JP2022178797A - Compression device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a compression device capable of appropriately suppressing inflow around through-holes in an electrolyte membrane of compressed hydrogen, flowing out of a cathode, to an anode.SOLUTION: A compression device comprises: an electrolyte membrane that has a through hole in the center; an anode that is provided on one entire major surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode that is provided on the other entire major surface of the electrolyte membrane; a voltage applying device that applies voltage between the anode and the cathode; a first protective sheet that covers from the anode around the through hole to a part of the through hole; and a seal member that is provided on the first protective sheet. The compression device moves protons extracted from an anode fluid supplied to the anode by applying the voltage from the voltage applying device to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane to generate compressed hydrogen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

The present disclosure relates to compression devices.

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, carbon-free fuel cell vehicles, which run by driving motors using electric power generated by fuel cells, have attracted attention as one of the measures against global warming. However, in order to popularize fuel cell vehicles, the challenge is how to prepare the infrastructure for supplying hydrogen gas, which is the fuel, and how many hydrogen stations can be installed throughout the country. In particular, the increase in size of hydrogen refining and compressing equipment and the enormous installation costs are obstacles to the nationwide deployment of hydrogen stations.

Therefore, in the coming carbon-free hydrogen society, in addition to producing hydrogen, there is a demand for technological development that can store hydrogen gas at high density and transport or use it in a small volume at low cost. Therefore, various proposals have been made to purify and pressurize high-purity hydrogen gas in order to stably supply hydrogen to the fuel supply infrastructure.

For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes an electrochemical compression device as an example of the compression device. In this electrochemical compressor, protons in a low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas containing hydrogen as a main component are electrochemically permeated from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, thereby producing compressed hydrogen at the cathode.

Specifically, the cell of this electrochemical compression device includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) including an electrolyte membrane and catalyst layers provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. An anode power feeder and a cathode power feeder are respectively arranged on both sides of the MEA. Also, the electrochemical compression device is provided with an anode separator and a cathode separator, respectively, for holding the cell's power supply and the MEA from both sides. Here, in the anode separator, an anode channel is formed such that low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas flows into the anode power supply and excess low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas is discharged from the anode power supply. A cathode flow path is formed in the cathode separator so as to discharge compressed hydrogen from the cathode power supply to the outside. Impurities may be mixed in the low-pressure hydrogen-containing gas. For example, the hydrogen-containing gas may be hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis of water, by-product gas produced in a steel factory or the like, or reformed gas obtained by reforming city gas.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 propose a water electrolysis device as an example of the compression device. In this water electrolysis device, water is electrolyzed at the anode to decompose it into oxygen and hydrogen, and the protons generated at the anode are electrochemically permeated from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane. Compressed hydrogen is produced at the cathode. In this method, the same device configuration as the electrochemical hydrogen compression is adopted, and the flow path through which high-pressure hydrogen flows is provided in the center of the cell in plan view, and membrane breakage at the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane is suppressed. In order to do so, a configuration has been proposed in which an insulating reinforcing member having a compressive strength higher than that of the electrolyte membrane is provided on the electrolyte membrane.

In the electrochemical compression device and the water electrolysis device described above, it is common to fix such a laminate by sandwiching a laminate in which a plurality of cells and separators are alternately laminated between anode end plates and cathode end plates. It is a typical fastening structure.

Patent No. 6299027 Patent No. 6426654 Patent No. 6549686

An object of the present disclosure is to provide, as an example, a compression device that can appropriately prevent compressed hydrogen that has flowed out of a cathode from flowing around through-holes in an electrolyte membrane and flowing into an anode.

In order to solve the above problems, a compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane having a through hole in the center, an anode provided on one entire main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode provided on the other main surface; a voltage applicator applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode; a first protective sheet covering from the anode around the through-hole to a part of the through-hole; and a sealing member provided on the first protective sheet.

The compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can provide the effect of appropriately suppressing the compressed hydrogen that has flowed out of the cathode from flowing around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane and flowing into the anode.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of section B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of portion B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of the third embodiment. 3B is an enlarged view of section B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 3A.

In Patent Documents 2 and 3, a sealing member (O-ring) is provided on the inner edge of the annular electrolyte membrane to prevent high-pressure hydrogen from flowing into the anode. In other words, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the main surface of the inner edge portion of the electrolyte membrane has a region with which the seal member contacts.

On the other hand, when the anode and the cathode are provided on the entire main surface of the electrolyte membrane, the sealing member cannot be arranged on the electrolyte membrane following the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. .

Therefore, the compression device of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane having a through hole in the center, an anode provided on one entire main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode provided on the other entire main surface of the electrolyte membrane. a cathode, a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode, and protons extracted from the anode fluid supplied to the anode by applying a voltage from the voltage applicator to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane. and a device for generating compressed hydrogen, comprising: a first protective sheet covering from the anode around the through hole to a part of the through hole; and a sealing member provided on the first protective sheet.

According to such a configuration, the compression device of this aspect can appropriately prevent the compressed hydrogen that has flowed out from the cathode from flowing around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane and flowing into the anode.

Specifically, the first protective sheet covers the electrolyte membrane from the anode around the through-hole to part of the through-hole. Therefore, in the compression device of this aspect, the first protective sheet prevents the compressed hydrogen that has flowed out of the cathode from flowing into the anode around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane.

Here, when each member constituting the compression device (hereinafter referred to as a component member) is fastened in the stacking direction, the sealing member between the component members is crushed in the stacking direction by the fastening force applied, so that the sealing member and these The gas sealability between the constituent members is exhibited. Therefore, a reaction force (elastic force) for exhibiting the gas sealing property of the seal member acts on the constituent members in contact with the seal member in the stacking direction.

Then, when the anode and the sealing member are arranged so as to overlap each other in plan view, the anode may be damaged by the reaction force of the sealing member.

Therefore, in the compression device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device of the first aspect, the sealing member may be provided on the first protective sheet on the anode.

According to this configuration, in the compression device of this aspect, even when the anode and the seal member are arranged so as to overlap each other in a plan view, the first protective sheet is formed between the seal member and the anode. Since the first protective sheet is provided, the damage to the anode due to the reaction force of the seal member can be mitigated.

A compression device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device according to the first aspect, wherein the seal member is provided on the first protective sheet that partially covers the through hole.

As described above, the reaction force (elastic force) for exhibiting the gas sealing property of the sealing member acts on the constituent members in contact with the sealing member in the stacking direction.

Then, when the anode and the sealing member are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view, the anode is less likely to be damaged by the reaction force of the sealing member. However, in this case, the shear force generated by the force pressing the electrolyte membrane (hydrogen gas pressure) and the force pressing the first protective sheet (reaction force of the sealing member) acts as the boundary between the electrolyte membrane and the first protective sheet. act on the surface. At this time, if sealing failure due to the shear force occurs at the contact portion between the end surface of the electrolyte membrane and the first protective sheet, compressed hydrogen from the cathode may flow into the anode.

Therefore, in the compression device of this aspect, the first protective sheet covers up to the anode around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane, so that the first protective sheet is provided only in the through-hole. It is possible to reduce the possibility of seal failure occurring.

A compression device of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device of any one of the first to third aspects, including a second protective sheet that covers a part of the through hole from the cathode around the through hole, the first The second protective sheet and the second protective sheet may be joined together in a region covering part of the through hole.

According to such a configuration, in the compression device of this aspect, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode flows into the anode around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane more effectively than in the case of only the first protective sheet. Suppressed.

Also, in the compression device of this aspect, the second protective sheet can reduce damage to the cathode caused by the reaction force of the seal member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first protective sheet may be bonded to the anode around the through-hole.

If the first protective sheet were not bonded to the anode around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode would flow around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane and reach the anode through the gap between them. may flow in.

However, in the compression device of this aspect, the bonding between the first protective sheet and the anode reduces the gap between them, so that the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode flows into the anode around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane. Possibility can be reduced.

The compression device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be the compression device of the fourth aspect, wherein the second protective sheet is joined to the cathode around the through-hole.

If the second protective sheet were not bonded to the cathode around the through-holes in the electrolyte membrane, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode would flow around the through-holes in the electrolyte membrane and reach the anode through the gap between them. may flow in.

However, in the compression device of this aspect, the bonding between the second protective sheet and the cathode reduces the gap between the two, so that the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode flows into the anode around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane. Possibility can be reduced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All of the embodiments described below are examples of the above aspects. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown below are merely examples, and unless stated in the claims, limit each of the above aspects. is not. In addition, among the following components, components that are not described in independent claims representing the highest concept of this aspect will be described as optional components. Further, in the drawings, the description of the components with the same reference numerals may be omitted. The drawings schematically show each component for easy understanding, and the shape and dimensional ratio may not be exact representations.

(First embodiment)
Various types of gases and liquids are assumed for the anode fluid of the compression device of each of the above embodiments. For example, if the compressor is an electrochemical hydrogen pump, the anode fluid can include a hydrogen-containing gas. Also, for example, when the compression device is a water electrolysis device, the anode fluid may include liquid water.

Therefore, in the following embodiments, the configuration and operation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump, which is an example of the compression device of each of the above aspects, will be described when the anode fluid is a hydrogen-containing gas.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of section B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 1A. In addition, in FIG. 1A (the same applies to FIGS. 2A and 3A), for convenience of explanation, "up and down" and "left and right" are taken as shown in the figure. FIG. 1A shows a vertical cross section of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 including a straight line passing through the center of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is viewed from above and below (hereinafter referred to as a plan view). ing.

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment includes at least one hydrogen pump unit 100A. As shown in FIG. 1B, the electrochemical cell 100B includes an electrolyte membrane 11, an anode AN, and a cathode CA. A gas diffusion layer 15, a cathode gas diffusion layer 14, an anode separator 17 and a cathode separator 16 are laminated in their thickness direction.

Although three hydrogen pump units 100A are stacked in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the number of hydrogen pump units 100A is not limited to this. In other words, the number of hydrogen pump units 100A can be set to an appropriate number based on operating conditions such as the amount of hydrogen that the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 compresses.

The electrolyte membrane 11 is a member having a through hole 11H in the center. The electrolyte membrane 11 is configured by an annular member in plan view. That is, the through hole 11H of the electrolyte membrane 11 corresponds to the space inside the annular member.

The electrolyte membrane 11 may have any configuration as long as it has proton conductivity. Examples of the electrolyte membrane 11 include a sulfonic acid-modified fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte membrane, and the like. Specifically, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), or the like can be used as the electrolyte membrane 11, but the electrolyte membrane 11 is not limited thereto.

Anode AN is provided on one entire main surface of electrolyte membrane 11 . Anode AN is an electrode that includes anode catalyst layer 13 and anode gas diffusion layer 15 . In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outer shape of the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN is substantially the same as the outer shape of the electrolyte membrane 11 in plan view, and the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN is the same as the electrolyte membrane 11. Although it is provided on one main surface, it is not limited to this. Although "the anode AN is provided on one entire major surface of the electrolyte membrane 11", such a configuration includes the case where the entire major surface of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not completely covered with the anode AN. . Specifically, the case where the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not covered with the anode AN is included. "When the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not covered with the anode AN" means, for example, that the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 having a length (for example, about 3 mm or less) that cannot be provided with a sealing member such as an O-ring is covered with the anode AN. It means that it is not covered with AN.

Cathode CA is provided on the entire other main surface of electrolyte membrane 11 . Cathode CA is an electrode that includes a cathode catalyst layer 12 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 14 . In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outer shape of the cathode catalyst layer 12 of the cathode CA is substantially the same as the outer shape of the electrolyte membrane 11 in plan view, and the cathode catalyst layer 12 of the cathode CA is the same as the electrolyte membrane 11. Although it is provided on the entire other main surface, it is not limited to this. Although "the cathode CA is provided on the entire other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11", such a configuration includes the case where the entire main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not completely covered with the cathode CA. . Specifically, the case where the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not covered with the cathode CA is included. "When the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 is not covered with the cathode CA" means, for example, that the inner edge of the electrolyte membrane 11 having a length (for example, about 3 mm or less) that cannot be provided with a sealing member is covered with the cathode CA. means not

As described above, the electrolyte membrane 11 is sandwiched between the anode AN and the cathode CA in the thickness direction so as to be in contact with the anode catalyst layer 13 and the cathode catalyst layer 12, respectively.

Here, the anode catalyst layer 13 includes, but is not limited to, carbon capable of supporting a catalyst metal (for example, platinum) in a dispersed state. The cathode catalyst layer 12 contains, but is not limited to, carbon capable of supporting a catalyst metal (for example, platinum) in a dispersed state.

Various methods can be used for preparing the catalysts for both the cathode catalyst layer 12 and the anode catalyst layer 13, but there is no particular limitation. Examples of carbon-based powders include powders of graphite, carbon black, and conductive activated carbon. The method of supporting platinum or other catalytic metals on the carbon carrier is not particularly limited. For example, methods such as powder mixing or liquid phase mixing may be used. As the latter liquid phase mixing, for example, a method of dispersing a carrier such as carbon in a catalyst component colloidal liquid and adsorbing the carrier can be used. The state in which the catalyst metal such as platinum is supported on the carbon carrier is not particularly limited. For example, the catalyst metal may be finely divided and supported on a carrier in a highly dispersed state.

The anode gas diffusion layer 15 is annularly provided on the anode catalyst layer 13 so as to surround the protective sheet 18 in plan view. The anode gas diffusion layer 15 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusion properties. In addition, it is preferable that the anode gas diffusion layer 15 has a rigidity sufficient to withstand the pressing of the electrolyte membrane 11 due to the above differential pressure during operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 . As the base material of the anode gas diffusion layer 15, for example, a sintered body of carbon particles is used, but the base material is not limited to this.

The cathode gas diffusion layer 14 is annularly provided on the cathode catalyst layer 12 so as to overlap with the anode gas diffusion layer 15 in plan view. The cathode gas diffusion layer is composed of a porous material and is electrically conductive and gas diffusive. It is preferable that the cathode gas diffusion layer have elasticity so as to appropriately follow the displacement and deformation of the constituent members caused by the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN during operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 . As the base material of the cathode gas diffusion layer 14, for example, a carbon fiber sintered body can be used, but the base material is not limited to this.

The protective sheet 18 is a member that covers from the anode AN around the through hole to a part of the through hole 11H. The protective sheet 18 may be made of resin, but is not limited to this. Examples of such resin include polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The protective sheet 18 corresponds to the "first protective sheet" of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the protective sheet 18 includes a first sheet portion 18A and a second sheet portion 18B. Here, the first sheet portion 18A of the protective sheet 18 corresponds to "a protective sheet that partially covers the through holes 11H" of the present disclosure. Also, the second sheet portion 18B of the protective sheet 18 corresponds to the "protective sheet on the anode AN" of the present disclosure.

In this example, the first sheet portion 18A of the protective sheet 18 partially covers the through hole 11H, and the first sheet portion 18A is sandwiched between the anode separator 17 and the cathode separator 16 in the thickness direction. In addition, the second sheet portion 18B of the protective sheet 18 is in surface contact with the anode catalyst layer 13, whereby the second sheet portion 18B is sandwiched between the anode separator 17 and the anode catalyst layer 13 in the thickness direction. .

The seal member 40 is provided on the first sheet portion 18A of the protective sheet 18. As shown in FIG. Examples of the sealing member 40 include an O-ring, but are not limited to this.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in plan view, an annular groove is formed in the surface of the anode separator 17 facing the area surrounded by the through holes 11H, and an annular seal member 40 is formed in the groove. is embedded. That is, in plan view, the dimension L2 of the seal member 40 is smaller than the dimension L1 of the through hole 11H so that the anode AN and the seal member 40 do not overlap.

The conductive anode separator 17 is a member provided on the anode gas diffusion layer 15 of the anode AN. The conductive cathode separator 16 is a member provided on the cathode gas diffusion layer 14 of the cathode CA.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cathode separator 16 and the anode separator 17 are provided with annular recesses in plan view. The cathode gas diffusion layer 14 and the anode gas diffusion layer 15 are accommodated in the annular recesses of the cathode separator 16 and the anode separator 17, respectively.

Thus, by sandwiching the electrochemical cell 100B with the cathode separator 16 and the anode separator 17, the hydrogen pump unit 100A is formed.

The main surface of the annular concave portion of the cathode separator 16, which contacts the cathode gas diffusion layer 14, is flat without providing a cathode gas flow path. Thereby, the contact area between the cathode gas diffusion layer 14 and the cathode separator 16 can be increased compared to the case where the cathode gas flow path is provided on the main surface of the annular concave portion of the cathode separator 16 . Electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 can then reduce the contact resistance between cathode gas diffusion layer 14 and cathode separator 16 .

On the other hand, the main surface of the annular recess of the anode separator 17 that contacts the anode gas diffusion layer 15 has, in plan view, a serpentine-like shape including, for example, a plurality of U-shaped folded portions and a plurality of straight portions. An anode gas channel 33 is provided. A linear portion of the anode gas flow path 33 extends in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1A. As an example, the anode gas channel 33 is composed of a plurality of channel grooves formed in the main surface of the annular concave portion of the anode separator 17, as shown in FIG. 1A. Half of the channel grooves of the anode gas channel 33 extend in a serpentine shape from the left half of the main surface of the annular concave portion of the anode separator 17 in plan view, and the remaining channel grooves of the anode gas channel 33 may extend in a serpentine shape on the right half of the main surface of the annular concave portion of the anode separator 17 in plan view.

However, such an anode gas flow path 33 is an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, the anode gas channel may be composed of a plurality of linear channels.

A flat insulator 21 is sandwiched between the cathode separator 16 and the anode separator 17 so as to surround the electrochemical cell 100B. This prevents the cathode separator 16 and the anode separator 17 from short-circuiting. Between the insulator 21 and the cathode separator 16, a sealing member 41 (for example, an O-ring) is provided so as to surround the cathode CA in plan view, thereby exposing the cathode to high-pressure compressed hydrogen. The CA is properly sealed.

Here, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes a first end plate and a second end plate provided on both ends in the stacking direction of the hydrogen pump unit 100A, the hydrogen pump unit 100A, the first end plate and the second end plate. and a fastener 25 that fastens in the stacking direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the cathode end plate 24C and the anode end plate 24A respectively correspond to the first end plate and the second end plate described above. That is, the anode end plate 24A is an end plate provided on the anode separator 17 located at the lower end in the stacking direction of the members of the hydrogen pump unit 100A. Also, the cathode end plate 24C is an end plate provided on the cathode separator 16 located at the upper end in the stacking direction in which the members of the hydrogen pump unit 100A are stacked.

The fastener 25 may have any configuration as long as it can fasten the hydrogen pump unit 100A, the cathode end plate 24C and the anode end plate 24A in the stacking direction. For example, the fastener 25 may include a bolt and a nut with a disc spring.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 extends vertically through the center of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, and includes members of the three hydrogen pump units 100A, the cathode current collector plate 22C, and the cathode. It is composed of a series of through holes provided in the insulating plate 23C and the cathode end plate 24C. As shown in FIG. 1B, the dimension L3 of the through holes forming the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 is smaller than both the dimension L1 of the through holes 11H and the dimension L2 of the sealing member 40, and the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 is It extends vertically to pass through the through-hole 11H of the electrolyte membrane 11 and the space (seal region) inside the seal member 40 .

As shown in FIG. 1A, a cathode gas lead-out path 26 is provided in the cathode end plate 24C. The cathode gas lead-out path 26 may be composed of a pipe through which compressed hydrogen discharged from the cathode CA flows. The cathode gas lead-out path 26 communicates with the cathode gas lead-out manifold 50 described above.

Further, the cathode gas lead-out manifold 50 communicates with each cathode CA of the hydrogen pump unit 100A via each of the cathode gas passages 32 provided in the cathode separator 16 . As a result, the compressed hydrogen generated at each cathode CA of the hydrogen pump unit 100A passes through each of the cathode gas passages 32 and then joins at the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 . Then, the combined compressed hydrogen is guided to the cathode gas lead-out path 26 .

In this manner, the cathodes CA of the hydrogen pump units 100A communicate with each other through the cathode gas passages 32 and the cathode gas outlet manifolds 50 of the hydrogen pump units 100A.

As shown in FIG. 1A, an anode gas introduction path 29 is provided in the anode end plate 24A. The anode gas introduction path 29 may be configured by a pipe through which the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN flows. The hydrogen-containing gas includes, for example, city gas containing methane gas, low-pressure reformed gas generated by a reforming reaction such as LPG containing propane as a main component, and water vapor generated by electrolysis of water. Hydrogen gas in a low-pressure state can be used.

The anode gas introduction path 29 communicates with an anode gas introduction manifold (not shown). In addition, the anode gas introduction manifold communicates with one end of each anode gas channel 33 of the hydrogen pump unit 100A via each of first anode gas passages (not shown) provided in the anode separator 17. ing. Thereby, the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the anode gas introduction path 29 to the anode gas introduction manifold is distributed to each of the hydrogen pump units 100A through the respective first anode gas passages of the hydrogen pump units 100A. While the distributed hydrogen-containing gas passes through the anode gas flow path 33 , the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from the anode gas diffusion layer 15 to the anode catalyst layer 13 .

As shown in FIG. 1A, the anode end plate 24A is provided with an anode gas lead-out path 31. As shown in FIG. The anode gas lead-out path 31 may be composed of a pipe through which the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN flows. The anode gas lead-out path 31 communicates with an anode gas lead-out manifold (not shown). In addition, the anode gas lead-out manifold communicates with the other end of each anode gas channel 33 of the hydrogen pump unit 100A via each of the second anode gas passages (not shown) provided in the anode separator 17. ing. As a result, the hydrogen-containing gas that has passed through each of the anode gas passages 33 of the hydrogen pump unit 100A is supplied to the anode gas outlet manifold through each of the second anode gas passages and joins there. Then, the combined hydrogen-containing gas is led to the anode gas lead-out path 31 .

As shown in FIG. 1A, electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes voltage applicator 102 .

Voltage applicator 102 is a device that applies a voltage between anode AN and cathode CA. Specifically, the high potential of voltage applicator 102 is applied to anode AN, and the low potential of voltage applicator 102 is applied to cathode CA. Voltage applicator 102 may have any configuration as long as it can apply a voltage between anode AN and cathode CA. For example, voltage applicator 102 may be a device that adjusts the voltage applied between anode AN and cathode CA. At this time, the voltage applicator 102 includes a DC/DC converter when connected to a DC power supply such as a battery, a solar battery, or a fuel cell, and an AC power supply when connected to an AC power supply such as a commercial power supply. /DC converter.

In addition, the voltage applicator 102 applies, for example, a voltage applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA, and a It may also be a power type power supply in which the current is regulated.

In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the terminal on the low potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the cathode collector plate 22C, and the terminal on the high potential side of the voltage applicator 102 is connected to the anode collector plate 22A. ing. The cathode current collector plate 22C is electrically connected to the cathode separator 16 positioned at the upper end in the stacking direction, and is arranged with the cathode end plate 24C via the cathode insulating plate 23C. The anode current collector plate 22A is electrically connected to the anode separator 17 located at the lower end in the stacking direction, and is arranged with the anode end plate 24A via the anode insulating plate 23A.

In this way, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 applies a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA by the voltage applicator 102, so that the protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN are transferred to the cathode AN. It is a device that moves to CA and generates compressed hydrogen.

The configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 described above is an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 does not provide the anode gas outlet manifold and the anode gas outlet path 31, and all of the hydrogen (H ₂ ) in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN through the anode gas inlet manifold is supplied to the cathode CA. Compressive dead-end structures may be employed.

[motion]
An example of the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following operations may be performed, for example, by an arithmetic circuit (not shown) of the controller reading out the control program from the memory circuit of the controller. However, it is not essential that the controller perform the following operations. The operator may perform some of the operations. In the following example, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller will be described.

First, a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode AN, and the voltage of the voltage applicator 102 is supplied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 . Then, hydrogen molecules are separated into protons and electrons in the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN (equation (1)). Protons are conducted through the electrolyte membrane 11 and move to the cathode catalyst layer 12 . Electrons move to the cathode catalyst layer 12 through the voltage applicator 102 .

Then, hydrogen molecules are generated again in the cathode catalyst layer 12 (equation (2)). It is known that when protons are conducted through the electrolyte membrane 11, a predetermined amount of water moves as electroosmotic water from the anode AN to the cathode CA together with the protons.

At this time, for example, when the compressed hydrogen generated at the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is supplied to a hydrogen consumer (not shown) through the cathode gas lead-out path 26, the back pressure valve provided in the cathode gas lead-out path 26 Compressed hydrogen (H ₂ ) can be produced at the cathode CA by increasing the pressure loss in the cathode gas lead-out path 26 using a regulating valve (not shown) or the like. Here, increasing the pressure loss in the cathode gas lead-out path 26 corresponds to reducing the opening degrees of the back pressure valve and the adjustment valve provided in the cathode gas lead-out path 26 .

Anode: H ₂ (low pressure) → 2H ⁺ +2e ^- (1)
Cathode: 2H ⁺ +2e ⁻ →H ₂ (high voltage) (2)
Examples of the above hydrogen demanders include hydrogen reservoirs, fuel cells, and piping of hydrogen infrastructure. Moreover, as a hydrogen storage device, a hydrogen tank etc. can be mentioned, for example.

Thus, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, which are provided with the electrolyte membrane 11 interposed therebetween, protons extracted from the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN is moved to the cathode CA through the electrolyte membrane 11, and a hydrogen compression operation is performed to generate compressed hydrogen.

As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment can appropriately suppress the compressed hydrogen that has flowed out of the cathode CA from flowing around the perforations of the electrolyte membrane 11 into the anode AN.

Specifically, the protective sheet 18 covers from the anode AN around the through hole of the electrolyte membrane 11 to a part of the through hole 11H. Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the protective sheet 18 prevents the compressed hydrogen flowing out of the cathode CA from flowing around the perforations of the electrolyte membrane 11 into the anode AN.

Further, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the sealing member 40 is provided on the surface of the protective sheet 18 on the anode separator 17 side, so that the compressed hydrogen in the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 is transferred to the protective sheet 18. The seal member 40 suppresses the flow into the anode AN along the surface on the anode separator 17 side.

Here, when using the fastener 25 to fasten each member (hereinafter referred to as a component) that constitutes the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 in the stacking direction, the fastening force causes the seal member 40 between the components to move in the stacking direction. By crushing the seal member 40 and these constituent members, the gas sealing property between the seal member 40 and these constituent members is exhibited. Therefore, the reaction force F1 (elastic force) for exhibiting the gas sealing property of the seal member 40 acts on the constituent members in contact with the seal member 40 in the stacking direction.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the anode AN and the seal member 40 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view, the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN is damaged by the reaction force F1 of the seal member 40. become difficult. However, in this case, a shearing force is generated by the force pressing the electrolyte membrane 11 downward (the hydrogen gas pressure F2) and the force pressing the first sheet portion 18A upward (the reaction force F1 of the seal member 40). acts on the interface between the electrolyte membrane 11 and the first sheet portion 18A. At this time, if a sealing failure due to the shear force occurs at the contact portion between the end surface of the electrolyte membrane 11 and the first sheet portion 18A, the compressed hydrogen in the cathode CA may flow into the anode AN. be.

Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. As compared with the case where the protective sheet 18 is provided only in the through hole 11H, the possibility of occurrence of sealing failure due to the shear force can be reduced.

(Example)
The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except that the protective sheet 18 is bonded to the anode AN around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11.

In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, the protective sheet 18 and the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN may be integrally bonded.

If the protective sheet 18 were not bonded to the anode AN around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA would flow around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11 through the gap between them. can flow into the anode AN.

However, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, the bonding between the protective sheet 18 and the anode AN reduces the gap between them, so that the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA flows around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane 11. can reduce the possibility of flowing into the anode AN.

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except for the features described above.

(Second embodiment)
The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the second embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, except for the configurations of the protective sheet 118 and the sealing member 140 described below.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of portion B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 2A.

The protective sheet 118 is a member that covers from the anode AN around the through hole to a part of the through hole 11H. The protective sheet 118 may be made of resin, but is not limited to this. Examples of such resin include polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The protective sheet 118 corresponds to the "first protective sheet" of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the protective sheet 118 comprises a first sheet portion 118A and a second sheet portion 118B. Here, the first sheet portion 118A of the protective sheet 118 corresponds to "a protective sheet that partially covers the through holes 11H" of the present disclosure. Also, the second sheet portion 118B of the protective sheet 118 corresponds to the "protective sheet on the anode AN" of the present disclosure.

In this example, the through hole 11H is partially covered with the first sheet portion 118A of the protective sheet 118, and the first sheet portion 118A is sandwiched between the anode separator 17 and the cathode separator 16 in the thickness direction. In addition, the second sheet portion 18B of the protective sheet 118 is in surface contact with the anode catalyst layer 13, whereby the second sheet portion 118B is sandwiched between the anode separator 17 and the anode catalyst layer 13 in the thickness direction. .

Also, the sealing member 140 is provided on the second sheet portion 118B of the protective sheet 118 . Examples of the sealing member 140 include, but are not limited to, an O-ring. That is, in plan view, the dimension L2 of the seal member 140 is larger than the dimension L1 of the through hole 11H so that the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN and the seal member 140 overlap each other.

Here, when each member constituting the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 (hereinafter referred to as a constituent member) is fastened in the stacking direction, the sealing member 140 between the constituent members is crushed in the stacking direction by the fastening force, thereby forming a seal. A gas sealing property is exhibited between the member 140 and between these constituent members. Therefore, a reaction force (elastic force) for exhibiting the gas sealing performance of the seal member 140 acts on the constituent members in contact with the seal member 140 in the stacking direction.

Then, when the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN and the sealing member 140 are arranged so as to overlap each other in plan view, the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN may be damaged by the reaction force of the sealing member 140 . There is

Therefore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, a sealing member 140 is provided on the second sheet portion 118B of the protective sheet 118 on the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN.

As a result, even when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is arranged such that the anode catalyst layer 13 and the seal member 140 overlap each other in plan view, the seal member 140 and the anode catalyst layer 13 Since the second sheet portion 118B is provided between the .

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment or the example of the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

(Example)
The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the second embodiment except that the protective sheet 118 is bonded to the anode AN around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11.

In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the protective sheet 118 and the anode catalyst layer 13 of the anode AN may be integrally bonded.

If the protective sheet 118 were not bonded to the anode AN around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA would flow around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11 through the gap between them. can flow into the anode AN.

However, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the bonding between the protective sheet 118 and the anode AN reduces the gap between them, so that the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA flows around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane 11. can reduce the possibility of flowing into the anode AN.

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the second embodiment except for the features described above.

(Third Embodiment)
The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the third embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment, except that a protective sheet 19 described below is provided.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of the third embodiment. 3B is an enlarged view of section B of the electrochemical hydrogen pump of FIG. 3A.

The protective sheet 19 is a member that covers from the cathode CA around the through hole to a part of the through hole 11H. The protective sheet 19 may be made of resin, but is not limited to this. Examples of such resin include polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The protective sheet 19 corresponds to the "second protective sheet" of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the protective sheet 19 includes a first sheet portion 19A and a second sheet portion 19B. Here, the first sheet portion 19A of the protective sheet 19 corresponds to "a protective sheet that partially covers the through holes 11H" of the present disclosure.

In this example, the first sheet portion 19A of the protective sheet 19 partially covers the through hole 11H, and the first sheet portion 19A is formed by the cathode separator 16 and the first sheet portion 18A of the protective sheet 18 in the thickness direction. is sandwiched between That is, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the first sheet portion 19A of the protective sheet 18 and the first sheet portion 19A of the protective sheet 19 are joined together in a region that partially covers the through hole 11H.

In addition, the second sheet portion 19B of the protective sheet 19 is in surface contact with the cathode catalyst layer 12, whereby the second sheet portion 19B is sandwiched between the cathode separator 16 and the cathode catalyst layer 12 in the thickness direction. .

As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA flows into the anode AN around the through holes of the electrolyte membrane 11, compared to the case where only the protective sheet 18 is used. more constrained.

In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the protection sheet 19 can reduce damage to the cathode catalyst layer 12 caused by the reaction force of the seal member 40 .

Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the first sheet portion 19A and the first sheet portion 19A are joined in a region covering a portion of the through hole 11H. In comparison, the compressed hydrogen in the cathode gas outlet manifold 50 is suppressed from flowing into the anode AN.

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment is the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of any one of the first embodiment, the example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the example of the second embodiment, except for the above features. may be similar to For example, in this embodiment, the sealing member 40 may be provided on the second sheet portion 18B of the protective sheet 18 as in the second embodiment.

(Example)
The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment is the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the first embodiment except that the protective sheet 19 is bonded to the cathode CA around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11.

In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment, the protective sheet 19 and the cathode catalyst layer 12 of the cathode CA may be integrally bonded.

If the protective sheet 19 were not bonded to the cathode CA around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11, the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA would flow around the through-hole of the electrolyte membrane 11 through the gap between them. can flow into the anode AN.

However, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the present embodiment, the bonding between the protective sheet 19 and the cathode CA reduces the gap between them, so that the compressed hydrogen flowing out from the cathode CA flows around the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane 11. can reduce the possibility of flowing into the anode AN.

The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of the third embodiment except for the features described above.

The first embodiment, the first example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the example of the third embodiment are mutually exclusive unless they exclude each other. You can combine them.

Also, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Accordingly, the above description is to be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the disclosure. Details of its structure and/or function may be changed substantially without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the present disclosure may also be applied to other compression devices such as water electrolysis devices.

One aspect of the present disclosure can be applied to a compression device that can appropriately prevent compressed hydrogen that has flowed out of a cathode from flowing around through-holes in an electrolyte membrane and flowing into an anode.

11: Electrolyte membrane 11H: Through holes 12: Cathode catalyst layer 13: Anode catalyst layer 14: Cathode gas diffusion layer 15: Anode gas diffusion layer 16: Cathode separator 17: Anode separator 18: Protective sheet 18A: First sheet portion 18B: Second sheet portion 19: Protective sheet 19A: First sheet portion 19B: Second sheet portion 21: Insulator 22A: Anode current collector 22C: Cathode current collector 23A: Anode insulating plate 23C: Cathode insulating plate 24A: Anode end Plate 24C: Cathode end plate 25: Fastener 26: Cathode gas lead-out path 29: Anode gas lead-in path 31: Anode gas lead-out path 32: Cathode gas passage 33: Anode gas channel 40: Sealing member 41: Sealing member 50: Cathode gas outlet manifold 100: Electrochemical hydrogen pump 100A: Hydrogen pump unit 100B: Electrochemical cell 102: Voltage applicator 118: Protective sheet 118A: First sheet portion 118B: Second sheet portion 140: Seal member AN: Anode CA: cathode

Claims (6)

an electrolyte membrane having a through hole in the center;
an anode provided on one entire major surface of the electrolyte membrane;
a cathode provided on the entire other major surface of the electrolyte membrane;
a voltage applicator that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode;
A compression device for generating compressed hydrogen by moving protons extracted from an anode fluid supplied to the anode by applying a voltage from the voltage applicator to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane,
a first protective sheet that covers from the anode around the through hole to a part of the through hole;
and a sealing member provided on the first protective sheet. 2. The compression device of claim 1, wherein said seal member is provided on said first protective sheet over said anode. 2. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein said seal member is provided on said first protective sheet covering a portion of said through-hole. A second protective sheet covering a portion of the through hole from the cathode around the through hole is provided, and the first protective sheet and the second protective sheet are bonded in a region covering a portion of the through hole. 4. A compression device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein a 5. A compression device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first protective sheet is bonded to the anode around the through hole. 5. The compression device according to claim 4, wherein said second protective sheet is joined with said cathode around said through hole.

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