connecting portion 147 in the X direction with respect to the spacer 149 is opposite. In this construction, too, there may be a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the X-direction due to the presence of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 be prevented.

In the above embodiment, furthermore, in the YZ cross section in 9 only part of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 on the Y direction side with respect to the spacer 149 be positioned. In this construction, too, there may be a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the Y-direction due to the presence of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 be prevented.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is the anode-side current collector 144 designed such that the space 180 between the connecting portion 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 and the spacer 149 is formed. However, it can alternatively be designed such that the connecting section 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 so in contact with the spacer 149 it says that there is no space 180 between the connecting portion 147 of the anode-side current collector 144 and the spacer 149 is formed.

In the above embodiment, the position where the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 is connected, the center CL1 of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 correspond in the X direction. In this construction, too, there may be a positional offset of the spacer 149 can be effectively prevented in the X direction. Further, in the above embodiment, the position at which the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 is connected, the center CL1 of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 correspond in the X direction. In this construction, too, there may be a positional offset of the spacer 149 can be effectively prevented in the X direction.

In the above embodiment, furthermore, a construction can be adopted in which the position where the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 with the interconnector 150 connected, from the spacer 149 is further away than the center CL1 of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 in the X direction (direction vertical to the upward and downward direction in the XZ cross section in 8th ; Direction vertical to the up and down direction and the Y direction). In this construction there is one on the spacer 149 closer part of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 than the position at which the first front end 148 with the interconnector 150 connected, not with the interconnector 150 connected so that this part can expand freely to a certain extent when the gap between the anode 116 and the interconnector 150 expanded. As a result, according to this construction, the one is not with the interconnector 150 connected part of the first front end 148 of the anode-side current collector 144 relatively long, so that the contact area between the anode can be prevented more effectively 116 and the electrode contact portion 145 of the anode-side current collector 144 decreases when the space between the anode 116 and the interconnector 150 expanded. Thus, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack can decrease 100 can be prevented more effectively.

In the above embodiment, the anode-side current collector 144 be designed such that it only has the second front end 148A that is connected to the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the positive Y direction, or the second front end 148A is provided with the end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the negative Y direction. In this construction, too, there may be a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the Y-direction due to the presence of the second front end 148A of the anode-side current collector 144 be prevented.

Furthermore, is with the fuel cell stack 100 in the above embodiment, the anode-side current collector 144 with the second front end 148A provided, through which a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the Y direction is prevented. For the fuel cell stack 100 however, in the above embodiment, a construction may alternatively be adopted in which, as shown in FIG 10 shown, the anode-side current collector 144 not with the second front end 148A is provided and the spacer 149 a head start 149A having the view from the up and down direction to the outside of the anode-side current collector 144 and the anode-side current collector when viewed from the X direction (direction vertical to the upward and downward direction) 144 superimposed. In addition, the view from the X direction here means “viewed from a direction parallel to the X direction” (the same applies to the following “view from the X direction”). With this construction there is a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the Y-direction by the presence of the projection 149A of the spacer 149 prevented. As a result, a positional offset of the spacer can also occur in this construction 149 prevented in the Y direction.

Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a construction may be adopted in which the anode-side current collector 144 also in a different cross section (hereinafter simply referred to as “further cross section”) parallel to the upward and downward direction than the XZ cross section in 8th with the interconnector contact section 146 , the electrode contact portion 145 , the connection section 147 , the first front end 148 and / or the second front ends 148A is provided. With this construction, a positional offset of the spacer 149 in the direction vertical to the upward and downward direction in the further cross section through the presence of the first front end 148 can be prevented in the further cross-section, while a positional offset of the spacer 149 in a direction vertical to the further cross-section through the presence of the second front ends 148A can be prevented in the further cross-section.

With the fuel cell stack 100 Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a construction may be adopted in which the cathode-side current collector 134 is provided with an interconnector contact portion, an electrode contact portion, a connection portion and a first front end, the interconnector contact portion in contact with a surface of the interconnector 150 (hereinafter referred to as "upper interconnector 150" when specifically for this interconnector 150 Reference is made), which is on the top (one side in the up and down direction) with respect to the single cell 110 is arranged with the electrode contact portion in contact with the cathode 114 wherein the connection portion connects the interconnector contact portion with the electrode contact portion, wherein the first front end (hereinafter referred to as "first front end on the cathode side") is connected to a side of the electrode contact portion that is connected to the connection portion Side is opposite, and where a spacer (component made of the same material and in the same shape as the spacer 149 ; hereinafter referred to as “cathode-side spacer”) is arranged between the interconnector contact section and the electrode contact section. In this construction too, for the same reasons as in the above embodiment, a positional offset of the cathode-side spacer in the X direction and Y direction is possible. A position offset of the spacer 149 however, in the X direction can be prevented by the presence of the first front end on the cathode side. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to this construction, the fuel cell stack 100 Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a construction may be adopted in which the cathode-side current collector 134 is provided with a second front end (hereinafter referred to as “second front end on the cathode side”) which is connected to one end of the electrode contact portion 145 connected in the Y-direction and at least partially positioned on the Y-direction side with respect to the cathode-side spacer. In this construction too, for the same reasons as in the above embodiment, a positional displacement of the cathode-side spacer in the Y-direction can be prevented by the presence of the second front end on the cathode side.

Furthermore, the above embodiment relates to SOFCs that generate electricity using the electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen contained in the fuel gas and the oxygen contained in the oxidizing gas. However, the present invention is equally applicable to an electrolytic cell unit which is the smallest unit of a solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) that generates hydrogen using the electrolytic reaction of water and an electrolytic cell stack which is provided with a plurality of electrolytic cell units. The construction of the electrolytic cell stack is not described in detail here because it is so well known that it can be found, for example, in JP 2016-081813 A is described. However, the construction is schematically the same as that of the fuel cell stack 100 in the embodiment described above. That is, the fuel cell stack 100 in the above-described embodiment can be used as the electrolytic cell stack and the power generation unit 102 be viewed as an electrolytic cell unit.

List of reference symbols

22nd

bolt

24

mother

26th

Insulating film

27

Gas passage element

28

Main body

29

Branch section

100

Fuel cell stack

102

Power generation unit

104

End plate

106

End plate

108

Connecting hole

110

Single cell

112

Electrolyte layer

114

cathode

116

anode

120

separator

124

Connecting part

130

cathode-side frame

132

Connection hole for supplying oxidizing gas

133

Connection hole for the discharge of oxidizing gas

134

cathode-side current collector

140

anode-side frame

142

Connection hole for supplying fuel gas

143

Connection hole for discharging fuel gas

144

anode-side current collector

145

Electrode contact portion

146

Interconnector contact section

147

Connection section

148

first front end

148A

second front ends

149

Spacers

149A

head Start

150

Interconnector

151

Welding trace

161

Distributor for supplying oxidizing gas

162

Manifold for discharging oxidizing gas

166

Air chamber

171

Distributor for supplying fuel gas

172

Distributor for discharging fuel gas

176

Combustion chamber

200

first up and down stretch

201

X extension

203

second up and down stretch

204

Y extension

FG

Fuel gas

FOG

Fuel exhaust

1st floor

Oxidizing gas

OOG

Oxidation off-gas

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• JP 2018185957 A [0004]
• JP 2016081813 A [0086]

Claims (9)

Electrochemical reaction cell stack in which several electrochemical reaction units are arranged next to one another, each of which is provided with a single cell, a first conductive component, a second conductive component and a spacer, the single cell comprising an electrolyte layer and a cathode and an anode, the two electrodes across the electrolyte layer in a first direction, the first conductive component being arranged on the side in the first direction with respect to the single cell, the second conductive component being provided with a first contact section, a second contact section and a connecting section, the the first contact portion is in contact with a surface of the first conductive member, the second contact portion is in contact with a first electrode, which is one of a cathode or anode, and the connecting portion the first contact portion tt linked to the second contact section, the spacer being arranged between the first contact section and the second contact section of the second conductive component, characterized in that the second conductive component is provided with a first front end which is connected to one side of the second contact section that is opposite to a side connected to the connecting portion, and that if at least one cross section parallel to the first direction is referred to as a specific cross section and a direction vertical to the first direction in the specific cross section is referred to as the second direction, in the specific cross section at least a part of the first front The end of the second conductive member of a particular reaction unit, which is at least one of the electrochemical reaction units, is positioned on a side opposite to the connecting portion in the second direction with respect to the spacer is. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first front end of the second conductive component of the particular reaction unit is connected to the first conductive component. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 2 , characterized in that when a direction vertical to the specific cross section is referred to as the third direction, in a cross section vertical to the specific cross section the second conductive component of the specific reaction unit is provided with a second front end which is connected to a specific side, the at least one of the ends of the second contact portion is in the third direction, wherein at least a part of the second front end is positioned on the certain side in the third direction with respect to the spacer. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit is connected to the first conductive member on the side in the third direction with respect to the spacer. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the spacer of the specific reaction unit has a part which protrudes to the outside of the second conductive component in the view from the first direction and overlays the second conductive component in the view from the second direction. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 2 , characterized in that a position at which the first front end of the second conductive member of the particular reaction unit is connected to the first conductive member is in the middle of the first front end of the second conductive member in the second direction or closer to the spacer than the middle. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the position at which the first front end of the second conductive member of the particular reaction unit is connected to the first conductive member is in the middle of the first front end of the second conductive member in the second direction or further from the spacer than the middle. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , characterized in that the second conductive member of the specific reaction unit is formed such that a space is formed between the connecting portion of the second conductive member and the spacer. Electrochemical reaction cell stack according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the first front end is in contact with the spacer.

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