JP2007131954A - Electrolytic cell and hydrogen-oxygen generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic cell capable of maintaining high sealability, improving pressure resistant strength and reducing the deterioration of a solid electrolyte membrane. <P>SOLUTION: The electrolytic cell is equipped with: a pair of electrode plates 3; a solid electrolyte membrane 2 arranged between the pair of electrode plates 3; power feeders 4 arranged between either electrode plate 3 and solid electrolyte membrane 2, and between the other electrode plate 3 and solid electrolyte membrane 2, respectively; and gaskets 5, 6 covering the circumferences of the power feeders 4. Port seal parts 53, 63 projecting to the sides of the electrode plates are formed at the gaskets 5, 6. Each powder feeder 4 is provided with: an electrically conductive plate; and a sintered compact arranged at the side of the solid electrolyte membrane than the electrically conductive plate. A port is formed at each electrically conductive plate. In the sintered compact, a notch part is formed at a position corresponding to the port of each electrically conductive plate, and a seal member for sealing the port is arranged at each notch part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water electrolysis apparatus such as a hydrogen / oxygen generator that generates hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by electrolyzing water or the like, and more particularly to an electrolysis cell used when a water electrolysis apparatus is configured. The present invention also relates to a hydrogen-oxygen generator configured using such an electrolytic cell.

  As an electrolysis cell which constitutes a hydrogen oxygen generator according to the prior art, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-239788 (Patent Document 1) or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-164391 (Patent Document 2). Are known.

  The electrolysis cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 14, and this electrolysis cell 151 has an electrode plate 152 disposed between an electrode plate 153a and an electrode plate 153b. Between the plates 153a and 153b and the electrode plate 152, a solid electrolyte membrane 154, a porous power feeder 155, an annular gasket 156 made of silicone rubber for isolating the porous power feeder 155 from the outside, an annular protective sheet 157, and the like are provided. A bipolar electrolysis cell. Specifically, a porous power feeder 155 is provided between the electrode plates 152, 153 a, 153 b and the solid electrolyte membrane 154, and the electrode plates 152, 153 a, 153 b and the porous power feeder 155 are provided between them. Is provided with an annular gasket 156, and an annular protective sheet 157 is provided between the porous power feeder 155 and the solid electrolyte membrane 154. The porous power supply 155 is made of a breathable material such as a mesh or a sintered body, and is configured to allow fluid to freely flow from the side surface.

  In the electrode plate 152, an oxygen gas extraction path 158, an oxygen gas circulation path 158a, a drain water discharge path 161 for the cathode chamber, a drain water discharge path 161a, and the like are formed. Although omitted in FIG. 14, the electrode plate 152 is also formed with a pure water supply path, a pure water circulation path, a hydrogen gas extraction path, and a hydrogen gas circulation path.

  Further, end plates 162 are respectively provided on the outer sides of the electrode plates 153a and 153b (opposite the surface having the solid electrolyte membrane 154), and the end plates 162 connect the electrode plates 152, 153a, 153b, and the like. It is fixed by tightening with a tightening bolt or the like in the state of being penetrated. That is, the electrolysis cell 151 is assembled in a state in which each element provided between the end plate 162 and the end plate 162 is fixed at a predetermined interval by using fastening means such as fastening bolts.

  The electrolytic cell disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured by laminating a plurality of solid electrolyte membranes and electrode plate units. The electrode plate unit is configured by disposing a porous power feeder, a spacer, a seal member, and the like on both sides of an electrode plate made of a titanium plate. The spacer is formed with oxygen holes and hydrogen holes that are used to take out the generated oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, and for pure water that is used to supply pure water used for electrolysis A hole is formed.

  A concave groove is formed in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the electrode plate constituting the electrolytic cell disclosed in Patent Document 2, and each component is assembled by laminating a seal member in the groove. Thus, the electrolytic cell described in Patent Document 2 is configured.

JP-A-8-239788 JP 2001-164391 A

  However, the electrolytic cell according to the above prior art has the following problems.

  The annular gasket constituting the electrolytic cell described in Patent Document 1 has a function as a pressure-resistant component for isolating the oxygen generation chamber and the hydrogen generation chamber from the outside of the cell. However, the annular gasket itself is soft, and this annular gasket functions as a pressure-resistant component by contacting a flat electrode plate. Therefore, if the internal pressure increases, the annular gasket is displaced on the electrode plate by the internal pressure. Then, it may protrude from between the tightening bolts. That is, the electrolytic cell configured as described above has a problem that the sealing performance may be reduced due to the shift of the annular gasket.

In the electrolysis cell described in Patent Document 2, a seal member corresponding to the annular gasket is disposed in a groove formed in the electrode plate. Therefore, even if the internal pressure of the electrolysis cell increases, the possibility that the sealing member is displaced on the electrode plate is reduced as compared with the electrolysis cell described in Patent Document 1, and pressure resistance can be provided.
However, in the electrolytic cell having such a configuration, the seal member is in a line contact state, and the solid electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between the seal member and the electrode plate in such a line contact state. When used, it was difficult to obtain sufficient pressure resistance performance. Therefore, when the electrolytic cell is used under high pressure, a component having a high-pressure specification (for example, a sealed container that can contain the electrolytic cell) is required. In addition, since the contact portion with the solid electrolyte membrane is a line contact, there is a problem that a load is applied to the solid electrolyte membrane locally and damage or the like is likely to occur.
Further, according to this Patent Document 2, as described above, the electrolytic cell is configured by sandwiching the solid electrolyte membrane between the sealing member and the electrode plate, so that the solid electrolyte membrane deteriorates at the contact point with the electrode plate. There was a problem that it was easy to do.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic cell configured to maintain high sealing performance and improve pressure resistance. . It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic cell capable of preventing the solid electrolyte membrane from being damaged by the sealing member and reducing deterioration. Furthermore, this invention makes it a subject to provide the hydrogen-oxygen generator comprised using these electrolysis cells.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and includes a solid electrolyte membrane, electrode plates provided on both sides of the solid electrolyte membrane, and between the solid electrolyte membrane and the electrode plate. An electrolytic cell having an intervening power supply body, wherein a groove portion for arranging a seal member is formed in the vicinity of the peripheral edge portion of the electrode plate, and the periphery of the power supply body is fitted in the groove portion. A first seal member and a second seal member are provided so as to be in contact with each surface of the solid electrolyte membrane, located on the first seal member side, and between the second seal member and the solid electrolyte A third seal member for sandwiching the membrane is provided, and the third seal member is disposed closer to the power feeding body than the first seal member.

According to such a configuration, since the electrode plate, the power feeding body, and the solid electrolyte membrane are sealed using the sealing member fitted to the electrode plate, the pressure in the electrolytic cell Even if it increases, since it is a fitting state, the shift | offset | difference of each sealing member, etc. do not arise. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an electrolytic cell having higher sealing performance and pressure strength than conventional ones.
Further, according to such a configuration, since the periphery of the solid electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between the second seal member and the third seal member, one of the electrode plates is used as in the conventional case (see Patent Document 2). Compared with the case where it is pinched | interposed by, the electrolytic cell which can implement | achieve deterioration reduction of a solid electrolyte membrane can be obtained.
Furthermore, according to such a structure, since it has a sealing member in the both sides | surfaces of a solid electrolyte membrane, respectively, and one sealing member is comprised combining the 1st sealing member and the 3rd sealing member, it is higher Sealability can be obtained.
In addition, if the sealing member has a shape such that the electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane are in plane contact with each other (that is, the contact portion of the sealing member when the constituent elements are stacked is in a planar contact state (“ If it is in a state of being sealed with a “surface”), an electrolytic cell having a high sealing performance can be obtained as compared with a configuration having a seal portion in a line contact state as in the prior art (see Patent Document 2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solid electrolyte membrane from being damaged.

  In the electrolysis cell according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first seal member and the third seal member are integrally formed.

  According to this preferable configuration, even when the pressure in the electrolysis cell is increased, the first seal member and the third seal member are integrated, so that the displacement of the seal member can be prevented more firmly. it can.

  Moreover, in the electrolysis cell concerning this invention, the structure by which the said 3rd seal member is arrange | positioned so that the surface side with a low pressure in the said solid electrolyte membrane may be contacted is preferable.

When the electrode plate constituting the electrolysis cell has a groove part in which the first seal member, the second seal member, and the third seal member can be disposed, the electrode plate is formed by press molding or the like, A slight gap region is formed on the same surface side of the groove portion in which the second seal member is disposed and in the outer portion of the first seal member. In the state where the gap region is formed, if the side on which the first and third seal members are disposed is in a high pressure state, the first and third seal members may be displaced toward the gap region.
According to the preferred configuration described above, since the third seal member is disposed so as to contact the surface of the solid electrolyte membrane where the pressure is low, the first and third in the direction of the space region. The seal member can be effectively prevented from being displaced.
In addition, as a structure which prevents such shift | offset | difference, the structure which provides some spacers in the said space area | region is mention | raise | lifted. According to such a configuration, since the space region is filled with the spacer, it is possible to cope with a high pressure state on either the first seal member side or the second seal member side.

  Further, in the electrolysis cell according to the present invention, the electrode plate has a peripheral portion that is bent so that concave portions and convex portions are alternately aligned along the outer peripheral edge, and the electrode plate is laminated. A configuration in which the concave and convex portions of the electrode plate positioned above and below are arranged to face each other is preferable.

  According to this preferable configuration, the pressure strength of the electrolytic cell can be maintained or improved while using a thin electrode plate as compared with the conventional electrode plate.

  In the electrolysis cell according to the present invention, it is preferable that the side surface portion has a honeycomb structure formed by the peripheral edge portion of the electrode plate.

  According to this preferable configuration, since the side surface portion of the honeycomb structure is provided, sufficient strength can be obtained even with a high internal pressure. In addition, because of the honeycomb structure, the electrolysis cell according to the present invention also has an appropriate elastic force resulting from its material and shape, and can absorb an increase in contact surface pressure due to thermal expansion. .

  Furthermore, the hydrogen oxygen generator according to the present invention is characterized by being configured using any of the above-described electrolysis cells.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electrolysis cell configured to maintain high sealing performance and improve pressure strength. Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electrolytic cell capable of preventing damage due to the sealing member of the solid electrolyte membrane and realizing reduction in deterioration.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (a) shows a plan view of the electrolysis cell, and FIG. 1 (b) shows one part of FIG. 1 (a). The side view of the II arrow which made the section a cross section is shown. Moreover, FIG. 2 is sectional drawing which shows the principal part among the II-II line cross sections of Fig.1 (a). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the cross section taken along the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic cell unit constituting the electrolytic cell according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, an electrolytic cell is configured by stacking a plurality of electrolytic cell units shown in FIG.

  The electrolytic cell 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a solid electrolyte membrane 2, an electrode plate 3, a porous power feeder 4 (corresponding to the “power feeder” of the present invention), and a cathode side gasket 5 (“seal member” of the present invention). And an electrolytic cell unit (see FIG. 4) provided with an anode side gasket 6 (corresponding to the “sealing member” of the present invention). As shown in FIG. 4, an electrolytic cell unit 10 constituting the electrolytic cell 1 according to the present embodiment sandwiches a solid electrolyte membrane 2, a porous power supply 4, and gaskets 5 and 6 between a pair of electrode plates 3. Configured.

That is, the electrolytic cell 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by sandwiching a plurality of electrolytic cell units 10 in a stacked state by the end plates 22 provided on both ends, and tightening with the fastening bolts 23. ing.
In the electrolysis cell 1 according to the present embodiment, nuts 24 are attached to the fastening bolts 23 via a plurality of disc springs 25. And at the time of the assembly of an electrolysis cell, after laminating | stacking the some electrolysis cell unit 10, it clamp | tightens by the bolt 23 etc. in the state fastened with the press.

Further, the above-described electrolysis cell 1 (the electrolysis cell unit 10) includes an oxygen hole (port) 13 used for taking out the generated oxygen gas, and a hydrogen hole (used for taking out the generated hydrogen gas). Port) 14, pure water holes (ports) 15 and 16 used for supplying pure water to be electrolyzed are formed.
That is, the solid electrolyte membrane 2, the electrode plate 3, and the porous power feeder 4 are respectively provided with oxygen holes (ports) 13, hydrogen holes (ports) 14, and pure water holes (ports) at corresponding positions. 15 and 16 are provided. Each gasket 5, 6 is provided with a port seal portion for controlling the fluid flowing into and out of each port as necessary.

The electrolysis cell unit 10 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrolysis cell unit 10 is provided on both sides of the solid electrolyte membrane 2 with an electrode plate 3 and an anode side power feeding body 4A (the “power feeding body” of the present invention). Etc.) and an oxygen generation chamber A side region composed of the electrode plate 3 and the cathode side power feeder 4C (corresponding to the “power feeder” of the present invention) and the like. Yes.
The oxygen generation chamber A side region includes an electrode plate 3, an anode-side power feeding body 4 </ b> A provided so as to be in contact with the electrode plate 3 and the solid electrolyte membrane 2, and a gasket main body portion that fits in a predetermined portion of the electrode plate 3. The anode side gasket 6 has a port seal portion that controls the inflow / outflow state of fluid (liquid, gas) with respect to a predetermined port around the anode side power supply body 4A.
Further, the hydrogen generation chamber C side region includes an electrode plate 3, a cathode side power supply body 4 </ b> C provided so as to be in contact with the electrode plate 3 and the solid electrolyte membrane 2, and a gasket body that fits into a predetermined portion of the electrode plate 3. And a cathode side gasket 5 having a port seal portion for controlling a fluid inflow / outflow state with respect to a predetermined port around the cathode side power supply body 4C.

  As the solid electrolyte membrane 2, a so-called solid polymer electrolyte membrane is used in which a catalyst electrode of a porous layer made of a platinum group metal or the like is formed on both surfaces of an ion conductive polymer membrane by chemical plating or hot pressing. Since this solid polymer electrolyte membrane is a relatively thin and soft membrane, there is a possibility of damage if the contact surface pressure with the porous power feeder 4 is increased. When sandwiched in a line contact state as in the prior art, the contact surface pressure locally increases and places a burden on the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. However, according to the present embodiment, since the surface pressure can be made uniform when the plurality of electrolytic cell units 10 are stacked, the solid electrolyte membrane 2 is not damaged and water electrolysis is stably maintained. Also, the possibility of damage to the solid electrolyte membrane 2 is greatly reduced by the action of gaskets 5 and 6 described later. Details will be described later.

  The electrode plate 3 is formed of a plate portion 3a which is an inner portion of the electrode plate 3 and a peripheral edge portion 3b provided on the outer peripheral portion of the plate portion 3a. Between the plate portion 3a and the peripheral edge portion 3b, A side uneven portion 3c (corresponding to "groove portion" of the present invention) and an inner side uneven portion 3d (corresponding to "groove portion" of the present invention) having a groove depth lower than that of the outer uneven portion 3 are formed. (See FIG. 2, FIG. 3, etc.). These concavo-convex portions 3c and 3d are formed to be bent so that gaskets 5 and 6 described in detail later can be appropriately fitted. The electrode plate 3 can be obtained by molding a titanium plate with a mold press.

  Further, the electrode plate 3 is formed by a mold press as described above, and as shown in FIG. 10, the peripheral edge portion 3b is bent so that the concave portions 38 and the convex portions 39 are alternately arranged along the outer peripheral edge. Is formed. Here, FIG. 10A shows a plan view of the electrode plate 3, FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C shows FIG. The CC sectional view taken on the line is shown.

In the electrode plate 3 according to the present embodiment, the concave portion 38 and the convex portion 39 constituting the peripheral edge portion 3b are each formed in a shape (a kind of trapezoid) obtained by cutting a regular hexagon at a center line connecting the diagonals. (See FIG. 10 (c)).
Further, as is clear from FIG. 10A, the alignment of the concave portions 38 and the convex portions 39 is shifted by a half pitch between the opposing sides. Therefore, when two electrode plates 3 having the same configuration are rotated by 180 ° and overlapped with each other, the concave portion 38 and the convex portion 39 are opposed to each other. When the electrolytic cell 1 is assembled by alternately rotating the multi-stage electrode plate units 3 by 180 ° in this way, as shown in FIG. 1B, the side surface of the electrolytic cell 1 has a plurality of electrode plates. 3 has a honeycomb-like structure formed by the three peripheral portions 3b, that is, a three-dimensional hexagonal honeycomb structure.
With such a configuration, the pressure strength of the electrolytic cell can be maintained or improved while using a thin electrode plate as compared with a conventional electrode plate. Moreover, since the electrode plate 3 having such a shape has elasticity in the stacking direction of the electrolysis cell 1, it is possible to make the sealing surface pressure of the electrolysis cell uniform. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell 1 having such a honeycomb structure also has an appropriate elastic force resulting from its material and shape, and can absorb an increase in contact surface pressure due to thermal expansion.

In addition, since each electrode plate 3 is a bipolar type, when laminating a plurality of electrolytic cell units 10, one surface functions as an anode side and the other surface functions as a cathode side, and the respective surfaces are stacked. The upper and lower electrolytic cell units 10 are configured. That is, in FIG. 4, the lower surface of the electrode plate 3 positioned on the upper side (oxygen generation chamber (+) side) functions as an anode of the electrolysis cell unit 10, and the upper surface thereof is provided with another electrolysis cell unit (further above). It functions as a cathode of an electrolytic cell unit (not shown). Similarly, in FIG. 4, the upper surface of the electrode plate 3 positioned below (on the hydrogen generation chamber (−) side) functions as a cathode of the electrolysis cell unit 10, and the lower surface thereof is provided in another electrolysis cell unit (further below). It functions as an anode of an electrolysis cell unit (not shown).
Moreover, as a forming material of the electrode plate 3 used in this embodiment, it is preferable to employ a plate-like member having a thickness that can be press-molded. This is because the plate member having a thickness capable of being press-molded can easily and inexpensively manufacture the electrode plate 3 having the concave portion and the convex portion.

  As the porous power feeder 4, as described above, the anode-side power feeder 4A provided on the oxygen generation chamber A side and the cathode-side power feeder 4C provided on the hydrogen generation chamber C side are used.

The anode-side power feeding body 4A preferably has a configuration in which pure water is appropriately circulated, the electrical resistance between the electrode plates 3 is small, and the solid electrolyte membrane 2 is not damaged, and has, for example, a two-layer structure. Has been. Specifically, the electrode plate side proximity part made of punched metal such as titanium having a predetermined porosity, expanded metal, etc., and metal fibers, powders and particles such as titanium, tantalum, and zirconium are sintered. 4A of anode side electric power feeding bodies are comprised by the electrolyte membrane side adjacent part comprised in this way.
The cathode-side power feeder 4C includes, for example, an electrode plate side proximity portion made of a punching metal, an expanded metal, etc. made of titanium or stainless steel having a predetermined porosity, a metal fiber such as carbon or stainless steel, It is comprised by the electrolyte membrane side proximity | contact part comprised by sintering powder and particle | grains.
Further, these power feeders 4 may be plated with noble metal such as platinum.

As shown in FIG. 4, according to the present embodiment, the anode-side power feeder 4A is provided with notches at one of the four corners and ports at the remaining three, and the cathode Although the side power supply 4C has been described with respect to the case where the notch portions are provided at the three corners and the port is provided at the remaining one location, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
Therefore, for example, in order to improve the sealing performance of the power feeding body, the power feeding body may have a double structure, and the structure of the four corners may be changed. Specifically, for example, the power feeding body is a double structure using a conductive plate (conductive plate) provided on the electrode plate side and a fiber sintered body (conductive sintered body) provided on the electrolyte membrane side. (Double structure power feeder), the conductive plate is provided with notches similar to those of the power feeder 4 shown in FIG. 4, and notches are provided at all four corners of the fiber sintered body overlaid thereon. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a flat-plate-shaped sealing member may be separately arrange | positioned in a required notch part. Here, the “flat seal member” is a flat plate member made of a material having high rigidity and mechanical strength such as titanium or stainless steel, and fits tightly into the cutout portion of the fiber sintered body. It is configured to have an outer shape, and the inner diameter thereof is configured in the same shape as the port of each power feeding body 4 shown in FIG. That is, you may comprise an electric power feeding body using the conductive plate, the fiber sintered compact and flat plate-shaped sealing member which were piled up on it. According to such a configuration, since the corner port is sealed by the flat plate sealing member (the flat plate member having high rigidity and mechanical strength), it is possible to improve the sealing performance at the port. Mixing of hydrogen and oxygen in can be prevented.

  As the conductive plate described above, for example, a plate having a flat plate portion and a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the plate portion, and having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the thickness direction may be used. Good. Here, the protruding portion is preferably a protruding piece including a leg portion extending from the peripheral portion of the through hole and a flat portion substantially parallel to the plate portion. Moreover, it is preferable that the protruding piece is formed by making a cut to form a through hole in the plate portion and protruding to one side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the angle formed between the leg portion of the protruding piece and the plate portion is 30 ° or more. Moreover, it is preferable that the aperture ratio (total opening area of a plurality of through holes / total area of one surface of the conductive plate) of the conductive plate is 30% or more and 70% or less. Furthermore, the conductive plate is obtained by processing a conductive plate, and the thickness of the plate is preferably 0.2 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less.

The cathode side gasket 5 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the cathode side gasket 5 as seen from the direction of the VV line in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.
As shown in these drawings, the cathode side gasket 5 according to the present embodiment includes a gasket main body 50 (corresponding to “seal member” and “second seal member” of the present invention) and the gasket main body 50 in three directions. It is comprised using the port seal part 53 provided in the corner part.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cathode side gasket 5 according to the present embodiment is fitted to the upper surface side (upper surface side in FIG. 2, etc.) of the inner side uneven portion 3 d of the electrode plate 3. In order to prevent leakage of fluid from the cathode side power supply 4C, the cathode side power supply 4C is provided so as to cover the periphery. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the gasket main body portion 50 of the cathode side gasket 5 is fitted with one surface (the surface having the protruding port seal portion 53) on the upper surface side of the inner uneven portion 3d. The surface (smooth surface) is configured to be in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane 2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the port seal portion 53 is in contact with the electrode plate 3 side. Specifically, the port seal portion 53 covers the periphery of the port formed in the plate portion 3a of the electrode plate 3. Contact with. In the present embodiment, since the port seal portion 53 is in contact with such a position, when the components are stacked and tightened with a press, the port seal portion 53 is compressed, and the inside and outside of the hole for oxygen and the hole for pure water are compressed. It is possible to appropriately prevent fluid leakage and the like (leaching of oxygen and pure water from the oxygen hole and pure water hole, and entry of hydrogen from the power supply 4C into the oxygen hole and pure water hole).

The anode side gasket 6 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the anode side gasket 6 viewed from the VI-VI line direction of FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
As shown in these drawings, the anode-side gasket 6 according to the present embodiment is provided at a gasket body 60 (corresponding to a “seal member” of the present invention) and at one corner of the gasket body 60. The port seal part 63 is used. The gasket main body portion 60 is configured using an outer main body portion 61 (corresponding to the “first seal member” of the present invention) and an inner main body portion 62 (corresponding to the “third seal member” of the present invention).

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the anode side gasket 6 according to the present embodiment has the outer main body portion 61 fitted on the lower surface side (the lower surface side in FIG. 2, etc.) of the outer side uneven portion 3 c. In order to prevent fluid leakage from the anode-side power feeding body 4A in a state where the inner main body 62 is fitted to the lower surface side (the lower surface side in FIG. 2 and the like) of the inner side uneven portion 3d, It is provided so as to cover the periphery of the body 4A. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the gasket main body portion 60 of the anode side gasket 6 has one surface (the surface having the protruding port seal portion 63) as the lower surface of the outer side uneven portion 3c and the inner side uneven portion 3d. The other surface (smooth surface) is in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane 2.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the port seal portion 63 is in contact with the electrode plate 3 side. Specifically, the port seal portion 63 is a port (hydrogen hole 14 formed in the plate portion 3 a of the electrode plate 3. ) In this embodiment, since the port seal portion 63 is in contact with such a position, when the components are stacked and tightened with a press machine, the port seal portion 63 is compressed and fluid leaks inside and outside the hydrogen hole 14. Etc. (leakage of hydrogen from the hydrogen holes 14 and intrusion of pure water and oxygen into the hydrogen holes 14 from the power supply 4A) can be prevented appropriately.

As described above, the solid electrolyte membrane 2, the electrode plate 3, the porous power feeder 4, and the gaskets 5 and 6 are laminated, and the laminated state is shown enlarged. 7. FIG. 7 shows a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the periphery of the electrolysis cell according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the gasket body portions 50 and 60 forming the gaskets 5 and 6 according to the present embodiment have electrode surface portions having projecting port seal portions 53 and 63 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), respectively. A smooth surface (a surface not having the port seal portions 53, 63) is in contact with the plate 3 so as to contact the solid electrolyte membrane 2. The gasket body portions 50 and 60 are configured so that the inner peripheral surfaces of the gasket body portions 50 and 60 cover the periphery of the power feeders 4C and 4A in a state where the gasket body portions 50 and 60 are fitted to the uneven portions 3c and 3d of the electrode plate 3, respectively. Has been.
That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of the solid electrolyte membrane 2, the electrode plate 3, the porous power feeder 4, and the gaskets 5 and 6 having the positional relationship as described above are stacked. Thus, the electrolysis cell 1 is configured.

  The electrolysis cell according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and oxygen and hydrogen are generated and appropriately extracted as follows.

First, in the present embodiment, pure water is supplied to the anode-side power feeder 4A through the pure water holes 15 and 16, and current is supplied (energized) to each electrode plate 3. If it does so, pure water will be decomposed | disassembled in the anode side catalyst layer of the solid electrolyte membrane 2 mainly located in the oxygen generation chamber A (anode side electric power feeding body 4A) side, and oxygen gas will be generated. At this time, a portion of the pure water also functions as cooling water for cooling the electrolysis cell and the like, so that not all pure water is decomposed.
When oxygen gas is generated in the oxygen generation chamber A, oxygen gas and pure water are extracted outside the electrolytic cell 1 through the oxygen holes 13 provided in the electrode plate 3. In addition, since the periphery of the hydrogen hole 14 provided in the electrode plate 3 is appropriately sealed by the port seal portion 63 provided in the anode side gasket 6, oxygen gas and pure water are introduced to the hydrogen hole 14 side. There is no leakage.

Next, in the present embodiment, H + ions generated simultaneously with oxygen gas move in the solid electrolyte membrane 2 by the action of an electric field. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the H + ions move, the hydrogen ions obtain electrons in the cathode side catalyst layer of the solid electrolyte membrane 2 located on the hydrogen generation chamber C (cathode side feeder 4C) side, Hydrogen gas is generated.
When hydrogen gas is generated in the hydrogen generation chamber C, the hydrogen gas is extracted to the outside of the electrolysis cell 1 through the hydrogen holes 14 provided in the electrode plate. Each port (oxygen hole 13 and pure water holes 15 and 16) on the hydrogen generation chamber C side was generated because it was appropriately sealed by the port seal portion 53 provided in the cathode side gasket 5. Hydrogen gas does not leak into ports other than the hydrogen holes 14.

  Since the electrolytic cell according to the present embodiment is configured and functions as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, uneven portions 3c and 3d for arranging gaskets 5 and 6 are formed in the vicinity of the peripheral portion of the electrode plate 3, and the uneven portions 3c and 3d. The inner periphery of the gaskets 5, 6 covers the outer periphery of the porous power supply 4, and the smooth surfaces of the gasket main body portions 50, 60 forming the gaskets 5, 6 are in contact with the respective surfaces of the solid electrolyte membrane 2. It is configured as follows. The anode-side gasket main body portion 60 includes an outer main body portion 61 and an inner main body portion 62. The solid electrolyte membrane 2 is sandwiched between the inner main body portion 62 and the cathode-side gasket main body portion 50. The outer main body 61 is provided on the outer side of the gasket main body 50 on the cathode side.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, since the gaskets 5 and 6 constitute the sealing surfaces in a state of being fitted to the concave and convex portions 3c and 3d, respectively, the pressure in the electrolytic cell 1 is increased. However, the gaskets 5 and 6 do not shift or protrude on the electrode plate 3. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the electrolysis cell 1 having a high sealing performance as compared with the conventional configuration (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the contact portions of the gaskets 5 and 6 when the constituent elements are stacked are brought into a state of contact in a planar shape (a state sealed with a “surface”). The electrolytic cell 1 having a high sealing property can be obtained as compared with a configuration having a seal portion in a line contact state such as

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the periphery of the solid electrolyte membrane 2 is sandwiched between the gaskets 5 and 6. Therefore, compared to the case where one is sandwiched between electrode plates as in the conventional case (see Patent Document 2), according to the present embodiment, the electrolytic cell 1 capable of reducing the deterioration of the solid electrolyte membrane is provided. Obtainable.

In the present embodiment, the outer main body 61 and the inner main body 62 constituting the gasket main body 60 of the anode side gasket 6 are integrally configured.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the pressure in the electrolysis cell 1 increases, the shift of the gasket 6 can be more securely prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the gasket 6 configured using the two elements 61 and 62 as described above is configured so as to be in contact with the surface side where the pressure is low (the oxygen generation chamber A side in the above embodiment). It is preferable.
This is because the bent portion of the electrode plate 3 according to the present embodiment is not vertical because of press molding, and is on the same surface side of the groove portion in which the cathode side gasket (gasket body portion 50) is arranged in the electrode plate 3, This is because a slight gap region 71 (see FIG. 7) where the gasket (seal member) cannot be pressed is formed in the further outer portion of the outer main body 61 of the side gasket. That is, in the normal state in which such a gap region 71 is formed, if the gasket 6 side is in a high pressure state, the gasket 6 may be displaced in the direction of the gap region 71. As described above, the gasket 6 has a low pressure side. It is preferable to configure so as to be in contact with the oxygen generation chamber A side.

In order to correct the problems caused by having the gap region 71 as described above, for example, a configuration in which a spacer 72 is provided in the gap region 71 as shown in FIG. 11 is preferable.
If the spacer 72 is provided in this way, the gasket does not shift even if any surface side is in a high-pressure state, so that an electrolysis cell corresponding to a higher pressure can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, etc., the gasket body portions 50 and 60 and the port seal portions 53 and 63 are integrally configured, so that the conventional (see Patent Document 2). The electrolytic cell 1 can be configured without providing a spacer such as Therefore, the electrolytic cell 1 which can reduce the number of parts and can eliminate the complexity of the assembly process can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the periphery of the porous power feeder 4 (oxygen generation chamber A, hydrogen generation chamber C) is securely sealed by the gasket main body portions 50, 60, and the port seal portions 53, 63 are used. Since the inflow / outflow state of the fluid can be reliably controlled, the configuration can be simplified as compared with the prior art by eliminating the spacer, and the electrolytic cell 1 having high sealing performance can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the electrolytic cell 1 is configured without using a conventional spacer (see Patent Document 2), the contact area between the solid electrolyte membrane 2 and the power feeder 4 is increased accordingly. It is possible to expand the electrolysis area by expanding the area.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since each port seal part 53 and 63 is formed in projection shape, when each cell is laminated | stacked and the electrolysis cell 1 is comprised, projection port seal part 53, 63 can be compressed to more effectively seal around each port.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the gasket (cathode side gasket 5) having a one-stage configuration (the fitting portion is only the gasket main body portion 50) and the two-stage configuration (the fitting portion is an outer main body portion 61 and an inner main body portion 62). Although the case where the electrolysis cell 1 is configured by combination with two gaskets (the anode side gasket 6) has been described, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Therefore, for example, a combination of a one-stage configuration and a three-stage configuration or more, a combination of multiple-stage configurations, etc., such as an allowable range of the size of the electrode plate and the electrolysis cell, or a necessary sealing property can be changed as appropriate. Is possible.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where a gasket and each port seal part were couple | bonded was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this structure. Therefore, it is good also as a separate body for a gasket and each port seal part as needed. For example, a spacer may be provided as in the prior art, and the spacer and each port seal portion may be configured integrally.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the electrolysis apparatus of the water which generate | occur | produces hydrogen as a cathode gas and oxygen as an anode gas was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, as long as it is a device that generates gas by electrolysis of water, such as one that generates ozone as the anode gas, its use and application range are not particularly limited.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the material of the gaskets 5 and 6 was not mentioned in particular, if it has desired durability, elasticity, etc., it will not be limited to any material. Therefore, for example, as a material for forming the gaskets 5 and 6, it is possible to use fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, or the like.
In order to protect the gaskets 5 and 6, a protective member may be inserted between the solid electrolyte membrane 2 and the gaskets 5 and 6.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the peripheral part of the electrode plate demonstrated the case where it was trapezoid shape, this invention is not limited to this structure. Therefore, for example, it may be a corrugated shape in which semicircular concave portions and convex portions are alternately continued, or a peripheral portion having a trapezoidal shape or a rectangular shape different from the above embodiment.

Furthermore, as described above, the electrolysis cell according to the present embodiment has high sealing performance and pressure resistance, and thus is suitable for configuring a high-pressure system (for example, a system that generates high-pressure hydrogen).
More specifically, since the electrode plate is a concavo-convex press-molded plate and the gasket is provided with a protrusion that enhances the sealing performance, the pressure resistance of the electrolytic cell is greatly improved as compared with the conventional case. In addition, it is possible to prevent damage to the film and increase in voltage by adopting the double structure described above (double structure using a conductive plate and a fiber sintered body) for the power feeding body. , Resistance to differential pressure can be improved. Further, since the gasket with the protrusion is used, the sealing performance around the port can be improved, and the differential pressure can be effectively maintained between the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas ports (between the passages).

Conventionally, when high-pressure hydrogen is generated, an electrolytic cell is placed in an electrolytic tank (O ₂ tank) to reduce the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the electrolytic cell, and the pressure difference between the oxygen side and the hydrogen side of the electrolytic cell. In order to control the pressure or the differential pressure between hydrogen and oxygen, a high-pressure system (for example, a high-pressure hydrogen generator) has been configured.
However, since the electrolysis cell according to the above-described embodiment has a very high sealing performance and pressure resistance, there is no need to place an electrolysis cell in the electrolysis tank (O ₂ tank) even when a high-pressure side system is configured. A high-pressure system (FIGS. 12 and 13) (corresponding to the “hydrogen oxygen generator” of the present invention) can be configured using a small electrolytic tank (O ₂ tank).

FIG. 12 shows an example of a high-pressure system (corresponding to the “hydrogen oxygen generator” of the present invention) configured using the above-described electrolytic cell.
In the system shown in FIG. 12, an electrolysis cell 1 is disposed in the atmosphere, and a makeup water tank WT, an oxygen separator (O 2 tank) ST, and a hydrogen separator HT are connected to the electrolysis cell 1. ing.

  A pipe that connects between the makeup water tank WT and the upstream water source is provided with a makeup water control valve 125W and a first pump P1 that supplies makeup water to the makeup water tank WT. Further, the makeup water tank WT is provided with a water level sensor 121W, and a makeup water control valve is set so that the water level in the makeup water tank WT is in an appropriate state based on the detection value of the water level sensor 121W. 125W is controlled.

  The water in the make-up water tank WT is supplied to the electrolysis cell 1 by a second pump P2 provided in a pipe connecting the make-up water tank WT and the electrolysis cell 1, and in this electrolysis cell 1 using this water, Oxygen and hydrogen are produced.

  Oxygen generated in the electrolysis cell 1 is sent to the oxygen separator ST via a pipe. The oxygen separator ST is provided with a water level sensor 121S and a pressure sensor 122S, and the water level control valve 125S and the pressure control valve 124S are controlled using these sensors. The water in the oxygen separator ST is returned to the makeup water tank WT via the water level control valve 125S and supplied again into the electrolysis cell 1.

  The hydrogen generated in the electrolysis cell 1 is sent to the hydrogen separator HT via a pipe. The hydrogen separator HT is provided with a water level sensor 121H and a pressure sensor 122H, and the water level control valve 125H and the pressure control valve 124H are controlled using these sensors. A pipe to which hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen separator HT (between the hydrogen separator HT and the pressure control valve 124H in FIG. 12) is provided with a dehumidifier 123, and the generated hydrogen is dehumidified. Dehumidified by the vessel 123 and supplied to a predetermined location.

  That is, according to FIG. 12, even when the electrolysis cell 1 is disposed in the atmosphere, it is possible to operate by controlling the pressure or differential pressure between hydrogen and oxygen, and a predetermined pressure from low pressure to high pressure. Of hydrogen can be generated and supplied. That is, by using the electrolytic cell 1 according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to cope with a high pressure type using a system similar to the low pressure type in the prior art.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 12, since the electrolytic tank that has conventionally been required to contain the electrolytic cell can be separated and reduced in size as the oxygen separator ST, the entire system can be reduced in size. .

FIG. 13 shows another example of the high-pressure side system (corresponding to the “hydrogen oxygen generator” of the present invention) configured using the above-described electrolysis cell.
In the system shown in FIG. 13, the electrolysis cell 1 is disposed in the atmosphere, and the make-up water tank WT and the hydrogen separator HT are connected to the electrolysis cell 1.

  A makeup water control valve 125 </ b> W is provided in a pipe that connects between the makeup water tank WT and a further upstream water source. Further, the makeup water tank WT is provided with a water level sensor 121W, and a makeup water control valve is set so that the water level in the makeup water tank WT is in an appropriate state based on the detection value of the water level sensor 121W. 125W is controlled.

  The water in the make-up water tank WT is supplied to the electrolysis cell 1 by a second pump P2 provided in a pipe connecting the make-up water tank WT and the electrolysis cell 1, and in this electrolysis cell 1 using this water, Oxygen and hydrogen are produced.

  Oxygen generated in the electrolysis cell 1 is sent to the makeup water tank WT via a pipe, and the generated hydrogen is sent to the hydrogen separator HT via the pipe.

  The hydrogen separator HT is provided with a water level sensor 121H and a pressure sensor 122H, and the water level control valve 125H and the pressure control valve 124H are controlled using these sensors. A pipe to which hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen separator HT (between the hydrogen separator HT and the pressure control valve 124H in FIG. 13) is provided with a dehumidifier 123, and the generated hydrogen is dehumidified. Dehumidified by the vessel 123 and supplied to a predetermined location.

  That is, according to FIG. 13, even when the electrolysis cell 1 is disposed in the atmosphere, it is possible to operate by controlling only the hydrogen pressure with the oxygen side at atmospheric pressure, from low pressure to high pressure. Hydrogen of a predetermined pressure can be generated and supplied.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 13, an oxygen separator is not required, and the makeup water tank WT can also be used. Further, since the oxygen side is at atmospheric pressure, a pump for supplying makeup water is not necessary. Further, since pressure sensing of the oxygen separator is not required, the size can be reduced. Moreover, since the pressure resistance of the circulating water line becomes unnecessary, piping becomes easy.

  As described above, if the system is as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus, and the installation area of the apparatus is reduced. Cost can be reduced.

Moreover, it becomes possible to comprise a power-saving water electrolysis apparatus by downsizing in this way.
In order to save power, an electrode membrane assembly with a low cell voltage is used. In this case, however, the amount of heat generated by electrolysis (heat loss) is reduced, so the electrolysis temperature is further increased to increase the activity of the electrode catalyst. Has a shortage of heat generation and an external heating mechanism must be provided in the water electrolysis apparatus (that is, conventionally, since the cell voltage is high and the heat generation amount is large, a cooling mechanism such as a heat exchanger has been provided in the circulating water line. .)
However, if the apparatus is miniaturized using the electrolytic cell according to the present embodiment described above, the amount of water retained in the entire apparatus including piping and equipment can be reduced, and only 80 ° C. or more can be generated only by heat generated by electrolysis. The temperature can be increased. Moreover, the generation pressure of hydrogen is 0.85 MPa to 1 MPa (differential pressure 0.85 MPa to 1 MPa), and the membrane is not damaged, and the power consumption is 4.0 kWh / Nm 3 or less.

It is the schematic of the electrolytic cell concerning embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part among the II-II line cross sections of Fig.1 (a). It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part among the III-III line cross sections of Fig.1 (a). It is a disassembled perspective view of the electrolytic cell unit which comprises the electrolytic cell concerning this embodiment. It is a top view of the cathode side gasket seen from the VV line direction of FIG. It is a top view of the anode side gasket seen from the VI-VI line direction of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale near the peripheral part of the electrolytic cell concerning this embodiment. It is the VIII-VIII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the IX-IX sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the schematic of the electrode plate which comprises the electrolytic cell concerning this embodiment, Fig.10 (a) is a top view, FIG.10 (b) is the BB sectional drawing of Fig.10 (a), FIG.10 (c). ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale near the peripheral part of the electrolysis cell concerning other embodiments of the present invention. It is a system configuration figure showing an example of a high-pressure type system constituted using an electrolysis cell concerning this embodiment. It is a system block diagram which showed the other example of the high voltage | pressure type | system | group system comprised using the electrolytic cell concerning this embodiment. It is decomposition | disassembly sectional drawing of the electrolytic cell concerning a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electrolytic cell, 2 ... Solid electrolyte membrane, 3 ... Electrode plate, 3a ... Plate part (inner part), 3b ... Peripheral part, 3c ... Outer side uneven part, 3d ... Inner side uneven part, 4 ... Porous Power feeding body (4A ... anode side feeding body, 4C ... cathode side feeding body), 5 ... cathode side gasket, 6 ... anode side gasket, 10 ... electrolytic cell unit, 13 ... oxygen hole, 14 ... hydrogen hole, 15 , 16 ... pure water hole, 22 ... end plate, 23 ... clamping bolt, 24 ... nut, 25 ... disc spring, 38 ... concave part, 39 ... convex part, 50 ... gasket main body part, 53 ... port seal part, 60 ... gasket main body part, 61 ... outer main body part, 62 ... inner main body part, 63 ... port seal part, 71 ... gap area, 72 ... spacer, A ... oxygen generation chamber, C ... hydrogen generation chamber pace

Claims (5)

A pair of electrode plates, a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the pair of electrode plates, and between the one electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane and between the other electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane. And a gasket that covers the periphery of the power supply,
Each of the electrode plate, the solid electrolyte membrane, and the power feeder has a pure water port for supplying pure water to be electrolyzed in the solid electrolyte membrane at a corresponding position, respectively. A port for oxygen for taking out oxygen generated by electrolyzing the pure water and a port for hydrogen for taking out hydrogen generated by electrolyzing the pure water are formed. ,
In the electrolytic cell where the gasket is formed with a port seal portion protruding toward the electrode plate so as to cover the periphery of each port,
The power supply body includes a conductive plate and a sintered body disposed closer to the solid electrolyte membrane than the conductive plate, and the conductive plate has ports formed at positions corresponding to the ports. In the sintered body, notches are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the respective ports formed in the conductive plate, and the respective notches are sealed with the respective ports. An electrolysis cell in which a sealing member is disposed.   The electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member has a flat plate shape having a hole having the same shape as each port. A pair of electrode plates, a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the pair of electrode plates, an anode-side power feeder disposed between one electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane, and an anode covering the periphery of the anode-side power feeder A side gasket, a cathode-side power feeder disposed between the other electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane, and a cathode-side gasket covering the periphery of the cathode-side power feeder,
The pair of electrode plates has a pure water port for supplying pure water to be electrolyzed in the solid electrolyte membrane, and takes out oxygen generated by the electrolysis of the pure water. A port for oxygen and a port for hydrogen for taking out hydrogen generated by electrolyzing the pure water, respectively,
The anode-side power feeder has a pure water port at a position corresponding to the pure water port of the one electrode plate, and an oxygen port at a position corresponding to the oxygen port of the one electrode plate. Each having a conductive plate formed with a notch at a position corresponding to the hydrogen port of the one electrode plate;
The anode side gasket is formed with a port seal portion protruding toward the one electrode plate so as to cover the periphery of the hydrogen port at a position corresponding to the cutout portion of the conductive plate of the anode side feeder. Has been
The cathode-side power feeder has a hydrogen port formed at a position corresponding to the hydrogen port of the other electrode plate, and corresponds to a pure water port and an oxygen port of the other electrode plate. A conductive plate with a notch formed at each position,
The cathode-side gasket includes the other electrode so as to cover the periphery of the pure water port and the oxygen port at positions corresponding to the notches of the conductive plates of the cathode-side power feeder. In the electrolysis cell in which the port seal part protruding on the plate side is formed,
The anode-side power feeder is disposed on the solid electrolyte membrane side of the conductive plate, and is cut at positions corresponding to the pure water port, the oxygen port, and the cutout portion of the conductive plate. Each of which is provided with a sintered body having notches formed therein, the cathode-side power feeder being disposed on the solid electrolyte membrane side of the conductive plate, and a port for hydrogen of the conductive plate and each notch And a sintered body in which notches are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the
A notch corresponding to each of the pure water port and oxygen port of the sintered body of the anode side power feeder, and a notch corresponding to a hydrogen port of the sintered body of the cathode side power feeder And a flat plate-shaped sealing member having a hole having a shape corresponding to the shape of each of the ports is disposed.   The electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is made of titanium.   A hydrogen-oxygen generator comprising the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.