EP4640923A1

EP4640923A1 - Electrolysis device

Info

Publication number: EP4640923A1
Application number: EP23918516.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yuta Watanabe; Yasutaka URASHITA; Yoshitaka Nakayama; Shigeru Tsurumaki; Naoto Tagami; Hidehiko Tajima; Daisuke Mukai; Takahiro Sukenobu
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-27
Filing date: 2023-11-01
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: JP7615186B2; WO2024157561A1; JP2024106588A; TW202431681A; TWI880449B; AU2023426798A1

Abstract

An electrolysis device according to the present disclosure includes an electrolytic cell stack, an electrolytic solution supply unit for supplying an electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell stack, and a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the electrolytic cell stack. The electrolytic cell stack includes: a plurality of separators arranged side by side at intervals in a first direction; a plurality of electrolytic cells disposed one by one between two separators adjacent to each other; an electrolytic solution flow path part provided to each of the separators and through which the electrolytic solution flows; a first flow path part which causes the electrolyte supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit to flow into the electrolytic solution flow path parts; and a structure part which uniformizes a pressure loss between the electrolytic solution flow path parts when the electrolytic solution flows into the electrolyte flow path parts from the first flow path part.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electrolysis device.
The present application claims priority on JP 2023-010930, filed January 27, 2023 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell stack in which a unit fuel cell configured by holding an electrolyte between an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode and a separator are alternately laminated, and a communication hole for distributing at least any fluid of a fuel gas, an oxidant gas, and a cooling medium to the unit fuel cell is provided.
The fuel cell stack includes an insertion member that is integrally inserted into the communication hole overs a plurality of the unit fuel cells and uniformly distributes the fluid to the plurality of unit fuel cells. The insertion member includes a pipe body that has a cutout portion communicating with a fluid flow path of the separator, the insertion member in which the size of the cutout portion changes in the communication hole from a fluid inlet/outlet of the fuel cell stack toward the inside of the fuel cell stack.

Citation List

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2000-149977 A

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

In the field of an electrolysis device that electrolyzes an electrolytic solution, when the electrolytic solution is supplied to each of a plurality of electrolytic cells from a manifold that is a flow path through which the electrolytic solution flows, for example, a stray current flowing from one electrolytic cell to another electrolytic cell through the electrolytic solution or the like in the manifold is generated. Since the stray current does not contribute to the electrolysis, the electrolytic efficiency of the electrolysis device decreases as the stray current increases. Therefore, it is expected to suppress generation of the stray current.
The present disclosure has been made to solve the problem described above, and an object thereof is to provide an electrolysis device that can suppress generation of a stray current.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the problem described above, an electrolysis device according to the present disclosure includes: an electrolytic cell stack; an electrolytic solution supply unit configured to supply an electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell stack; and a power supply unit configured to apply a voltage to the electrolytic cell stack, in which the electrolytic cell stack includes a plurality of separators arranged side by side at intervals in a first direction, a plurality of electrolytic cells disposed one by one between two of the separators adjacent to each other, an electrolytic solution flow path part provided to each of the plurality of separators and through which the electrolytic solution flows, a first flow path part configured to cause the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit to flow into the electrolytic solution flow path part, and a structure part configured to uniformize, between the electrolytic solution flow path parts, a pressure loss when the electrolytic solution flows from the first flow path part into the electrolytic solution flow path part.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrolysis device that can suppress generation of a stray current.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating a part of an electrolytic cell stack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a part of the electrolytic cell stack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a view of a second inner surface of a separator as viewed from a direction of line IV-IV in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a view schematically illustrating the electrolytic cell stack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a view of a first structure formed in a first flow path part as viewed from a direction of line VI-VI in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a first structure according to a first modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a first structure according to a second modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a first structure according to a third modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating a part of an electrolytic cell stack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 11 is a view of a second inner surface of a separator as viewed from a direction of line XI-XI in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a view schematically illustrating a part of an electrolytic cell stack according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 13 is a view of a second inner surface of a separator as viewed from a direction of line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a view schematically illustrating a part of an electrolytic cell stack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view corresponding to the part illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 15 is a view schematically illustrating a part of the electrolytic cell stack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a view of a first inner surface of a separator as viewed from a direction of line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15.

Description of Embodiments

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, configurations having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference signs. In the present description, "oppose" means that two members overlap with each other when viewed in a certain direction, and can include a case where another member (e.g., another layer) exists between the two members.
With reference to FIG. 2, a Z direction, an X direction, and a Y direction are defined. The Z direction is a direction (right side in FIG. 2) from a first separator 11a toward a second separator 11b that will be described later. The X direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., orthogonal to) the Z direction, and is a direction (up-down direction in FIG. 2) from a central portion C of an electrolytic cell 12 toward one end portion of the electrolytic cell 12. The X direction is, for example, a vertical direction. The Y direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., orthogonal to) the Z direction and the X direction, and is, for example, a paper depth direction in FIG. 2. The "outer size" in the present description means an outer size when viewed in the Z direction.

First Embodiment of Electrolysis Device

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the electrolysis device 1 of a first embodiment. The electrolysis device 1 is a device that generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water contained in an electrolytic solution, for example. The electrolysis device 1 is an anion exchange membrane (AEM) type electrolysis device, for example. However, the electrolysis device 1 is not limited to the above example, and may be different types of electrolysis device such as a proton exchange membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane: PEM) type electrolysis device and a device that electrolytically reduces carbon dioxide.
The electrolysis device 1 includes, for example, an electrolytic cell stack 10, an electrolytic solution supply unit 20, and a power supply unit 30.

Electrolytic Cell Stack

The electrolytic cell stack 10 electrolyzes an electrolytic solution Es supplied from an outside. The electrolytic cell stack 10 is an assembly of a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolytic cells 12. The electrolytic cell stack 10 is formed by arranging side by side the plurality of separators 11 and the plurality of electrolytic cells 12 in one direction. In the present embodiment, a case where five separators 11 and four electrolytic cells 12 are arranged side by side to form the electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described as an example (see FIG. 5).
Hereinafter, the one direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5) in which the plurality of separators 11 and the plurality of electrolytic cells 12 are arranged side by side will be called a "first direction D1". One side (the left side in FIG. 5) of the first direction D1 is simply called "one side dl", and the side opposite to the one side dl is called the "other side dr". Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the five separators 11 may be called a "first separator 11a", a "second separator 11b", a "third separator 11c", a "fourth separator 11d", and a "fifth separator 11e" in order from one side dl. The four electrolytic cells 12 may be called a "first electrolytic cell 12a", a "second electrolytic cell 12b", a "third electrolytic cell 12c", and a "fourth electrolytic cell 12d" in order from one side dl.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes a plurality of (four) electrolytic cells 12 forming a cathode chamber Sa and an the anode chamber Sb together with the separator 11, a first flow path part 13 or 13' (described later) that causes the electrolytic solution Es supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit 20 to flow toward the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb, and a second flow path part 14 or 14' (described later) that flows, toward the electrolytic solution supply unit 20, an electrolytic solution that has undergone a reaction in the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb. The electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described in detail later. Note that the number of separators 11 and the number of electrolytic cells 12 are not limited to the above numbers. Each of the electrolytic cells 12 includes the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb. The electrolytic cell 12 will also be described in detail later.

Electrolytic Solution Supply Unit

The electrolytic solution supply unit 20 is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to each of the electrolytic cells 12. The electrolytic solution Es is, for example, pure water or an alkaline aqueous solution. The electrolytic solution supply unit 20 includes a cathode side supply unit 20a and an anode side supply unit 20b.
The cathode side supply unit 20a is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the cathode chamber Sa of each of the electrolytic cells 12. The cathode side supply unit 20a includes, for example, a hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21, a first pump 22, a hydrogen recovery unit 23, a first electrolytic solution supply unit 24, and pipe lines L1' and L2'.
The hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via the pipe line L1'. The first pump 22 is provided in the middle of the pipe line L1', and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 toward the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12.
A return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via the pipe line L2'. The electrolytic solution Es containing hydrogen generated in the electrolytic cell 12 flows into the hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 from the electrolytic cell 12. The hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 includes a gas-liquid separation unit that separates hydrogen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. Hydrogen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 is recovered by the hydrogen recovery unit 23. The hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 21 is supplemented with the electrolytic solution Es from the first electrolytic solution supply unit 24.
On the other hand, the anode side supply unit 20b is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the anode chamber Sb of each of the electrolytic cells 12. The anode side supply unit 20b includes, for example, an oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26, a second pump 27, an oxygen recovery unit 28, a second electrolytic solution supply unit 29, and pipe lines L1 and L2.
The oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via the pipe line L1. The second pump 27 is provided in the middle of the pipe line L1, and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 toward the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12.
A return port of the oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via the pipe line L2. The electrolytic solution Es containing oxygen generated in the electrolytic cell 12 flows into the oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 from the electrolytic cell 12. The oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 includes a gas-liquid separation unit that separates oxygen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. Oxygen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 is recovered by the oxygen recovery unit 28. The oxygen gas-liquid separation device 26 is supplemented with the electrolytic solution Es from the second electrolytic solution supply unit 29.

Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit 30 is a direct current power supply device that applies a voltage to each of the separators 11 of the electrolytic cell stack 10. The power supply unit 30 applies a voltage to each of the separators 11 in the first direction D1, thereby applying a direct current voltage necessary for electrolysis of the electrolytic solution Es between an anode 122 and a cathode 121 of each of the electrolytic cells 12.

Configuration of Electrolytic Cell Stack

Next, the electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.
FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating a part of the electrolytic cell stack 10. FIG. 2 focuses on the electrolytic cell 12 (first electrolytic cell 12a) disposed closest to one side dl of the electrolytic cells 12 arranged side by side in the first direction D1 (left-right direction in FIG. 2).
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes, for example, the plurality of separators 11, the plurality of electrolytic cells 12, an electrolytic solution flow path part FP, the first flow path part 13, the second flow path part 14, a first structure 15, and a second structure 16. Note that the configurations of an electrolytic solution flow path part FP', a first flow path part 13', and a second flow path part 14' included in the electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 for convenience of illustration.

Separator

The separator 11 is a member defining an interior space S in which the electrolytic cell 12 is disposed. The interior space S is a space including the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb described later. The separator 11 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape as viewed from the first direction D1, and is formed of a metal member or the like. The separators 11 are arranged side by side at intervals in the first direction D1. Each of the separators 11 has a first end portion 111 (e.g., a lower end portion) and a second end portion 112 (e.g., an upper end portion) positioned on an opposite side to the first end portion 111. A first insertion hole 11h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part close to the first end portion 111 of each of the separators 11, and the first flow path part 13 described later is inserted into the first insertion hole 11hl. A second insertion hole 11h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part close to the second end portion 112 of each of the separators 11, and the second flow path part 14 described later is inserted into the second insertion hole 11h2.
The separators 11 excluding the separator 11 (fifth separator 11e) disposed closest to the other side dr among the plurality of separators 11 has a first inner surface 110a facing from one side dl in the interior space S. That is, the first inner surface 110a faces the other side dr (right side in FIGS. 2 and 5). The separator 11 excluding the separator 11 (first separator 11a) disposed on the most one side dl among the plurality of separators 11 has a second inner surface 110b facing from the other side dr in the interior space S. That is, the second inner surface 110b faces one side dl (left side in FIGS. 2 and 5).
The first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e among the plurality of (five) separators 11 are applied with a negative voltage from the power supply unit 30 via a first current collector 41 (see FIG. 3) described later, for example. On the other hand, the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d are applied with a positive voltage from the power supply unit 30 via a second current collector 42 (see FIG. 3) described later, for example. Two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 form an electrolytic tank of the electrolytic cell 12 as a pair of the separators 11.

Electrolytic Cell

The electrolytic cell (membrane electrode assembly: MEA) 12 is a structure in which an ion exchange membrane, a catalyst, a feeder, and the like are laminated and assembled. One electrolytic cell 12 is disposed one by one between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other to connect the two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, the electrolytic cell 12 is positioned in the interior space S between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The electrolytic cell 12 includes, for example, an ion exchange membrane 120, the cathode 121, and the anode 122.

Ion Exchange Membrane

The ion exchange membrane 120 is a membrane that selectively transmits ions. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) having hydroxide ion conductivity. However, the ion exchange membrane 120 is not limited to the above example, and may be a proton exchange membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane :PEM) having proton conductivity of a type different from the above example.
The ion exchange membrane 120 has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120 is smaller than the outer size of the separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, for example. The ion exchange membrane 120 is disposed between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and is positioned in the interior space S. The ion exchange membrane 120 has a first surface 120a opposing the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 positioned further on one side dl than the ion exchange membrane 120, and a second surface 120b positioned on the opposite side to the first surface 120a. The first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces one side dl. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the other side dr. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 opposes the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 positioned further on the other side dr than the ion exchange membrane 120.
In the interior space S, the cathode chamber Sa or the anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. Specifically, the cathode chamber Sa is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolytic cell 12c and the first inner surface 110a of the third separator 11c. On the other hand, the anode chamber Sb is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolytic cell 12c and the second inner surface 110b of the fourth separator 11d.
The anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the first inner surface 110a of the second separator 11b, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d and the first inner surface 110a of the fourth separator 11d. On the other hand, the cathode chamber Sa is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the second inner surface 110b of the third separator 11c, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d and the second inner surface 110b of the fifth separator 11e.
In the cathode chamber Sa, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, a chemical reaction shown in (Chemical Formula 1) below occurs, and hydrogen is generated from the electrolytic solution Es. Note that "XX is generated" in the present description can include a case where other substances are simultaneously generated along with the generation of XX. The hydroxide ions generated in the cathode chamber Sa pass through the electrolytic cell 12 and move from the cathode chamber Sa to the anode chamber Sb.

2H₂O + 2e^- → H₂ + 2OH^- (Chemical Formula 1)
On the other hand, in the anode chamber Sb, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, a chemical reaction shown in (Chemical Formula 2) below occurs, and oxygen is generated from the electrolytic solution Es.

2OH^- → 1/2O₂ + H₂O + 2e^- (Chemical Formula 2)
By this, when the entire electrolytic cell 12 is viewed, a chemical reaction shown in (Chemical Formula 3) below occurs.

H₂O → H₂ + 1/2O₂ (Chemical Reaction 3)
As an example of a membrane having high ion conductivity, the ion exchange membrane 120 may contain a polystyrene-based or tetraphenyl-based composition in the main chain, and may include an imidazolium group or a quaternary ammonium group in the side chain. On the other hand, in place of this, as an example of a membrane having high oxidation resistance, the ion exchange membrane 120 may contain a polysulfone-based or bromobutylstyrene-based composition.

Cathode

The cathode 121 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is held between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11. The cathode 121 includes, for example, a cathode catalyst layer 121a and a cathode feeder 121b.
The cathode catalyst layer 121a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa described above. The cathode catalyst layer 121a has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The cathode catalyst layer 121a is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa, and is fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping.
Specifically, the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third electrolytic cell 12c are fixed to the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping. The cathode catalyst layer 121a of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d are fixed to the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping. Each cathode catalyst layer 121a is applied with a negative voltage from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the cathode feeder 121b.
The cathode catalyst layer 121a may be made of any material as long as the material promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa described above, and various materials can be used. For example, the cathode catalyst layer 121a contains one or more of nickel, a nickel alloy, cerium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and platinum. Note that the " ∘∘ oxide" in the present description can contain ∘∘ and another material other than oxygen. Note that the cathode catalyst layer 121a may contain another material such as carbon in addition to the above-described materials. The outer size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a is smaller than the outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example.
The cathode feeder 121b is an electrical connection portion that transmits the voltage applied to the separator 11 to the cathode catalyst layer 121a. The cathode feeder 121b is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa. The cathode feeder 121b is positioned between the separator 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 121a.
Specifically, the cathode feeder 121b of the first electrolytic cell 12a is joined to each of the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a, and the cathode feeder 121b of the third electrolytic cell 12c is joined to each of the first inner surface 110a of the third separator 11c and the cathode catalyst layer 121a. The cathode feeder 121b of the second electrolytic cell 12b is joined to each of the second inner surface 110b of the third separator 11c and the cathode catalyst layer 121a, and the cathode feeder 121b of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d is joined to each of the second inner surface 110b of the fifth separator 11e and the cathode catalyst layer 121a.
The cathode feeder 121b has a structure through which the electrolytic solution Es and a gas can pass. The cathode feeder 121b is formed of, for example, a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In the present embodiment, the outer size of the cathode feeder 121b is the same as the outer size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a, for example.

Anode

The anode 122 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is held between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second separator 11b. The anode 122 includes, for example, an anode catalyst layer 122a and an anode feeder 122b.
The anode catalyst layer 122a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb described above. The anode catalyst layer 122a has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The anode catalyst layer 122a is disposed in the anode chamber Sb, and is fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping.
Specifically, the anode catalyst layer 122a of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the third electrolytic cell 12c are fixed to the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping. The anode catalyst layer 122a of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d are fixed to the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface crimping. Each anode catalyst layer 122a is applied with a positive voltage from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the anode feeder 122b.
The anode catalyst layer 122a may be made of any material as long as the material promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb described above, and various materials can be used. For example, the anode catalyst layer 122a contains one or more of nickel, a nickel alloy, a nickel oxide, a copper oxide, an iridium oxide, a niobium oxide, a lead oxide, and a bismuth oxide. As described above, he "XX oxide" in the present description can contain another material other than XX and oxygen. For example, the "nickel oxide" can contain another material such as iron and cobalt other than nickel and oxygen. The "copper oxide" can contain another material such as cobalt other than copper and oxygen. The "iridium oxide" can contain another material such as ruthenium other than iridium and oxygen. The "lead oxide" can contain another material such as ruthenium other than lead and oxygen. The "bismuth oxide" can contain another material such as ruthenium other than bismuth and oxygen.
The anode feeder 122b is an electrical connection portion that transmits, to the anode catalyst layer 122a, the voltage applied to the separator 11. The anode feeder 122b is disposed in the anode chamber Sb. The anode feeder 122b is positioned between the separator 11 and the anode catalyst layer 122a.
Specifically, the anode feeder 122b of the first electrolytic cell 12a is joined to each of the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b and the anode catalyst layer 122a, and the anode feeder 122b of the third electrolytic cell 12c is joined to each of the second inner surface 110b of the fourth separator 11d and the anode catalyst layer 122a. The anode feeder 122b of the second electrolytic cell 12b is joined to each of the first inner surface 110a of the second separator 11b and the anode catalyst layer 122a, and the anode feeder 122b of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d is joined to each of the first inner surface 110a of the fourth separator 11d and the anode catalyst layer 122a.
The anode feeder 122b has a structure through which the electrolytic solution Es and a gas can pass. The anode feeder 122b is formed of, for example, a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In the present embodiment, the outer size of the anode feeder 122b is the same as the outer size of the anode catalyst layer 122a, for example.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a part of the electrolytic cell stack 10. In addition to the above-described configuration, the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes, for example, a first current collector 41, a second current collector 42, a first insulator 43, a second insulator 44, a first end plate 45, and a second end plate 46. Note that in FIG. 3, illustration of the first flow path part 13 or 13' and the second flow path part 14 or 14' described later is omitted.

First Current Collector

The first current collector 41 is an electrical connection portion that transmits, to the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e, a negative voltage applied from the power supply unit 30. That is, the first current collector 41 is electrically connected to each of the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e (detailed illustration of connection is omitted). The first current collector 41 is applied, from the power supply unit 30, a negative voltage necessary for electrolysis in each of the electrolytic cells 12. The first current collector 41 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

Second Current Collector

The second current collector 42 is an electrical connection portion that transmits, to the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d, a positive voltage applied from the power supply unit 30. That is, the second current collector 42 is electrically connected to each of the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d. The second current collector 42 is applied, from the power supply unit 30, a positive voltage necessary for electrolysis in each of the electrolytic cells 12. The second current collector 42 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

First Insulator

The first insulator 43 is positioned between the first current collector 41 and the first end plate 45. The outer size of the first insulator 43 is, for example, the same as the outer size of the first current collector 41 or larger than the outer size of the first current collector 41.

Second Insulator

The second insulator 44 is positioned between the second current collector 42 and the second end plate 46. The outer size of the second insulator 44 is, for example, the same as the outer size of the second current collector 42 or larger than the outer size of the second current collector 42.

First End Plate

The first end plate 45 is positioned on the opposite side to the first current collector 41 with respect to the first insulator 43. The first end plate 45 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a stainless plate) or the like. The outer size of the first end plate 45 is larger than the outer size of the first insulator 43, for example.

Second End Plate

The second end plate 46 is positioned on the opposite side to the second current collector 42 with respect to the second insulator 44. The second end plate 46 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a stainless plate) or the like. The outer size of the second end plate 46 is larger than the outer size of the second insulator 44, for example.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell stack 10 has, for example, a first insulator 47, a second insulator 48, a support portion 50, and a sealing portion 60 in addition to the above-described configuration.

First Insulator

The first insulator 47 insulates between the outer peripheral portion of the separator 11 on one side dl and the outer peripheral portion of the separator 11 on the other side dr of the two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The first insulator 47 is a sheet member having a frame shape slightly larger than the outer sizes of the cathode catalyst layer 121a and the anode catalyst layer 122a and the outer sizes of the cathode feeder 121b and the anode feeder 122b.
The first insulator 47 is attached to the first inner surface 110a of each of the separators 11 except the fifth separator 11e among the plurality of separators 11, and covers the end portion of the first inner surface 110a from the other side dr. The material of the first insulator 47 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulation material, and is, for example, a resin having a sheet shape such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Note that a hole 47h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part close to the first end portion 111 of the separator 11 in the first insulator 47, and the first flow path part 13 described later is inserted into the hole 47h1. A hole 47h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part close to the second end portion 112 of the separator 11 in the first insulator 47, and the second flow path part 14 described later is inserted into the hole 47h2.

Second Insulator

Similarly to the first insulator 47, the second insulator 48 insulates between the outer peripheral portion of the separator 11 on the other side dr and the outer peripheral portion of the separator 11 on the one side dl of the two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The second insulator 48 is a sheet member having a frame shape slightly larger than the outer sizes of the anode catalyst layer 122a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a and the outer sizes of the anode feeder 122b and the cathode feeder 121b.
The second insulator 48 is attached to the second inner surface 110b of each of the separators 11 except the first separator 11a among the plurality of separators 11, and covers the end portion of the second inner surface 110b from one side dl. The material of the second insulator 48 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulation material, and is, for example, a resin having a sheet shape such as PTFE. Note that a hole 48h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part close to the first end portion 111 of the separator 11 in the second insulator 48, and the first flow path part 13 described later is inserted into the hole 48h1. A hole 48h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a part of close to the second end portion 112 of the separator 11 in the second insulator 48, and the second flow path part 14 described later is inserted into the hole 48h2. Note that the first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 can also be used as an integrated insulator.

Support Portion

The support portion 50 is a member supporting the electrolytic cell 12 between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The support portion 50 is disposed between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The support portion 50 is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than an outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120. The "outer edge portion 120e" in the present description means an edge portion away from the central portion C of the electrolytic cell 12 in a direction (e.g., X direction or Y direction) orthogonal to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the electrolytic cell 12. The "inside" or "inner peripheral side" in the present description means an inside (a side close to the central portion C) as viewed from the central portion C of the electrolytic cell 12. In the present embodiment, the support portion 50 includes, for example, a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 52.

First Support Portion

The first support portion 51 is a support portion positioned further on one side dl than the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is disposed between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 positioned further on one side dl than the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is held between the first inner surface 110a (or the first insulator 47) of the separator 11 and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position more outside (outer peripheral side) than the cathode 121 or the anode 122, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 with respect to the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11. The first support portion 51 has an annular shape (e.g., a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and is formed in an annular shape slightly smaller than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

Second Support Portion

The second support portion 52 is a support portion positioned further on the other side dr than the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is disposed between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 positioned further on the other side dr than the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is held between the second inner surface 110b (or the second insulator 48) of the separator 11 and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position more outside (outer peripheral side) than the anode 122 or the cathode 121, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 with respect to the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b. The second support portion 52 has an annular shape (e.g., a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and is formed in an annular shape slightly smaller than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

Sealing Portion

The sealing portion 60 is a member closing the interior space S between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The sealing portion 60 is disposed between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The sealing portion 60 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and seals the interior space S.
In the present embodiment, the sealing portion 60 includes a first sealing portion 61 and a second sealing portion 62. Note that the first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be integrally formed. That is, the first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be one member. The sealing portion 60 may be formed integrally with at least one of the first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 described above.

First Sealing Portion

The first sealing portion 61 is a sealing portion positioned near the separator 11 on one side dl of the two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The first sealing portion 61 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first sealing portion 61 is held between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 positioned further on one side dl than the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second sealing portion 62, and seals a part of the outer peripheral side of the interior space S. In the present embodiment, the first sealing portion 61 is held between the first insulator 47 attached to the first inner surface 110a and the second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 61 has an annular shape (e.g., a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and is formed in an annular shape slightly larger than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

Second Sealing Portion

The second sealing portion 62 is a sealing portion positioned near the separator 11 on the other side dr of the two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other. The second sealing portion 62 is positioned more outside than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second sealing portion 62 is held between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 positioned further on the other side dr than the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first sealing portion 61, and seals a part of the outer peripheral side of the interior space S. In the present embodiment, the second sealing portion 62 is held between the second insulator 48 attached to the second inner surface 110b and the first sealing portion 61. The second sealing portion 62 has an annular shape (e.g., a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and is formed in an annular shape slightly larger than the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

Electrolytic Solution Flow Path Part

Next, the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP' will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' is provided in each of the separators 11. In the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is provided on the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d applied with a positive voltage, and the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' is provided on the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e applied with a negative voltage. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on the other side dr from the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b disposed further on the other side dr than the first electrolytic cell 12a. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on one side dl from the first inner surface 110a of the second separator 11b disposed further on one side dl than the second electrolytic cell 12b. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on the other side dr from the second inner surface 110b of the fourth separator 11d disposed further on the other side dr than the third electrolytic cell 12c. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on one side dl from the first inner surface 110a of the fourth separator 11d disposed further on one side dl than the fourth electrolytic cell 12d. Note that the electrolytic solution flow path part FP needs not be formed in each of the separators 11, and at least two electrolytic solution flow path parts FP may be formed in the electrolytic cell stack 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP includes a supply flow path FP1, a channel flow path FP2, and a merging flow path FP3.
The supply flow path FP1 is disposed closest to the first end portion 111 side (lower side) in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the supply flow path FP1 extends in the Y direction on the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. In other words, the supply flow path FP1 extends in the lateral width direction of the separator 11. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the supply flow path FP1 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the cathode 121 and the anode 122. The supply flow path FP1 overlaps with the support portion 50 (first support portion 51 and second support portion 52) in the first direction D1. The supply flow path FP1 is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the first flow path part 13 and the second flow path part 14 described later. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the supply flow path FP1 has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the first insertion hole 11hl. The opening of the supply flow path FP1 serves as a flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The electrolytic solution Es in a liquid phase state flows into the supply flow path FP1 from the first flow path part 13 described later.
The channel flow path FP2 extends in the X direction on the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. In other words, the channel flow path FP2 extends in the vertical width direction (vertical direction) of the separator 11. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., several tens of) channel flow paths FP2 are arrayed at equal intervals in the direction (Y direction) in which the supply flow path FP1 extends. One end (lower end) of the channel flow path FP2 is connected to the supply flow path FP1, and the other end (upper end) of the channel flow path FP2 is connected to the merging flow path FP3.
The merging flow path FP3 is disposed closest to the second end portion 112 side (upper side) in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. That is, the merging flow path FP3 is positioned further on the second end portion 112 side (upper side) than the supply flow path FP1. The merging flow path FP3 extends in the Y direction on the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. In other words, the merging flow path FP3 extends in the lateral width direction of the separator 11. In the present embodiment, the merging flow path FP3 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the cathode 121 and anode 122. The merging flow path FP3 overlaps with the support portion 50 (first support portion 51 and second support portion 52) in the first direction D1. The merging flow path FP3 is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the first flow path part 13 and the second flow path part 14 described later. The merging flow path FP3 has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the second insertion hole 11h2. The opening of the merging flow path FP3 serves as a flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The electrolytic solution Es flowing through the electrolytic solution flow path part FP comes into contact with the anode 122 of the electrolytic cell 12.

First Flow Path Part

The first flow path part 13 is a pipe portion 130 inserted into the first insertion hole 11h1 formed in each of the separators 11 (in the present embodiment, the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d). The first flow path part 13 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the support portion 50 (the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52). In the present embodiment, the pipe portion 130 has a tubular shape extending in the first direction D1. The pipe line L1 is connected to the pipe portion 130 from one side dl. Therefore, the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe line L1 flows into the pipe portion 130 from one side dl, and flows in the pipe portion 130 toward the other side dr. Therefore, the upstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es in the pipe portion 130 is one side dl in the first direction D1, and the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es in the pipe portion 130 is the other side dr in the first direction D1. The pipe portion 130 is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, for example. The pipe portion 130 extends over the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP formed in each of the separators 11. The "over the flow path inlet FPi" mentioned here means a state in which the outside surface of the pipe portion 130 is close to (or in contact with) each of flow path inlets FPi opening to the inner surface of the first insertion hole 11hl.

Second Flow Path Part

The second flow path part 14 is a pipe portion 140 inserted into the second insertion hole 11h2 formed in each of the separators 11 (in the present embodiment, the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d). The second flow path part 14 is positioned further on the second end portion 112 side (upper side) than the first flow path part 13. The second flow path part 14 is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the support portion 50 (the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52). The pipe portion 140 has a tubular shape extending in the first direction D1. The pipe line L2 is connected to the pipe portion 140 from one side dl. Therefore, the electrolytic solution Es flowing inside the pipe portion 140 flows into the pipe line L2 from the one side dl, and flows in the pipe line L2 toward the electrolytic solution supply unit 20. Therefore, the upstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es in the pipe portion 140 is the other side dr in the first direction D1, and the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es in the pipe portion 140 is one side dl in the first direction D1. The electrolytic solution Es in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows into the second flow path part 14 from the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The pipe portion 140 is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, for example. The pipe portion 140 extends over the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP formed in each of the separators 11. The "over the flow path outlet FPo" mentioned here means a state in which the outside surface of the pipe portion 140 is close to (or in contact with) each of the flow path outlets FPo opening to the inner surface of the second insertion hole 11h2.

First Structure

The first structure 15 is a cutout portion 150 formed in the pipe portion 130 (first flow path part 13). The cutout portion 150 puts the inside of each electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the inside of the pipe portion 130 in communication with each other. Specifically, the cutout portion 150 opens the inside of the pipe portion 130 in the first insertion hole 11h1, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130 to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The first structure 15 is an example of a structure part.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the cutout portion 150 has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130 when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130. The "cutout portion 150" mentioned here does not indicate only a cut out pipe wall part of the pipe portion 130 but also includes a region lost due to the cutout of the pipe portion 130. A part of the cutout portion 150 overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP increases in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. Note that the "part overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi" mentioned here means a part where the cutout portion 150 overlaps with the flow path inlet FPi in the X direction (vertical direction).

Second Structure

The second structure 16 is a cutout portion 160 formed in the pipe portion 140 (second flow path part 14). The cutout portion 160 puts the inside of each electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the inside of the pipe portion 140 in communication with each other. Specifically, the cutout portion 160 opens the inside of the pipe portion 140 in the second insertion hole 11h2, and allows the electrolytic solution Es flowing out from the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP to be introduced into the pipe portion 140. The electrolytic solution Es flowing into the pipe portion 140 flows toward one side dl. The second structure 16 is an example of a structure part.
Although not illustrated in detail, in the present embodiment, similarly to the cutout portion 150 formed in the pipe portion 130 described above, the cutout portion 160 has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 140 when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 140. The "cutout portion 160" mentioned here does not indicate only a cut out pipe wall part of the pipe portion 140 but also includes a region lost due to the cutout of the pipe portion 140. A part of the cutout portion 160 overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP increases in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. Note that the "part overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo" mentioned here means a part where the cutout portion 160 overlaps with the flow path outlet FPo in the X direction (vertical direction).

Operational Effects

The electrolytic cell 12 disposed between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other electrolyzes the electrolytic solution Es supplied when the electrolytic solution Es is supplied to the electrolytic solution flow path part FP provided in the separator 11. Since the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the first direction D1 inside the pipe portion 130 for supplying the electrolytic solution Es to the electrolytic solution flow path part FP sequentially flows into the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP arranged side by side in the first direction D1, the pressure may fluctuate in the flow direction. Specifically, the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es may decrease toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. Therefore, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction. If each of the electrolytic cells 12 is not uniformly supplied with the electrolytic solution Es, in the electrolytic cell 12 having a small supply of the electrolytic solution Es, the heat generated by the electrolysis is not removed by the electrolytic solution Es, and therefore the temperature of the electrolytic cell 12 may increase and cause damage. As one of the countermeasures, it is conceivable to suppress the fluctuation in the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es by increasing the diameter of the pipe portion 130 or reducing the distance between the electrolytic cells 12. However, these have an operation of reducing the electric resistance of the electrolytic solution Es, and there is a problem that the stray current flowing between the electrolytic cells 12 increases.
In the configuration described above, the cutout portion 150 (first structure 15) is formed in the pipe portion 130 (first flow path 13) through which the electrolytic solution Es is supplied to the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. A part of the cutout portion 150 overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP increases in size toward the downstream side (other side dr in the first direction D1) in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. That is, the flow path cross-sectional area of the inlet of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP increases in size toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. By this, since the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es flowing inside the pipe portion 130 is higher on a more upstream side in the flow direction, the resistance (reaction force) that the electrolytic solution Es receives from the inlet part of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP when the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe portion 130 flows into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is large. That is, the electrolytic solution Es is less likely to flow into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP on a more upstream side in the flow direction. As a result, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP arranged side by side in the first direction D1 can be uniformized in the first direction D1. That is, the magnitude of the pressure loss when the electrolytic solution Es flows from the pipe portion 130 into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP provided in each of the separators 11 is uniformized between the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP. Therefore, for example, even if the diameter of the pipe portion 130 is reduced, the electrolytic solution Es is uniformly supplied, and thus generation of the stray current can be suppressed.
According to the above-described configuration, since the cutout portion 150 has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130 when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130, the cutout portion 150 can be easily formed in the pipe portion 130. Since the cutout portion 160 (second structure 16) is formed in the pipe portion 140, the above-described operation can be achieved with higher accuracy.

First Modification Example of First Embodiment

Next, a first modification example of the first embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the first modification example described below, a first structure 15 is different from the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment. In the present modification example, two cutout portions 150a and 150b are formed in the pipe portion 130 along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130. The two cutout portions 150a and 150b are disposed adjacent to each other. Although not illustrated, the same configuration may be adopted for the second structure 16.
This configuration can also achieve the operational effects of the first embodiment described above.

Second Modification Example of First Embodiment

Next, a second modification example of the first embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the second modification example described below, a first structure 15 is different from the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment. In the present modification example, a cutout portion 150c has a trapezoidal shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130. Although not illustrated, the same configuration may be adopted for the second structure 16.
This configuration can also achieve the operational effects of the first embodiment described above.

Third Modification Example of First Embodiment

Next, a third modification example of the first embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the third modification example described below, a first structure 15 is different from the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment. In the present modification example, in place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 150 (first structure 15) is formed in the pipe portion 130 described above, for example, the same number of outflow ports 13o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path inlets FPi in the pipe portion 130. The outflow port 13o opens the inside of the pipe portion 130 in the first insertion hole 11h1, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130 to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP.
The first structure 15 is provided in the pipe portion 130 (first flow path part 13) and includes a plurality of mesh members 151 arranged side by side in the first direction D1. Each of the mesh members 151 in the present modification example is a mesh pipe extending in the first direction D1 in the pipe portion 130. Note that the mesh member 151 is not limited to the mesh pipe, and may be, for example, a sheet-like member disposed in the pipe portion 130 overlapping with the outflow port 13o and the flow path inlet FPi. In the present modification example, the plurality of mesh members 151 are connected to each other in the first direction D1. The mesh member 151 is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the plurality of mesh members 151 may be called a "first mesh member 151a", a "second mesh member 151b", a "third mesh member 151c", and a "fourth mesh member 151d" in order from one side dl.
One mesh member 151 is disposed so as to overlap with each of the flow path inlets FPi and the outflow ports 13o. A mesh of the mesh member 151 disposed on the downstream side (other side dr) in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es of two of the mesh members 151 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 is coarser than a mesh of the mesh member 151 disposed on the upstream side (one side dl) in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es of the two of the mesh members 151 adjacent to each other. That is, a mesh of the second mesh member 151b is coarser than the mesh of the first mesh member 151a, a mesh of the third mesh member 151c is coarser than the mesh of the second mesh member 151b, and a mesh of the fourth mesh member 151d is coarser than the mesh of the third mesh member 151c. Although not illustrated, the same configuration may be adopted for the second structure 16. In this case, in place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 160 (second structure 16) is formed in the pipe portion 140 described above, the same number of outflow ports 14o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo in the pipe portion 140. Note that the mesh member 151 is not limited to the configuration in which the mesh members 151 are disposed one by one so as to overlap with the respective flow path inlet FPi and outflow port 13o, and one mesh member 151 may be disposed to correspond to the plurality of flow path inlets FPi and outflows 13o.
This configuration can also achieve the operational effects of the first embodiment described above.

Second Embodiment of Electrolysis Device

Next, a second embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Note that in the second embodiment described below, configurations common to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference signs in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the configurations of an electrolytic solution flow path part FP and a first structure 15 are different from those of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, in place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 150 (first structure 15) is formed in the pipe portion 130 described above, for example, the same number of outflow ports 13o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path inlets FPi in the pipe portion 130. The outflow port 13o opens the inside of the pipe portion 130 in the first insertion hole 11h1, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130 to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. In place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 160 (second structure 16) is formed in the pipe portion 140 described above, the same number of outflow ports 14o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo in the pipe portion 140. In the present embodiment, the electrolytic cell stack 10 does not include the second structure 16.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on the other side dr from the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 disposed further on the other side dr than the electrolytic cell 12. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on one side dl from the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 disposed further on one side dl than the electrolytic cell 12. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the first insertion hole 11hl. The opening serves as the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the second insertion hole 11h2. The opening serves as the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is a recess recessed toward the other side dr in a state along the X direction and the Y direction.
As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first structure 15 is a conductor mesh 152 provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The conductor mesh 152 has a structure through which the electrolytic solution Es and the gas can pass. The conductor mesh 152 is formed of a conductor such as a metal material. The conductor mesh 152 has a plate shape (or sheet shape) along the X direction and the Y direction, for example. In the present embodiment, the conductor mesh 152 occupies most (e.g., half or more) of the space in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The conductor mesh 152 is disposed so as to close the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, for example. In the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, for example, a gap S1 is formed between the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the conductor mesh 152. The conductor mesh 152 is an example of a mesh.

Operational Effects

According to the above-described configuration, while receiving resistance (reaction force) from the conductor mesh 152 through the flow path inlet FPi, the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe portion 130 (first flow path part 13) passes through the inside of the conductor mesh 152, and reaches the flow path outlet FPo. When the pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell 12 is sufficiently large, the influence of the pressure distribution generated in the pipe portion 130 and the pipe portion 140 becomes relatively small. As a result, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP arranged side by side in the first direction D1 can be uniformized in the first direction D1. Therefore, the diameters of the pipe portion 130 and the pipe portion 140 can be reduced, and thus generation of a stray current can be suppressed. According to the above-described configuration, the above-described operation can be achieved with a simple configuration in which the conductor mesh 152 is disposed in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP.

Third Embodiment of Electrolysis Device

Next, a third embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Note that in the third embodiment described below, configurations common to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference signs in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the configuration of a first structure 15 is different from the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, in place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 150 (first structure 15) is formed in the pipe portion 130 described above, for example, the same number of outflow ports 13o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path inlets FPi in the pipe portion 130. The outflow port 13o opens the inside of the pipe portion 130 in the first insertion hole 11h1, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130 to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. In place of the configuration in which the cutout portion 160 (second structure 16) is formed in the pipe portion 140 described above, the same number of outflow ports 14o as the number of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP are formed at positions overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo in the pipe portion 140. That is, the electrolytic cell stack 10 does not include the second structure 16.
The first structure 15 is a conductor mesh 153 provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. Specifically, the conductor mesh 153 is disposed in the supply flow path FP1 of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The conductor mesh 153 has a structure through which the electrolytic solution Es and the gas can pass. The conductor mesh 153 is formed of a metal material, for example. The conductor mesh 153 has a plate shape (or a sheet shape) along the Y direction and the Z direction, for example. In the present embodiment, the conductor mesh 153 occupies most of the space in the supply flow path FP1. The conductor mesh 153 is disposed so as to close the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, for example. The conductor mesh 153 is an example of a mesh.

Operational Effects

According to the above-described configuration, while receiving resistance (reaction force) from the conductor mesh 153 through the flow path inlet FPi, the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe portion 130 (first flow path part 13) passes through the inside of the conductor mesh 153, and reaches the flow path outlet FPo from the supply flow path FP1 through the channel flow path FP2 and the merging flow path FP3. When the pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell 12 is sufficiently large, the influence of the pressure distribution generated in the pipe portion 130 and the pipe portion 140 becomes relatively small. As a result, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP arranged side by side in the first direction D1 can be uniformized in the first direction D1. Therefore, the diameters of the pipe portion 130 and the pipe portion 140 can be reduced, and thus generation of a stray current can be suppressed. According to the above-described configuration, by disposing the conductor mesh 153 in the supply flow path FP1 of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, it is possible to form the channel flow path FP2, which is a relatively narrow space.

Fourth Embodiment of Electrolysis Device

Next, a fourth embodiment of the electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14. Note that in the fourth embodiment described below, configurations common to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference signs in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of a first structure 15 is different from the first structure 15 described in the first embodiment.
The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on the other side dr from the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 disposed further on the other side dr than the electrolytic cell 12. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed so as to be recessed on one side dl from the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 disposed further on one side dl than the electrolytic cell 12. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the first insertion hole 11hl. The opening serves as the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP has an opening that opens to the inner surface of the second insertion hole 11h2. The opening serves as the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP.
The first structure 15 includes the cutout portion 150 formed in the pipe portion 130 (first flow path part 13) and the conductor mesh 152 provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The cutout portion 150 puts the inside of each electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the inside of the pipe portion 130 in communication with each other. Specifically, the cutout portion 150 opens the inside of the pipe portion 130 in the first insertion hole 11h1, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130 to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. Similarly to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the cutout portion 150 has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130 when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130. A part of the cutout portion 150 overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP increases in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. The conductor mesh 152 has a structure through which the electrolytic solution Es and the gas can pass. The conductor mesh 152 has a plate shape (or sheet shape) along the X direction and the Y direction, for example. The conductor mesh 152 occupies most (e.g., half or more) of the space in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP. The conductor mesh 152 is disposed so as to close the flow path inlet FPi of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, for example. In the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, the gap S1 is formed between the flow path outlet FPo of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP and the conductor mesh 152.
According to this configuration, the operational effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above can be achieved with higher accuracy.

Other Embodiments

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the configuration of each of the embodiments, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.
In each of the above embodiments, in the description of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP, the configuration in which the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is formed on the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 disposed further on the other side dr than the electrolytic cell 12 has been mainly described. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' is similarly formed on the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a, the first inner surface 110a and the second inner surface 110b of the third separator 11c, and the second inner surface 110b of the fifth separator 11e (e.g., two-dot chain lines and sign FP' are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, 10, and 12).
Hereinafter, the configuration of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' formed in the separator 11 will be described focusing on the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' formed on the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP' is formed so as to be recessed on one side dl from the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a disposed further on one side dl than the first electrolytic cell 12a. The electrolytic solution flow path part FP' includes a supply flow path FP1', a channel flow path FP2', and a merging flow path FP3'.
The supply flow path FP1' is disposed closest to the first end portion 111 side (lower side) in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'. The supply flow path FP1' extends in the Y direction (lateral width direction of the separator 11) on the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11. As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the supply flow path FP1' is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the cathode 121 and the anode 122. The supply flow path FP1' overlaps with the support portion 50 (first support portion 51 and second support portion 52) in the first direction D1. The supply flow path FP1' is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the first flow path part 13' and the second flow path part 14' described later. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the supply flow path FP1' has an opening that opens to the inner surface of a first insertion hole 11h3. The first insertion hole 11h3 is formed penetrating in the first direction D1 at a portion close to the first end portion 111 of each of the separators 11. The first flow path part 13' described later is inserted into the first insertion hole 11h3. The first insertion hole 11h3 is disposed adjacent in the Y direction to the first insertion hole 11h1, for example (see FIG. 16). The opening of the supply flow path FP1' serves as a flow path inlet FPi' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'. The electrolytic solution Es in a liquid phase state flows into the supply flow path FP1' from the first flow path part 13' described later.
The channel flow path FP2' extends in the X direction (vertical width direction or vertical direction of the separator 11) on the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11. A plurality of (e.g., several tens of) channel flow paths FP2' are arrayed at equal intervals in the direction (Y direction) in which the supply flow path FP1' extends. One end (lower end) of the channel flow path FP2' is connected to the supply flow path FP1', and the other end (upper end) of the channel flow path FP2' is connected to the merging flow path FP3'.
The merging flow path FP3' is disposed closest to the second end portion 112 side (upper side) in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'. That is, the merging flow path FP3' is positioned further on the second end portion 112 side (upper side) than the supply flow path FP1'. The merging flow path FP3' extends in the Y direction on the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. In the present embodiment, the merging flow path FP3' is positioned more outside (outer peripheral side) than the cathode 121 and the anode 122. The merging flow path FP3' overlaps with the support portion 50 (first support portion 51 and second support portion 52) in the first direction D1. The merging flow path FP3' is positioned more inside (inner peripheral side) than the first flow path part 13' and the second flow path part 14' described later. The merging flow path FP3' has an opening that opens to the inner surface of a second insertion hole 11h4. The second insertion hole 11h4 is formed penetrating in the first direction D1 at a portion close to the second end portion 112 of each of the separators 11. The second flow path part 14' described later is inserted into the second insertion hole 11h4. The second insertion hole 11h4 is disposed adjacent in the Y direction to the second insertion hole 11h2, for example (see FIG. 16). The opening of the merging flow path FP3' serves as a flow path outlet FPo' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'. The electrolytic solution Es flowing through the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' comes into contact with the cathode 121 of the electrolytic cell 12.
The first flow path part 13' is a pipe portion 130' inserted into the first insertion hole 11h3 formed in each of the separators 11 (in the present embodiment, the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e). The pipe portion 130' has a tubular shape extending in the first direction D1. The pipe line L1' is connected to the pipe portion 130' from one side dl. Therefore, the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe line L1' flows into the pipe portion 130' from one side dl, and flows in the pipe portion 130' toward the other side dr. The pipe portion 130' is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, for example. The pipe portion 130' extends over the flow path inlet FPi' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' formed in each of the separators 11.
The second flow path part 14' is a pipe portion 140' inserted into the second insertion hole 11h4 formed in each of the separators 11 (in the present embodiment, the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e). The pipe portion 140' has a tubular shape extending in the first direction D1. The pipe line L2' is connected to the pipe portion 140' from one side dl. The pipe portion 140' is formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, for example. The pipe portion 140' extends over the flow path outlet FPo' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' formed in each of the separators 11. The electrolytic solution Es in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows into the second flow path part 14' from the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'.
The first structure 15 is a cutout portion 150 formed in the pipe portion 130' (first flow path part 13'). The cutout portion 150 puts the inside of each electrolytic solution flow path part FP' and the inside of the pipe portion 130' in communication with each other. Specifically, the cutout portion 150 opens the inside of the pipe portion 130' in the first insertion hole 11h3, and allows a part of the electrolytic solution Es flowing in the pipe portion 130' to the other side dr to be introduced into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP'. Similarly to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, the cutout portion 150' has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 130' when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130'. Portions of the cutout portion 150 overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi' of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP' increases in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es.
The second structure 16 is a cutout portion 160 formed in the pipe portion 140' (second flow path part 14'). The cutout portion 160 puts the inside of each electrolytic solution flow path part FP' and the inside of the pipe portion 140' in communication with each other. Specifically, the cutout portion 160 opens the inside of the pipe portion 140' in the second insertion hole 11h4, and allows the electrolytic solution Es flowing out from the flow path outlet FPo' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP' to be introduced into the pipe portion 140'. The electrolytic solution Es flowing into the pipe portion 140' flows toward one side dl. Although not illustrated in detail, in the present embodiment, similarly to the cutout portion 150 formed in the pipe portion 130' described above, the cutout portion 160 has a triangular shape along the outside surface of the pipe portion 140' when viewed from the outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 140'. A part of the cutout portion 160 overlapping with the flow path outlet FPo' of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP' increases in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es.
Note that the configurations of the electrolysis device 1 described in the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment do not remain an independent from one another. The electrolysis device 1 may be configured by appropriately combining components described in each of the embodiments.

Supplementary Notes

The electrolysis device 1 described in each of the embodiments is understood as follows, for example.

(1) The electrolysis device 1 according to a first aspect includes: the electrolytic cell stack 10; the electrolytic solution supply unit 20 configured to supply the electrolytic solution Es to the electrolytic cell stack 10; and the power supply unit 30 configured to apply a voltage to the electrolytic cell stack 10, in which the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes the plurality of separators 11 arranged side by side at intervals in the first direction D1, the plurality of electrolytic cells 12 disposed one by one between two of the separators 11 adjacent to each other, the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' provided to the separator 11 and through which the electrolytic solution Es flows, the first flow path part 13 or 13' configured to cause the electrolytic solution Es supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit 20 to flow into the electrolytic solution flow path part 13 or 13', and the structure part configured to uniformize, between the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP', a pressure loss when the electrolytic solution Es flows from the first flow path part 13 or 13' into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP'.

By this, for example, even if the diameter of the pipe portion 130 or 140 is reduced, the flow rate of the electrolytic solution Es is uniformized between the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP', and generation of the stray current can be suppressed.
(2) The electrolysis device 1 according to a second aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the first aspect, in which the first flow path part 13 or 13' is the pipe portion 130 or 130' extending in the first direction D1, the structure part is the cutout portion 150, 150a, 150b, or 150c formed in the pipe portion 130 or 130' and puts the inside of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP' in communication with the inside of the pipe portion 130 or 130', and a part of the cutout portion 150, 150a, 150b, or 150c overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi or FPi' of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP' increase in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es.
By this, the resistance (reaction force) that the electrolytic solution Es receives from the inlet portion of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' when the electrolytic solution Es flowing through the pipe portion 130 or 130' flows into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is large on a more upstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. As a result, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP or FPs' arranged side by side in the first direction D1 can be uniformized in the first direction D1. That is, the magnitude of the pressure loss when the electrolytic solution Es flows from the pipe portion 130 or 130' into the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP' provided in each of the separators 11 is uniformized between the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP'.
(3) The electrolysis device 1 according to a third aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the second aspect, in which the cutout portion 150, 150a, or 150b may have a triangular shape along an outside surface of the pipe portion 130 or 130' when viewed from an outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130 or 130'.
By this, the cutout portion 150, 150a, or 150b can be easily formed in the pipe portion 130 or 130'.
(4) The electrolysis device 1 according to a fourth aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the second aspect, in which the cutout portion 150c may have a trapezoidal shape along an outside surface of the pipe portion 130 or 130' when viewed from an outer peripheral side of the pipe portion 130 or 130'.
By this, the cutout portion 150c can be easily formed in the pipe portion 130 or 130'.
(5) The electrolysis device 1 according to a fifth aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the second aspect, in which the structure part includes the plurality of mesh members 151 provided in the pipe portion 130 or 130' and arranged side by side in the first direction D1, a mesh of the mesh member 151 disposed on a downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es of two of the mesh members 151 adjacent to each other is coarser than a mesh of the mesh member 151 disposed on an upstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es of the two of the mesh members 151 adjacent to each other, and the mesh member 151 is disposed so as to overlap with each of the flow path inlets FPi or FPi'.
By this, for example, the above operation can be obtained by providing the mesh pipe in the pipe portion 130 or 130'. Therefore, for example, generation of a design change of the pipe portion 130 or 130' can be suppressed.
(6) The electrolysis device 1 according to a sixth aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the first aspect, in which the structure part may be a mesh provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP'.
By this, since the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es flowing inside the pipe portion 130 or 130' is higher on a more upstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es, the resistance (reaction force) that the electrolytic solution Es receives from the mesh (conductor mesh 152 or 153) when the electrolytic solution Es flows into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP is large, and the influence of the pressure distribution of the pipe portion 130 or 140 becomes relatively small. As a result, the flow rate when the electrolytic solution Es flows from the pipe portion 130 or 130' into the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' provided in the respective separators 11 is uniformized between the electrolytic solution flow path parts FP and FP'. The above-described operation can be achieved with a simple configuration in which a mesh (conductor mesh 152 or 153) is disposed in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP'.
(7) The electrolysis device 1 according to a seventh aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the sixth aspect, in which the mesh may be a conductor.
(8) The electrolysis device 1 according to an eighth aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the sixth aspect, in which the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' includes the plurality of channel flow paths FP2 or FP2' through which the electrolytic solution Es flows, and the supply flow path FP1 or FP1' for supplying the electrolytic solution Es to the channel flow path FP2 or FP2', and the mesh may be provided in the supply flow path FP1 or FP1'.
By this, the channel flow path FP2 or FP2' can be formed by disposing the mesh (conductor mesh 153) into the supply flow path FP1 or FP1' of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP'.
(9) The electrolysis device 1 according to a ninth aspect is the electrolysis device 1 of the first aspect, in which the first flow path part 13 or 13' is the pipe portion 130 or 130' extending in the first direction D1, the structure part includes the cutout portion 150, 150a, 150b, or 150c formed in the pipe portion 130 or 130' and puts the inside of each of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' in communication with the inside of the pipe portion 130 or 130', and the conductor mesh 152 or 153 provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP', and a part (penetrating portion) of the cutout portion 150, 150a, 150b, or 150c overlapping with the flow path inlet FPi or FPi' of each of the electrolytic solution flow path part FP or FP' may increase in size toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es.
This can achieve the above operation with higher accuracy.

Industrial Applicability

Reference Signs List

1 Electrolysis device, 10 Electrolytic cell stack, 11 Separator, 11a First separator, 11b Second separator, 11c Third separator, 11d Fourth separator, 11e Fifth separator, 11h1, 11h3 First insertion hole, 11h2, 11h4 Second insertion hole, 12 Electrolytic cell, 12a First electrolytic cell, 12b Second electrolytic cell, 12c Third electrolytic cell, 12d Fourth electrolytic cell, 13, 13' First flow path part, 13o, 13 o', 14o, 14o' Outflow port, 14, 14' Second flow path part, 15 First structure, 16 Second structure, 20 Electrolytic solution supply unit, 21 Hydrogen gas-liquid separation device, 22 First pump, 23 Hydrogen recovery unit, 24 First electrolytic solution supply unit, 26 Oxygen gas-liquid separation device, 27 Second pump, 28 Oxygen recovery unit, 29 Second electrolytic solution supply unit, 30 Power supply unit, 41 First current collector, 42 Second current collector, 43 First insulator, 44 Second insulator, 45 First end plate, 46 Second end plate, 47 First insulator, 47h1, 47h2, 48h1, 48h2 Hole, 48 Second insulator, 50 Support portion, 51 First support portion, 52 Second support portion, 60 Sealing portion, 61 First sealing portion, 62 Second sealing portion, 110a First inner surface, 110b Second inner surface, 111 First end portion, 112 Second end portion, 120 Ion exchange membrane, 120a First surface, 120b Second surface, 120e Outer edge portion, 121 Cathode, 121a Cathode catalyst layer, 121b Cathode feeder, 122 Anode, 122a Anode catalyst layer, 122b Anode catalyst layer, 122b Anode feeder, 130, 130', 140, 140' Pipe portion, 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 160 Cutout portion, 151 Mesh member, 151a First mesh member, 151b Second mesh member, 151c Third mesh member, 151d Fourth mesh member, 152, 153 Conductor mesh, C Central portion, D1 First direction, dl One side, dr Other side, Es Electrolytic solution, FP, FP' Electrolytic solution flow path part, FPi, FPi' Flow path inlet, FPo, FPo' Flow path outlet, FP1, FP1' Supply flow path, FP2, FP2' Channel flow path, FP3, FP3' Merging flow path, L1, L1', L2, L2' Pipe line, S Interior space, S1 Gap, Sa Cathode chamber, Sb Anode chamber.

Claims

An electrolysis device comprising:
an electrolytic cell stack;

an electrolytic solution supply unit configured to supply an electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell stack; and

a power supply unit configured to apply a voltage to the electrolytic cell stack, wherein

the electrolytic cell stack includes:
a plurality of separators arranged side by side at intervals in a first direction;

a plurality of electrolytic cells disposed one by one between two of the separators adjacent to each other;

an electrolytic solution flow path part provided to each of the plurality of separators and through which the electrolytic solution flows;

a first flow path part configured to cause the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit to flow into the electrolytic solution flow path part; and

a structure part configured to uniformize, between the electrolytic solution flow path parts, a pressure loss when the electrolytic solution flows from the first flow path part into the electrolytic solution flow path part.
The electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein
the first flow path part is a pipe portion extending in the first direction,

the structure part is:
a cutout portion that is formed in the pipe portion and puts an inside of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts in communication with an inside of the pipe portion; and

a part of the cutout portion overlapping with a flow path inlet of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts increases in size toward a downstream side in a flow direction of the electrolytic solution.
The electrolysis device according to claim 2, wherein the cutout portion has a triangular shape along an outside surface of the pipe portion when viewed from an outer peripheral side of the pipe portion.
The electrolysis device according to claim 2, wherein the cutout portion has a trapezoidal shape along an outside surface of the pipe portion when viewed from an outer peripheral side of the pipe portion.
The electrolysis device according to claim 2, wherein
the structure part includes a plurality of mesh members provided in the pipe portion and arranged side by side in the first direction,

a mesh of the mesh member disposed on a downstream side in a flow direction of the electrolytic solution of two of the mesh members adjacent to each other is coarser than a mesh of the mesh member disposed on an upstream side in a flow direction of the electrolytic solution of the two of the mesh members adjacent to each other, and

the mesh member is disposed so as to overlap with each of the flow path inlets.
The electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein the structure part is a mesh provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part.
The electrolysis device according to claim 6, wherein the mesh is a conductor.
The electrolysis device according to claim 6, wherein
the electrolytic solution flow path part includes:
a plurality of channel flow paths through which the electrolytic solution flows; and

a supply flow path through which the electrolytic solution is supplied to each of the channel flow paths, and

the mesh is provided in the supply flow path.
The electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein
the first flow path part is a pipe portion extending in the first direction,

the structure part includes:
a cutout portion that is formed in the pipe portion and puts an inside of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts in communication with an inside of the pipe portion; and

a conductor mesh provided in the electrolytic solution flow path part, and

a part of the cutout portion overlapping with a flow path inlet of each of the electrolytic solution flow path parts increases in size toward a downstream side in a flow direction of the electrolytic solution.