JP5348447B2 - Cell characterization device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cell characteristic evaluation device obtaining stable power generation characteristics by making the temperature distribution near the cell uniform, and also to provide a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The cell characteristic evaluation device has a pair of cell supporting pipes 8a, 8b supporting by coming in contact with the both surfaces of a cell 4, and a surrounding member 16 surrounding the cell side end vicinities of the pair of cell supporting pipes 8a, 8b, and the cell 4 supported by the pair of supporting pipes 8a, 8b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell characteristic evaluation apparatus in which at least a pair of electrodes are formed on both surfaces of an electrolyte, and a fuel cell.

  In basic research to improve the characteristics of solid electrolyte fuel cell cells, or to improve the characteristics of the components of the fuel electrode, air electrode, solid electrolyte, interconnector, etc. that make up the cell, ion transport number, voltage-current characteristics, Characteristics such as overvoltage, impedance, and gas permeability are measured (see Patent Document 1).

  Usually, when evaluating these characteristics, a cell in which an air electrode is formed on one side of a sintered substrate of a solid electrolyte and a fuel electrode is formed on the opposite side is used. Subsequently, a fuel electrode chamber in which the fuel electrode is located and an air electrode chamber in which the air electrode is located are obtained by closely attaching a pair of airtight tubes to both surfaces of the cell via a sealing material such as a glass ring or a metal packing ring. Are formed as structures isolated from each other.

  Then, by providing a difference in the oxygen ion concentration of both electrodes, various characteristics are evaluated while a fuel cell reaction as described below proceeds.

Anode side: O ²⁻ + H ₂ → H ₂ O + 2e ⁻
Cathode side: O ₂ + 4e ⁻ → 2O ²⁻
On the other hand, in order to improve the output of the cell and reduce the operating temperature of the cell, attempts have been actively made to reduce the solid electrolyte resistance by preparing a solid electrolyte by a thin film technique. For example, attempts have been made to reduce the solid electrolyte resistance by reducing the thickness of the solid electrolyte to about several μm to several tens of μm (see Non-Patent Document 1).
JP-A-4-104473 Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 144, 3, L35 (1997)

  By the way, when evaluating the power generation characteristics of a cell, it is necessary to stack a current collector and a sealing material on both sides of the cell and support them by sandwiching them with a cell support tube or the like. It is preferable to install it from the viewpoint of workability.

  However, such a vertical characteristic evaluation apparatus has a structure that is divided into two upper and lower chambers by a cell, and the temperature around the cell rises in the lower gas chamber due to gas convection, while the upper gas chamber Then, since the high temperature gas escapes from the system by convection, the temperature around the cell is lowered, and as a result, a large temperature difference occurs between the upper and lower sides of the cell.

  Here, since the characteristics of the fuel cell vary greatly depending on the operating temperature, it is extremely important to achieve uniform temperature in the upper and lower chambers of the cell. For this reason, there is a problem that stable power generation characteristics cannot be obtained when a large temperature difference occurs between the upper and lower sides of the cell.

  Furthermore, water cooling is applied to the end of the tubular electric furnace to protect each part in the cell characterization device, but the temperature of the water cooling tube changes depending on the operating condition of the cooling water circulation device, and the long period of temperature around the cell There was a blur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cell characteristic evaluation apparatus and fuel that can obtain a stable power generation characteristic by uniformizing the temperature distribution in the vicinity of the cell. To provide a battery.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) at least characteristic evaluation apparatus of the pair of electrodes is formed cells on both sides of the electrolyte, a pair of hollow capable of their respective supporting lifting via a pair of support jigs against both sides of the cell Heat conduction between the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes by connecting the cell support tubes and the pair of support jigs facing the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes. And a surrounding member for enclosing the outside of the cell.

(2) The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to (1), wherein the surrounding member is detachable from the pair of hollow cell support tubes.

(3) The surrounding member is connectable to a first surrounding portion that can be engaged with a first engaging portion provided on one of the pair of hollow cell support tubes, and to the first surrounding portion. The cell characteristic according to (1) or (2) above, further comprising a second surrounding portion that can be engaged with a second engaging portion provided on the other of the pair of hollow cell support tubes. Evaluation device.

(4) the first circumference Nyo portion has a first threaded portion, the second circumference Nyo section above, characterized in that it has a second threaded portion which can screwed into the first threaded portion ( The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to 3).

(5) the circumference Nyo member, the thermal conductivity, comprising the 30 W / m · K or more materials (1) to the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to any one of (4).

(6) and at least a pair of electrodes is formed cells on both sides of the electrolyte, and a pair of hollow cell support tube their respective may asked to support against both sides of the cell, the pair of hollow cell support tube An encircling member for enclosing the outside of the cell, which conducts heat conduction between the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes by connecting the pair of support jigs facing each of the space; A fuel cell comprising:

(7) The fuel cell according to (6), wherein the surrounding member is detachable with respect to the pair of hollow cell support tubes.

(8) The surrounding member is connectable to a first surrounding portion that can be engaged with a first engaging portion provided on one of the pair of hollow cell support tubes, and to the first surrounding portion. The fuel cell according to (6) or (7), further including a second surrounding portion that can be engaged with a second engaging portion provided on the other of the pair of hollow cell support tubes.

(9) said first circumference Nyo portion has a first threaded portion, the second circumference Nyo section above, characterized in that it has a second threaded portion which can screwed into the first threaded portion ( The fuel cell according to 8).

(10) the circumference Nyo member, the fuel cell according to any one of the above (6) to (9) thermal conductivity, characterized in that it consists of 30 W / m · K or more materials.

According to the present invention, since the cell neighborhood are covered with circumference Nyo member, heat is propagated through the enclosed Nyo member is corrected thermal gradient in the case where the thermal gradient is generated inside the enclosed Nyo member, the circumference Nyo member The temperature in the vicinity of the enclosed cell is made uniform. Thereby, the stable power generation characteristic of the cell can be obtained. Moreover, the measurement accuracy of each parameter as a characteristic evaluation item is improved by stable power generation characteristics.

Further, the circumference Nyo member, first and first circumference Nyo portion to engage the engaging portion, the pair of cells are capable connected to the first circumference Nyo portion provided on one of the pair of cell support tube by configuring the second circumference Nyo portion engageable with the second engaging portion provided in the other of the support tube, it is possible to ensure the sealing performance between the cell and the cell support tube, cells And displacement of the cell support tube can also be prevented.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion that supports the cell, and FIG. 3 is the cell when supporting the cell. It is an expanded sectional view of the adjustment mechanism part vicinity for adjusting the pressing force thru | or press-contact force with respect to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 is, for example, a characteristic evaluation apparatus for a cell 4 of a solid electrolyte fuel cell, and includes an air electrode side cell holding unit 110 and a fuel electrode side cell holding unit 120. doing. The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 can evaluate the characteristics of the cell 4 such as ion transport number, voltage-current characteristics, overvoltage, impedance, and gas permeability.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cell 4 is configured by forming at least a pair of electrodes on both surfaces of the electrolyte 1. The electrolyte 1 is, for example, a solid electrolyte sintered substrate, and an air electrode 2 is formed on one surface and a fuel electrode 3 is formed on the other surface by a printing method or the like.

  The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 encloses a pair of tubular gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b for introducing respective gases to the air electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3, and the gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b. It has a pair of tubular cell support pipes 8a and 8b to be arranged.

  In the case of causing a fuel cell reaction, air (oxygen) gas is introduced from the inlet 111 of the air electrode side cell holding unit 110 and guided to the air electrode 2 of the cell 4 through the gas introduction pipe 9a. It flows out of the outlet 112 through the support tube 8a. In addition, the fuel (hydrogen) gas is introduced from the inlet 121 of the fuel electrode side cell holding unit 120, guided to the fuel electrode 3 of the cell 4 through the gas introduction pipe 9b, and then the outlet 122 through the cell support pipe 8b. Spilled from.

  The cell support pipes 8a and 8b have detachable support jigs 7a and 7b at the end of the cell 4 side. These support jigs 7a and 7b can be attached to and detached from the end portions of the cell support tubes 8a and 8b by fixing means such as screw fastening. The space between the cell support tubes 8a and 8b and the support jigs 7a and 7b is sealed with seal materials 6a and 6b. Note that the clearance between the male screw and the female screw is drawn larger than actual in the screwed portion of the screw in FIG. 2 (the same applies to FIG. 3).

  In this way, the tip surfaces of the support jigs 7a and 7b of the cell support tubes 8a and 8b can come into contact with the surface of the cell 4 via the sealing materials 5a and 5b. By the sealing materials 5a and 5b, the fuel electrode chamber in which the fuel electrode 3 is located and the air electrode chamber in which the air electrode 2 is located are kept airtight as a structure separated from each other.

  Here, the end surfaces of the support jigs 7a and 7b need to be finished and adjusted each time evaluation is performed in order to ensure appropriate sealing performance. According to this embodiment, even if the tip surfaces of the support jigs 7a and 7b are damaged during use in the characteristic evaluation, only the support jigs 7a and 7b need to be replaced. Thereby, it is not necessary to replace the cell support pipes 8a and 8b, the workability is improved, and the cost is reduced.

For example, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) is used as the material of the cell support tubes 8a and 8b and the support jigs 7a and 7b, but quartz (glass), metal, or the like may be used. Further, as a material for the gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b, for example, quartz (glass) is used. Further, as the material of the sealing materials 5a and 5b and the sealing materials 6a and 6b, for example, a metal such as platinum or gold is used, but quartz (glass), rubber, resin, or the like may be used.

Characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 of the cell, a pair of the cell support tube 8a, each of the cells around the edge of 8b, and the pair of the cell support tube 8a, the circumference Nyo member 16 for surrounding the cell 4 which is supported by 8b Have. Circumference Nyo member 16 is detachable pair of cell support tube 8a, relative 8b, it has a thermal conductivity.

The circumference Nyo member 16 includes a first circumference Nyo portion 16a engageable with the pair of the cell support tube 8a, the support jig 7a provided on one of 8b (first engagement portion), the first enclosed Nyo portion 16a configured to be coupled to a pair of the cell support tube 8a, and a second circumference Nyo portion 16b which can engage the support jig 7b provided on the other 8b (second engaging portion) Yes. First circumference Nyo portion 16a is generally has an annular shape, the second circumference Nyo portion 16b is generally a cylindrical shape. The first circumference Nyo portion 16a has a first threaded portion 17a, a second circumference Nyo unit 16b includes a second threaded portion 17b which can screwed into the first threaded portion 17a.

Thus, since the cell 4 vicinity covered by enclosed Nyo member 16, the uniformity of the temperature of the upper and lower spaces of the cell 4 is achieved. That is, convection does not occur in the space around the cell 4, and since the heat is propagated thermal gradient is corrected through enclosed Nyo member 16 when the thermal gradient is generated inside the enclosed Nyo member 16, the circumference Nyo member 16 The temperature in the vicinity of the enclosed cell 4 is made uniform.

Circumference Nyo member 16, from the viewpoint of temperature control of the cell 4 near, it is preferable that thermal conductivity of a predetermined value or more materials. Specifically, enclosed Nyo member 16 is, for example, such as magnesia (MgO), it is preferable that thermal conductivity is made of 10 W / m · K or more materials. Also, enclosed Nyo member 16 is, for example, such as alumina _(Al 2 _{O 3),} it is more preferable that thermal conductivity is made of 20W / m · K or more materials. Also, enclosed Nyo member 16 is, for example, such as boron nitride (BN), it is further preferred that the thermal conductivity is made of 30 W / m · K or more materials. Moreover, these materials are preferable because they have thermal shock resistance, electrical insulation, and voltage resistance. Also, enclosed Nyo member 16 has a thermal conductivity of greater than 70 W / m · K, it is possible to be constructed of aluminum nitride, a material such as a metal such as silicon nitride or copper.

Also, when setting the cell 4 to the characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 of the cell, by using the circumference Nyo member 16 of the detachable easy screwing manner, to ensure the cell 4 and the cell support tube 8a, the sealing performance between 8b In addition, there is an advantage that positional deviation between the cell 4 and the cell support pipes 8a and 8b can be prevented.

Electrode tubes 10a and 10b are disposed inside the gas introduction tubes 9a and 9b. The electrode tubes 10a and 10b are insulating tubes having an outer diameter of 4 mm, for example, and four through holes extending in the axial direction. For example, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) is used as a material for the electrode tubes 10a and 10b. The electrode wires 12a and 12b and the lead wires of the temperature sensors 13a and 13b are inserted through the through holes of the electrode tubes 10a and 10b. The temperature sensors 13a and 13b can detect temperatures near the air electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3, respectively. The number of through holes in the electrode tubes 10a and 10b is not limited to four.

  Current collectors 11a and 11b are arranged between the end face of the gas introduction pipe 9a and the air electrode 2 of the cell 4, and between the end face of the gas introduction pipe 9b and the fuel electrode 3 of the cell 4, respectively. The electrode wires 12a and 12b can be connected to the electrodes 2 and 3 of the cell 4 through current collectors 11a and 11b, respectively. As a material for the current collectors 11a and 11b, for example, a metal foam such as silver or a mesh is used.

  A portion of the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 that supports the cell 4 is covered with a protective tube 14 for protecting the atmosphere. A certain amount of inert gas is circulated inside the protective tube 14 in consideration of safety.

  The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 is provided with a heating furnace 15 for heating the cell 4 to a predetermined temperature. The heating furnace 15 has a configuration in which two gas preheating heating furnaces 15a and 15c and a cell heating furnace 15b are integrated. Thereby, the heating furnace 15 becomes compact, and a gas having a more stable temperature can be supplied to the electrolyte 1 of the cell 4. Here, the temperature of the heating furnace 15 is controlled by temperature sensors 13 a and 13 b provided in the vicinity of the air electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3. The heating furnace 15 is not limited to three, and an arbitrary number of independent furnaces can be provided.

  The air electrode side cell holding unit 110 and the fuel electrode side cell holding unit 120 of the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 include an adjustment mechanism unit 113 for adjusting a pressing force or a pressure contact force with respect to the cell 4 when the cell 4 is supported. 123 (see FIG. 1). Hereinafter, the adjustment mechanism unit 113 of the air electrode side cell holding unit 110 will be described. Since the adjustment mechanism part 123 of the fuel electrode side cell holding part 120 has the same configuration as the adjustment mechanism part 113 of the air electrode side cell holding part 110, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the adjusting mechanism 113 is independent of the pressure contact force adjusting unit 114 for adjusting the pressure contact force of the gas introduction pipe 9a to the cell 4 and the pressure contact force of the gas introduction pipe 9a to the cell 4. It is comprised from the pressing force adjustment part 115 for adjusting the pressing force with respect to the cell 4 of the cell support pipe 8a. In this specification, the pressure contact means that both are brought into contact with each other so as to be pressed to reduce contact resistance. In addition, the arrow in FIG. 3 shows the distribution direction of gas.

  The pressing force adjusting unit 114 includes a first spring member 26 that can bias the gas introduction pipe 9a toward the cell 4, and a first variable unit 21 that changes the operating length of the first spring member 26. Yes. The pressing force adjustment unit 115 includes a second spring member 27 that can urge the cell support tube 8a toward the cell 4, and a second variable unit 24 that changes the operating length of the second spring member 27. doing.

  The first spring member 26 is disposed between the contact surface 51 provided on the gas introduction pipe 9 a and the contact surface 52 provided on the supply manifold 20. That is, the operating length of the first spring member 26 is determined by the distance between both contact surfaces 51 and 52. The second spring member 27 is disposed between the contact surface 53 located at the rear end portion of the cell support tube 8 a and the contact surface 54 provided on the pressing jig 25. That is, the operating length of the second spring member 27 is determined by the distance between both contact surfaces 53 and 54.

  The first variable portion 21 and the second variable portion 24 have female screw portions 41 and 42 used for screw feeding operations, respectively. The female screw portion 41 of the first variable portion 21 is screwed into a male screw portion 43 formed on the jig 22 fixed to the discharge manifold 23 fixed to the cell characteristic evaluation device 100. The female screw portion 42 of the second variable portion 24 is screwed into a male screw portion 44 formed in the discharge manifold 23. Further, the first variable portion 21 is formed with an engaging portion 46 that engages with a concave portion 45 formed in the supply manifold 20, and the second variable portion 24 is formed on the pressing jig 25. An engaging portion 48 that engages with the recessed portion 47 is formed.

  Therefore, by rotating the first variable portion 21, the supply manifold 20 can be slightly moved in the axial direction, and the operating length of the first spring member 26 can be precisely changed. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the first variable portion 21, for example, a scale made up of grooves of 10 degrees is formed (see FIG. 1), and operability is improved. The pitch between the female screw portion 41 and the male screw portion 43 is set to 1 mm, for example. That is, when the first variable portion 21 is rotated once, the first variable portion 21 and the supply manifold 20 move in the 1 mm axial direction. In addition, the 1st spring member 26 also moves simultaneously with the 1st variable part 21 rotating. The load by the first spring member 26 has a structure that occurs only when the gas introduction tube 9a contacts the cell 4 through the current collector 11a. In addition, since the pressure contact force of the gas introduction pipe 9a against the cell 4 can be increased or decreased in proportion to the amount of movement of the first variable portion 21 and the supply manifold 20, the pressure contact force is set according to the mechanical strength of the cell 4. Is possible.

  The first spring member 26 is set so that the maximum load, that is, the spring load at the minimum operating length is, for example, 7 kg, and the spring load with respect to the axial movement amount of 1 mm by one rotation of the first variable portion 21. For example, it is set to change by 1 kg. The set load or the spring constant of the first spring member 26 can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the cell 4.

  In this way, the pressing force adjusting unit 114 can finely adjust the pressing force with respect to the cell 4 of the gas introduction pipe 9a. Here, the pressure contact force of the gas introduction pipe 9a by the first spring member 26 acts on the electrode of the cell 4 via the current collector 11a.

  On the other hand, by rotating the second variable portion 24, the pressing jig 25 can be moved minutely in the axial direction, whereby the operating length of the second spring member 27 can be precisely changed. Moreover, the scale which consists of a groove | channel of 10 degree | times, for example is formed also in the outer peripheral surface of the 2nd variable part 24 (refer FIG. 1), and the operativity is improved. The pitch between the female screw portion 42 and the male screw portion 44 is set to 2 mm, for example. That is, when the second variable portion 24 is rotated once, the second variable portion 24 and the pressing jig 25 move in the 2 mm axial direction. In addition, the 2nd spring member 27 also moves simultaneously with the 2nd variable part 24 rotating. The load by the second spring member 27 is configured to be generated for the first time when the cell support tube 8a contacts the cell 4 via the sealing material 5a. In addition, since the pressing force of the cell support tube 8a against the cell 4 can be increased or decreased in proportion to the amount of movement of the second variable portion 24 and the pressing jig 25, the mechanical strength of the electrolyte 1 of the cell 4 and the sealing material 5a It is possible to set the pressing force according to the type (material).

  The second spring member 27 is set so that the maximum load is, for example, 7 kg, and the spring load is set, for example, to change by 2 kg with respect to the amount of axial movement of 2 mm by one rotation of the second variable portion 24. The The set load or the spring constant of the second spring member 27 can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the electrolyte 1 or the sealing material 5a.

  In this way, the pressing force adjusting unit 115 can finely adjust the pressing force of the cell support tube 8a on the cell 4. Here, the pressing force of the cell support tube 8a by the second spring member 27 acts on the electrolyte 1 of the cell 4 through the sealing material 5a.

  Further, the adjustment mechanism unit 113 is miniaturized by using the sealing materials 28 to 32 for sealing the atmosphere. Thereby, the influence of the density | concentration of the residual gas produced in the case of distribution | circulation of gas can be made small, and the reliability of an evaluation result improves. The ion transport number can be measured by selecting the structure of the current collector 11a.

  Next, a method for setting the cell 4 to be evaluated in the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. Although the operation of the adjustment mechanism unit 113 of the air electrode side cell holding unit 110 will be mainly described, the same operation is performed on the adjustment mechanism unit 123 of the fuel electrode side cell holding unit 120.

  First, between the pair of cell support tubes 8a and 8b that are separated from each other in advance (similarly between the pair of gas introduction tubes 9a and 9b), the cell 4, the current collectors 11a and 11b, and the seal material 5a, 5b is positioned so as to overlap as shown in FIG. 2 (see FIG. 4A).

The first circumference Nyo portion 16a of the circumference Nyo member 16 is held in a state where the cell support tube 8a is inserted in the center a hole formed in the first circumference Nyo portion 16a, the second circumference Nyo member 16 circumference Nyo unit 16b, the cell support tube 8b is held in inserted state into a hole formed in the center of the second circumference Nyo portion 16b. That is, the first circumference Nyo portion 16a and the second circumference Nyo portion 16b is a state of being separated from each other. The first circumference Nyo portion 16a may be held in the placed state on the upper end face of the support jig 7a provided in the cell support tube 8a.

  Then, by rotating the first variable portion 21 of the pressure contact force adjusting portion 114, the first variable portion 21 and the supply manifold 20 move downward in the figure, and the first spring member 26 and the gas introduction pipe 9a are illustrated. It moves in the middle and lower, and the tip of the gas introduction tube 9a just contacts the cell 4 through the current collector 11a (see FIG. 4B). At this time, the electrodes 2 and 3 of the cell 4 are sandwiched and supported by the gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b with a pressure contact force of 0 kg.

  Subsequently, when the first variable portion 21 is further rotated, the pressure contact force with respect to the electrodes 2 and 3 of the cell 4 is increased. In the present embodiment, the pressing force can be set to a maximum of 7 kg, but the first variable portion 21 is rotated until a predetermined appropriate pressing force is obtained (see FIG. 5A).

  Next, by rotating the second variable portion 24 of the pressing force adjusting portion 115, the second variable portion 24 and the pressing jig 25 move downward in the figure, and the second spring member 27 and the cell support tube 8a. Moves downward in the figure, and the tip of the cell support tube 8a just contacts the cell 4 through the sealing material 5a (see FIG. 5B). At this time, the electrolyte 1 of the cell 4 is sandwiched and supported by the cell support pipes 8a and 8b with a pressing force of 0 kg.

  Subsequently, when the second variable portion 24 is further rotated, the pressing force of the cell 4 against the electrolyte 1 is increased. In the present embodiment, the pressing force can be set to a maximum of 7 kg, but the second variable unit 24 is rotated until a predetermined appropriate pressing force is obtained (see FIG. 6).

Then, screwing the second screw portion 17b of the first threaded portion 17a and the second circumference Nyo portion 16b of the first circumference Nyo portion 16a. Thus, circumference Nyo member 16 has a pair of cell support tube 8a, each of the cells around the edge, and the pair of the cell support tube 8a of 8b, the cell 4 is supported to be surrounded by 8b, a pair It is attached and fixed to the cell support tubes 8a and 8b (see FIG. 7). The pair of cell support tube 8a of the circumference Nyo member 16, fixed to 8b, after being performed preliminarily in the stage shown in FIG. 5 (B), may be finally performed again.

  As described above, the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a pair of tubular gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b and gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b for introducing corresponding gases to both surfaces of the cell 4, respectively. A pair of tubular cell support pipes 8a and 8b disposed on the outside, a pressure contact force adjusting portion 114 for adjusting the pressure contact force of the gas introduction pipes 9a and 9b to the cell 4, and the cell support pipes 8a and 8b. And a pressing force adjusting unit 115 for adjusting the pressing force with respect to the cell 4.

  Therefore, even the thinned cell 4 can be easily installed in the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 without being damaged.

  That is, the pressure contact force adjusting unit 114 reduces the contact resistance between the current collectors 11a and 11b and the electrodes 2 and 3 and reduces the contact pressure between the current collectors 11a and 11b. 4 can be set without damaging. In addition, the pressing force adjusting unit 115 can set an optimal pressing force for the electrolyte 1 that leads to ensuring gas sealing performance without damaging the electrolyte 1 or the sealing material 5a. Furthermore, even if the pressing force fluctuates due to, for example, deformation of the sealing material 5a during the evaluation test, the pressing force can be adjusted by the pressing force adjusting unit 115, so that reliable sealing performance can be maintained.

  In this way, a uniform and constant clamping force for the cell can be ensured, and a stable evaluation result can be obtained.

The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment surrounds the cell side end portions of the pair of cell support tubes 8a and 8b and the cell 4 supported by the pair of cell support tubes 8a and 8b. It has a circumference Nyo member 16.

Therefore, since the cell 4 vicinity covered by enclosed Nyo member 16, heat through enclosed Nyo member 16 is corrected thermal gradient is propagated if the thermal gradient is generated inside the enclosed Nyo member 16, surrounds Nyo member 16 The temperature in the vicinity of the cell 4 surrounded by is made uniform. Thereby, the stable power generation characteristic of the cell 4 can be obtained. Moreover, the measurement accuracy of each parameter as a characteristic evaluation item is improved by stable power generation characteristics.

Further, the circumference Nyo member 16, a pair of the cell support tube 8a, a first circumference Nyo portion 16a engageable to the supporting jig 7a provided on one of 8b, and connectable to said first circumference Nyo portion 16a sealing performance between by a pair of cell support tube 8a, by configuring the second circumference Nyo portion 16b which can engage the support jig 7b provided on the other 8b, the cell 4 and the cell support tube 8a, 8b There is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the positional deviation between the cell 4 and the cell support pipes 8a and 8b.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a single cell is evaluated in the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to evaluation of stacked cells.

The cell 4 described above, the cell support tube 8a, 8b, and configuration of the circumference Nyo member 16 is also applicable to a fuel cell, it is possible to obtain the same effect as described above. That is, the present invention includes a cell 4 in which at least a pair of electrodes are formed on both surfaces of an electrolyte, a pair of cell support tubes 8a and 8b that can be in contact with and supported on both surfaces of the cell, and the pair of cells. in a fuel cell having a circumference Nyo member 16 for surrounding the respective cell around the edge, and the cells to be supported by the pair of cell support tube of the cell support tube may be applied.

  The effects of the present invention will be described using the following examples and comparative examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Here, by changing the material of the circumference Nyo member 16, to measure the difference in temperature between the upper and lower spaces of the cell 4. The temperature of the space above and below the cell 4 was measured by temperature sensors 13a and 13b (thermocouples) arranged 10 mm away from the surface of the cell 4, respectively. A cell 4 having an outer diameter of 16 mm and a thickness of 1.3 mm was used. The axial length of the circumference Nyo member 16 was 45 mm. Note that the inert gas was not circulated through the protective tube 14.

The material of the circumference Nyo member 16, in Comparative Example 1 air (without i.e. circumference Nyo member 16; 0.026W / m · K) , Comparative Example 2, an alumina fiber insulation material (0.2W / m · K), Example In Example 1, boron nitride (BN; 33 W / m · K) was used, and in Example 2, copper (384 W / m · K) was used. The above values of thermal conductivity are 573 K and 1 atm for air, 1073 K for alumina fiber insulation, 1 atm, 300 K for boron nitride, 1 atm, and 573 K for copper. The value at 1 atm is shown.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the soaking effect circumference Nyo member 16. The horizontal axis of the graph shows the set temperature of the heating furnace 15, and the vertical axis of the graph shows the value obtained by subtracting the temperature of the upper space (cathode side) of the cell 4 from the temperature of the lower space (anode side) of the cell 4. ing.

As shown in FIG. 8, it was found that the temperature difference between the upper and lower spaces of the cell 4 in Examples 1 and 2 was maintained within a temperature range of ± 4 ° C. over the entire range of the set temperature shown. On the other hand, it was found that the temperature difference between the upper and lower spaces of the cell 4 in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 increases as the set temperature increases, and reaches + 6 ° C. or higher in the high temperature region. In other words, the soaking effect installation of the circumference Nyo member 16 was confirmed. In addition, it is considered that the temperature difference between the space above and below the cell 4 in the comparative example 1 in the high temperature region is smaller than that in the comparative example 2 due to the influence of air convection.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view of the part which supports a cell. It is an expanded sectional view of the adjustment mechanism part vicinity for adjusting the pressing force or press-contact force with respect to the said cell at the time of supporting a cell. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of setting a cell to the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of setting a cell to the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus following FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of setting a cell to the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus following FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of setting a cell to the cell characteristic evaluation apparatus following FIG. It is a graph showing the soaking effect circumference Nyo member.

Explanation of symbols

1 electrolyte,
2 Air electrode (electrode)
3 Fuel electrode (electrode)
4 cells,
5a, 5b sealing material,
6a, 6b sealing material,
7a, 7b support jig,
8a, 8b cell support tube,
9a, 9b gas introduction pipes,
10a, 10b electrode tube,
11a, 11b current collector,
12a, 12b electrode wires,
13a, 13b temperature sensor,
14 Protection tube,
15 heating furnace,
16 enclose Nyo member,
16a first circumference Nyo portion 16b second circumference Nyo unit 100 characteristic evaluation apparatus,
110 Air electrode side cell holding part,
120 fuel electrode side cell holding part,
111, 121 entrance,
112, 122 exit,
113, 123 Adjustment mechanism section.

Claims (10)

A cell characteristic evaluation apparatus in which at least a pair of electrodes are formed on both surfaces of an electrolyte,
A pair of hollow cell support tube capable of their respective supporting lifting via a pair of support jigs against both sides of the cell,
The outside of the cell that conducts heat between the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes by connecting the pair of support jigs facing the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes. A surrounding member for enclosing
A device for evaluating cell characteristics, comprising:   The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding member is detachable from the pair of hollow cell support tubes.   The surrounding member is engageable with a first engaging portion provided on one of the pair of hollow cell support tubes, and can be connected to the first surrounding portion, and the pair of hollow members. The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second surrounding portion that can be engaged with a second engagement portion provided on the other of the cell support pipes. The first surrounding portion has a first screw portion,
The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second surrounding portion has a second screw portion that can be screwed into the first screw portion.   5. The cell characteristic evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding member is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 30 W / m · K or more. A cell in which at least a pair of electrodes are formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte;
A pair of hollow cell support tube their respective may asked to support against both sides of the cell,
The outside of the cell that conducts heat between the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes by connecting the pair of support jigs facing the spaces in the pair of hollow cell support tubes. A surrounding member for enclosing
A fuel cell comprising:   The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the surrounding member is detachable from the pair of cell support tubes.   The surrounding member is engageable with a first engaging portion provided on one of the pair of hollow cell support tubes, and can be connected to the first surrounding portion, and the pair of hollow members. The fuel cell according to claim 6, further comprising: a second surrounding portion that can be engaged with a second engaging portion provided on the other of the cell support pipes. The first surrounding portion has a first screw portion,
9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the second surrounding portion has a second screw portion that can be screwed into the first screw portion.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the surrounding member is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 30 W / m · K or more.

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