阅读说明：本技术 用于制造金属支撑的燃料电池和/或电解槽单元的方法 (Method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit ) 是由 F·克纽勒 A·海福林 于 2019-09-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于制造金属支撑的燃料电池和/或电解槽单元、特别是金属支撑的固体氧化物燃料电池单元的方法,其中,金属支撑的燃料电池和/或电解槽单元包括带至少两个功能层(16a、18a；16b、18b；16c、18c；16f、18f)的至少一个电极单元(14a；14b；14c；14f),并且其中,金属支撑的燃料电池和/或电解槽单元包括至少一个金属支架装置以支撑电极单元(14a；14b；14c；14f)。建议,具有至少两个功能层(16a、18a；16b、18b；16c、18c；16f、18f)的电极单元(14a；14b；14c；14f)和金属支架装置被彼此分开地制造。(The invention relates to a method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) having at least two functional layers (16 a, 18 a; 16b, 18 b; 16c, 18 c; 16f, 18 f), and wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one metal carrier device for supporting the electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f). It is proposed that the electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) with the at least two functional layers (16 a, 18 a; 16b, 18 b; 16c, 18 c; 16f, 18 f) and the metal carrier device are produced separately from one another.)

1. Method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) with at least two functional layers (16 a, 18 a; 16b, 18 b; 16c, 18 c; 16f, 18 f), and wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one metal support means to support the electrode units (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f), characterized in that the electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) with the at least two functional layers (16 a, 18 a; 16b, 18 b; 16c, 18 c; 16f, 18 f) and the metal carrier device are manufactured separately from each other.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in at least one method step the electrode units (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) are applied, in particular layer by layer, on a flexible transport support element (22 a; 22 b; 22 c) before the electrode units (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) are applied to the metal support device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in at least one method step, after the electrode units (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) have been applied to the metal holder device, a particularly water-soluble transport holder element (22 a; 22 b; 22 c) for transporting the electrode units (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) is removed.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one method step an additional functional layer (26 a; 26 b), in particular designed as an oxidant electrode (24 a), is applied to the electrode unit (14 a; 14 b) before the electrode unit (14 a; 14 b) is applied to the metal holder device.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one method step, after the electrode unit (14 c) has been applied to the metal holder device, an additional functional layer (26 c), in particular designed as an oxidant electrode (24 c), is applied to the electrode unit (14 c).

6. Metal carrier device for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit produced according to the method of any of claims 1 to 5, for supporting an electrode unit (14 a; 14 b; 14 c; 14 f) of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit with at least one electrode mounting face (28 a; 28 b; 28 c; 28 d; 28 e; 28 f), characterized in that the electrode mounting face (28 a; 28 b; 28 c; 28 d; 28 e; 28 f) is structurally configured.

7. A metal support device according to claim 6, wherein at least one fluid channel (30 a; 30b-36 b; 30c-34 c; 30d-34 d) is provided with a large area outlet opening (38 a; 38b-44 b; 38c-42 c; 38d-42 d) arranged at the electrode mounting face (28 a; 28 b; 28 c; 28 d).

8. A metal support device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a fluid distribution element (46 f) is arranged at said electrode mounting face (28 f).

9. A metal holder device according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a tension grid element (47 e) for guiding a fluid, in particular for forming the electrode mounting surface (28 e).

10. Metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell, in particular metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell, produced according to the method of any of claims 1 to 5 and/or with the metal holder arrangement of any of claims 6 to 9.

Background

A method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, has already been proposed, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one electrode unit with at least two functional layers, and wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one metal holder device for holding the electrode unit.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on a method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one electrode unit with at least two functional layers, and wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit comprises at least one metal carrier device for supporting the electrode unit.

It is proposed that the electrode unit with the at least two functional layers and the metal carrier device are produced separately from one another. "fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit" in the present context shall mean in particular at least a part, in particular a component, of a fuel cell, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell, and/or of an electrolyser, in particular a high-temperature electrolyser. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit also comprises, in particular: the entire fuel cell, in particular the entire solid oxide fuel cell; the entire electrolytic cell, in particular the entire high-temperature electrolytic cell; a stack of fuel cells and/or electrolysers and/or a composite of a plurality of stacks of fuel cells and/or electrolysers. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit is preferably provided for combusting the fuel with the input of an oxidant to obtain electrical energy in the combustion process. Alternatively or additionally, a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit is provided for splitting up the fluid into at least two components during the separation process with input of electrical energy. "provided" shall mean, in particular, specially set up, specially designed and/or specially equipped. The setting of an object for a specific function is intended to mean, in particular, that the object fulfils and/or carries out the specific function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell preferably comprises at least one functional layer, in particular at least three functional layers. Preferably, the "functional layer of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit" is intended to mean, in particular, a layer which directly participates in the combustion process and/or separation process carried out by means of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit. At least one, preferably both functional layers are in particular designed as electrode layers, in particular for use as cathode and/or anode. At least one of the electrode layers is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode, in particular designed for contact with an oxidant and/or cleavage products. At least one of the electrode layers is preferably designed as a fuel electrode, in particular for contacting with fuel and/or another cleavage product. The at least one functional layer is preferably designed as a separating layer, in particular as an electrolyte layer. The at least one separating layer is preferably arranged at the at least one electrode layer, in particular between two electrode layers. The electrode unit preferably comprises at least one of the functional layers which are designed as electrode layers. The electrode unit preferably comprises at least one functional layer in the form of a separating layer. The electrode unit is in particular designed as a membrane electrode unit (MEA).

The metal holder device is preferably provided for mechanically and/or thermally stabilizing the electrode unit. The metal carrier device preferably has at least one electrode mounting surface, in particular at the largest outer surface of the metal carrier device, in order to apply the electrode unit, in particular, to the metal carrier device. In at least one method step, the electrode unit is applied, in particular, to a metal carrier device. The maximum extension of the electrode mounting surface is preferably greater than the maximum extension of one of the functional layers, preferably of all functional layers. The largest circumference of the electrode mounting surface is in particular greater than the largest circumference of one of the functional layers, preferably of all functional layers. The metal carrier device preferably has a maximum extent, at least in a direction perpendicular to the electrode mounting surface, which is greater than the layer thickness of one of the functional layers, in particular of all functional layers, preferably greater than twice this layer thickness, in particular greater than five times the layer thickness. The metal carrier device is produced, in particular, at least in sections, in particular, the electrode mounting surface, from a metal film, from a metal plate and/or from a metal sheet. The metal carrier device is preferably at least substantially made of at least one metal in at least one method step. An object "made essentially of a material" is intended to mean, in particular, that the volume fraction of the material based on the total volume of the object is greater than 25%, preferably greater than 50%, particularly preferably greater than 75%. The metal holder device is preferably at least substantially made of a high temperature stable metal. "high-temperature-stable" should be understood to mean, in particular, that temperatures up to at least 500 ℃, preferably up to at least 850 ℃, particularly preferably up to at least 1200 ℃ are both form-stable and/or chemically stable. It is conceivable that the metal carrier device comprises structural elements made of ceramic, plastic or other material, for example to fix the metal carrier device and/or the individual structural elements of the metal carrier device in an electrically and/or thermally insulating manner.

The electrode unit is preferably manufactured, in particular pre-formed, in at least one electrode manufacturing step. Preferably, at least one blank, compact, green, white blank or the like of the electrode unit is manufactured in the electrode manufacturing step. The electrode unit is preferably transferred in at least one method step from the preformed state, in particular by sintering and/or by age hardening, to the final state after application to the metal carrier device. In the electrode production step, the at least two functional layers of the electrode unit are arranged, in particular fixed, close to one another.

The metal stent device is preferably manufactured in at least one metal stent manufacturing step. Preferably, at least one base body, in particular a metal plate, of the metal carrier device is structured in the metal carrier production step. In particular, at least one fluid channel is machined into the base body in the metal support production step. The at least one fluid channel is preferably machined into the base body of the metal holder device by a forming process, in particular by means of stamping, embossing, milling, laser drilling, laser cutting or the like.

The "separate" production of an object from a further object is intended to mean, in particular, that the object is produced independently of the further object, in particular independently of the presence of the further object at the production location of the object, in particular independently of the current state of the further object during the production step of the object, in particular independently of the physical presence of the further object. The metal holder device and the electrode unit are present in a spatially separated and/or at least non-destructively separable state, in particular after a respective individual manufacturing step, in particular until a subsequent splicing. It is conceivable that the production parameters and/or the target values for the object parameters, in particular the dimensions of the metal carrier device and/or of the electrode unit, are matched to one another in a planning phase which precedes at least one individual production step. The electrode manufacturing step is preferably performed separately from the metal holder manufacturing step. The electrode manufacturing step can in particular be performed before, after and/or at least partially in parallel with the metal holder manufacturing step. The electrode production step can be carried out in particular spatially separately from the metal holder production step, in particular spatially separately from the metal holder device. The electrode unit is preferably applied to the metal holder device, in particular to the electrode mounting surface of the metal holder device, in a method step following the electrode production step, and in particular following the metal holder production step. In particular, the electrode unit, in particular at least two functional layers of the electrode unit, are applied to the metal carrier device in a separate method step, in particular in a method step which is different from the design of the electrode production step. The electrode unit is applied to the metal holder device, in particular in an at least preformed state. The at least two functional layers of the electrode unit are applied to the metal carrier device, in particular in a fixed state close to one another.

The inventive embodiment of the method can be advantageously adapted to mass production and/or to facilitate cost-effective production of metal-supported fuel cells and/or electrolyser units. The electrode unit and the metal holder device can in particular be manufactured in advance. The electrode unit and the metal holder device can be realized in particular as standardized semi-finished products.

It is further proposed that, in at least one method step, the electrode units are applied, in particular layer by layer, to the flexible transport support element before the electrode units are applied to the metal support device. The flexible carrier element preferably has at least one electrode application surface, in particular for applying the electrode unit to the flexible carrier element. The electrode units are preferably applied layer by layer to the flexible transport support element, in particular to the electrode application surface, in the electrode production step. The flexible transport support element, in particular together with the electrode unit, is preferably configured to be rollable. The flexible transport support element is in particular designed as a film or a metal sheet. The flexible transport support element is preferably provided for prefabricating, transporting and/or storing the electrode unit and in particular for the subsequent production of metal-supported fuel cells and/or electrolysis cells. In the electrode production step, the functional layer formed as an electrode layer is preferably applied to the flexible carrier element. In a further electrode production step, a functional layer in the form of a separating layer is preferably applied to a functional layer in the form of an electrode layer. Alternatively, a functional layer in the form of a separating layer is applied to the flexible transport support element in an electrode production step and/or a functional layer in the form of an electrode layer is applied to the functional layer in the form of a separating layer in a further electrode production step. The at least two functional layers are preferably applied to the flexible transport support element by a printing process, for example by a squeegee process, by a spray process, by an inkjet process, by an offset printing process or the like. At least one functional layer is preferably less than 100m, preferably less than 50m, particularly preferably less than 25m is applied in a maximum layer thickness. The at least one functional layer is preferably applied with a minimum layer thickness of more than 25 nm, preferably more than 50 nm, particularly preferably more than 75 nm. At least one functional layer is preferably at least substantially made of ceramic. It is conceivable that the electrode unit is coated with a protective layer after application to the flexible transport support element, in particular for transport and/or storage. The design according to the invention advantageously allows a compact storage and/or transport of the prefabricated electrode unit.

It is also proposed that, in at least one method step, after the electrode unit has been applied to the metal carrier device, the carrier element, in particular a water-soluble carrier element, for transporting the electrode unit is removed. Preferably, the carrier support elements, in particular the water-soluble carrier support elements and the flexible carrier support elements, are treated similarly in the electrode production step. The carrier support elements, in particular water-soluble carrier support elements, correspond in particular to flexible carrier support elements. However, it is also conceivable that the transport support elements, in particular water-soluble transport support elements, and the flexible transport support elements form individually constructed structural elements of the transport unit, in particular built up layer by layer. The transport support element is preferably designed to be water-soluble. The carrier frame element is preferably at least substantially made of Trucal. In at least one detachment step, the transport support element is preferably removed from the electrode unit. The carrier element is preferably at least partially wetted during the detachment step. In the detachment step of the transport support element, in particular, the electrode unit is detached and/or at least partially detached. The transportation support element is preferably removed before sintering and/or age hardening of the electrode unit. The design according to the invention makes it possible to use a material for the transport support element which has a surface quality which is advantageously high with regard to roughness and porosity. The material can be used in particular for transporting support elements, which achieves an advantageously high wettability, an advantageously high thickness quality and/or an advantageously high print quality stability for the functional layer. In particular, the removal of combustion residues of the transport support element produced by sintering can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, an additional functional layer, in particular designed as an oxidant electrode, is applied to the electrode unit before the electrode unit is applied to the metal carrier device. Preferably, in at least one method step, an additional functional layer is applied to the functional layer of the electrode unit, which is designed as a separating layer. The additional functional layer is applied in particular to the electrode unit on the transport support element. The additional functional layer is in particular fixed to the electrode unit. In at least one method step, the electrode unit is applied to the metal carrier device, in particular together with additional functional layers. The additional functional layer is arranged in particular on the electrode mounting surface, in particular between the electrode unit and the metal carrier device. The additional functional layer is preferably designed as an electrode layer. The additional functional layer is in particular designed as an oxidant electrode. The additional functional layer is alternatively embodied as a fuel electrode. However, it is also conceivable for the additional functional layer to be designed as a separating layer, in particular for electrically insulating the electrode unit from the metal carrier device. The inventive design makes it possible to carry out the method in advantageously few individual steps and/or with advantageously little time consumption. All functional layers of the fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit can be advantageously produced, in particular preformed, in advance.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, an additional functional layer, in particular designed as an oxidant electrode, is applied to the electrode unit after the electrode unit has been applied to the metal carrier device. In at least one method step, an additional functional layer, in particular in the form of an oxidant electrode, is preferably applied to the electrode unit after sintering and/or age hardening of the electrode unit. The additional functional layer is preferably burnt onto the electrode unit in at least one method step. The additional functional layer is preferably applied to the functional layer of the electrode unit, which is designed as a separating layer. The additional functional layer is preferably applied as an oxidant electrode. The design according to the invention makes it possible to advantageously material-specifically adapt the sintering and/or age hardening to the electrode unit. In particular, it is advantageously possible to avoid restrictions on the process parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, for sintering and/or age hardening. In particular, degradation processes of the additional functional layer during sintering and/or age hardening can be avoided.

The invention is based, furthermore, on a metal carrier device for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit produced according to the method according to the invention, for supporting an electrode unit of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, which electrode unit has at least one electrode mounting surface. It is proposed that the electrode mounting surface be structured. The metal support device preferably comprises at least one base body. The electrode mounting surface is preferably at least in the form of a subregion of a surface of the main body, in particular a subregion of the largest outer surface of the main body. The base body is preferably flat. The base body comprises, in particular, a maximum extension length at least in a direction perpendicular to the electrode mounting surface, in particular the maximum outer surface, which is less than the maximum extension length of the electrode mounting surface, in particular the maximum outer surface, preferably less than 1/10 of the maximum extension length, in particular less than 1/30 of the maximum extension length. The maximum radius of curvature of the largest outer surface, in particular of the electrode mounting surface, is preferably greater than the maximum extent of the largest outer surface, in particular of the electrode mounting surface, in particular greater than three times the maximum extent, particularly preferably greater than five times the maximum extent. The base body is preferably designed as a metal film, a metal plate and/or a metal sheet. In particular, the maximum elongation in the direction perpendicular to the electrode mounting surface, in particular the maximum outer surface, is at least less than 1 mm, preferably less than 750 mmm, particularly preferably less than 500And m is selected. Structured electrodesThe mounting surface is intended to mean, in particular, that the metal carrier device has structural elements which are arranged in and/or at the electrode mounting surface. The structural element in particular limits the electrode mounting surface. The metal holder means comprise, for example, grooves, recesses, ribs, nodules, wells, channels, pins or the like as structural elements at the electrode mounting face. The metal stent device preferably comprises at least one fluid channel. The fluid channel is preferably formed in the base body, in particular at the electrode mounting face. The metal carrier device alternatively or additionally has at least one structural element arranged at the electrode mounting surface for guiding the fluid. The fluid channel preferably comprises at least one outlet opening in the electrode mounting face. The fluid channel preferably comprises at least one inlet opening at a section of the surface of the base body which is different from the electrode mounting surface configuration, in particular at the side of the metal carrier device facing away from the electrode mounting surface. The fluid channel is in particular configured as a recess through the base body. The electrode mounting face preferably completely surrounds the outlet opening of the fluid channel. The fluid channel preferably structures the electrode mounting surface. The fluid channel forms in particular a recess of the electrode mounting surface. The design according to the invention makes it possible to support the electrode unit in a particularly simultaneous, advantageously safe manner and to supply it with a fluid, in particular a fuel and/or an oxidizing agent, advantageously reliably.

It is also proposed that the metal carrier device comprises at least one fluid channel with a large-area outlet opening arranged at the electrode mounting surface. By "large-area outlet opening" it is meant in particular that an imaginary plane, in particular in a plane parallel to the electrode mounting surface, with a circumference defined by the outlet opening has a maximum area which is at least greater than 1%, preferably greater than 2%, particularly preferably greater than 3%, greater than the maximum area of the electrode mounting surface and/or greater than the total channel area. The "total channel surface" is intended in particular to mean the largest area of all imaginary surfaces, in particular in a plane parallel to the electrode mounting surface, which have a circumference defined by one outlet opening each of all fluid channels of the metal holder device. The metal holder means for example comprises exactly one fluid channel. The exactly one flow channel preferably has a serpentine, spiral and/or branched large-area outlet opening. The metal holder device comprises, for example, at least one fluid channel in the form of a slot, preferably a plurality of fluid channels in the form of slots arranged at least substantially in parallel. "substantially parallel" is intended here to mean, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8 °, advantageously less than 5 °, and particularly advantageously less than 2 °. The large-area outlet opening of the fluid channel, in particular the slot-shaped fluid channel, has in particular at least one maximum longitudinal extent in at least one direction, which at least substantially corresponds to the maximum extent of the electrode mounting surface in this direction. A distance "substantially corresponds" to another distance shall mean in particular that said distance covers at least 25%, preferably more than 50%, particularly preferably more than 75% of said another distance. The metal carrier device comprises, for example, a plurality of, in particular at least substantially structurally identical, fluid channels, which are, in particular, worked into the matrix in a distributed manner at regular and/or irregular intervals. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to keep the flow resistance of the metal holder device low, in particular with respect to the fuel and/or oxidizing agent. The advantageously large surface portion of the functional layer arranged on the metal carrier device can be supplied with fluid, in particular directly, during operation of the fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit. The metal carrier device is particularly advantageously flexible, in particular for processing, transport and/or storage.

It is furthermore proposed that the metal holder device comprises a fluid distribution element arranged at the electrode mounting face. The fluid distribution element is preferably arranged at the at least one fluid channel. The fluid distribution element is in particular in fluid communication with at least one fluid channel. The at least one fluid channel opens in particular into the fluid distribution element. The outlet opening of the fluid distribution element at the electrode mounting face is preferably larger than the outlet opening of the fluid channel opening into the fluid distribution element. The distributor element is preferably designed as a groove, in particular a bifurcated and/or helically running groove, at the electrode mounting face. However, it is also conceivable for the fluid distribution element to be designed as a cross-sectional widening of the fluid channel. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to keep the porosity of the metal stent device, in particular the continuous porosity, low. The metal support device can be designed particularly advantageously stably.

It is also proposed that the metal carrier device comprises a tensile grid element for guiding the fluid, in particular for forming the electrode mounting surface. The elongated mesh elements have in particular at least one region with a diamond mesh, a long-tab mesh, a hexagonal mesh, a circular mesh, a square mesh and/or a special mesh. The tensile grid elements preferably form the base of the metal stent device. The mesh of the elongated mesh elements preferably forms the fluid channels. However, it is also conceivable for the tension grid element to be fastened, in particular, to an additional substrate. The tension lattice element is arranged, in particular fixed, at the largest outer side of the additional base body of the metal carrier device. In particular, the side of the deep-drawn mesh facing away from the largest outer side of the additional base body forms the electrode mounting surface of the metal carrier device. The at least one fluid channel preferably opens into a mesh of the elongated mesh element. The at least one mesh is in particular designed as a large-area outlet opening of the fluid channel. At least one mesh of the elongated mesh elements alternatively forms a fluid distribution element. The tension mesh element is preferably at least substantially made of metal, in particular of the same metal as the base body and/or of plastic. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to produce the metal support device in a simple and/or inexpensive manner.

Furthermore, a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, is proposed, which is produced according to the method according to the invention and/or comprises the metal holder device according to the invention. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, an advantageously compact, mechanically stable and/or shock-resistant metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit can be provided. In particular, a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit can be provided which is advantageously suitable for use in mobile applications. It may be particularly advantageous to provide a fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit that is cost effective to provide metal support.

The method according to the invention, the metal carrier device according to the invention and/or the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit according to the invention are not limited to the above-described applications and embodiments. The method according to the invention, the metal carrier device according to the invention and/or the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps differing from the number described herein, in particular in order to fulfill the operating mode described herein. Furthermore, in the value fields described in the present disclosure, values within the limits should also be regarded as being public and disposable.

Further advantages result from the following description of the figures. Six embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The figures, description and claims contain a large number of combined features. The person skilled in the art suitably also considers the features mentioned individually and generalizes them to reasonable other combinations.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a process according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a metal stent assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternative metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a method in accordance with the invention for manufacturing an alternative metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative metal stent assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an additional metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an additional process in accordance with the invention for making additional metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cells in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another metal stent assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a further alternative metal stent device according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of another metal stent assembly according to the present invention; and is

Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of an additional metal stent device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a metal supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a, in particular a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. A metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12a is fabricated using the method 10a shown in figure 2. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a comprises a metal holder means 20 a. A metal holder device 20a is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14 a. The metal bracket device 20a preferably includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 a. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a comprises at least one electrode unit 14 a. The electrode unit 14a comprises at least two functional layers 16a, 18 a. At least one of the functional layers 16a, 18a is designed in particular as a fuel electrode 48 a. The fuel electrode 48a is provided for contact with the fuel 50a, particularly during operation of the fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12 a. At least one of the functional layers 16a, 18a is designed in particular as a separating layer 52a, in particular as an electrolyte layer. The fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12a preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26 a. The additional functional layer 26a is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode 24 a. The oxidant electrode 24a is provided for contact with the oxidant 54a, particularly during operation of the fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12 a. An additional functional layer 26a, which is designed as an oxidant electrode 24a, is preferably arranged on the electrode mounting surface 28a of the metal carrier device 20 a. The metallic stent device 20a preferably includes at least one fluid permeable area 56 a. The fluid-permeable region 56a is in particular adjacent to the electrode mounting surface 28a in order to in particular pass a fluid, in particular an oxidizing agent 54a, through the metal holder device 20a to the additional functional layer 26a arranged at the electrode mounting surface 28 a. The metal stent device 20a is preferably porous in the fluid-permeable region 56 a. The metal holder device 20a comprises in particular at least one fluid channel 30a (see fig. 3), in particular for realizing a fluid-permeable area 56 a. The functional layer 18a, which is formed as a separating layer 52a, is preferably arranged on the additional functional layer 26a, which is formed as an oxidant electrode 24 a. The functional layer 16a, which is formed as the fuel electrode 48a, is preferably arranged on the functional layer 18a, which is formed as the separating layer 52 a. The separation layer 52a is disposed particularly between the fuel electrode 48a and the oxidizer electrode 24 a. An additional functional layer 26a is arranged in particular between the electrode unit 14a and the metal holder device 20 a.

Fig. 2 shows a method 10a for manufacturing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The electrode unit 14a with the at least two functional layers 16a, 18a and the metal holder device 20a are manufactured separately from one another. The method 10a preferably includes an electrode fabrication step 58 a. The method 10a preferably includes a metal stent fabrication step 60 a. The electrode manufacturing step 58a and the metal holder manufacturing step 60a are preferably performed independently of each other. The electrode production step 58a and the metal support production step 60a are carried out in particular in parallel, in succession one after the other and/or partially overlapping in time.

The at least two functional layers 16a, 18a are preferably produced, in particular preformed, in an electrode production step 58 a. In particular, in an electrode production step 58a, one green body of the functional layers 16a, 18a is produced. The at least two functional layers 16a, 18a are preferably arranged next to one another, in particular fixed next to one another, in an electrode production step 58 a. Preferably, in an electrode production step 58a, the electrode units 14a are applied, in particular layer by layer, to the flexible transport support element 22a before the electrode units 14a are applied to the metal support device 20 a. In at least one fuel electrode application step 62a, the functional layer 16a embodied as a fuel electrode 48a is preferably applied, in particular printed, to the transport support element 22 a. For example, at least the functional layer 16a constituting the fuel electrode 48a is made at least substantially of NiO/Ni and yttrium stabilized zirconia, of cerium-gadolinium oxide, of perovskite, or the like. The functional layer 18a, which is embodied as a separating layer 52a, is preferably applied, in particular printed, onto the fuel electrode 48a in at least one dielectric application step 64 a. For example, at least the functional layer 18a constituting the separation layer 52a is made at least substantially of yttrium-stabilized zirconia and/or cerium-gadolinium oxide. In particular, it is conceivable for one of the functional layers 16a, 18a to be formed from at least two or more layers, wherein in particular the different layers are made of different materials. In at least one oxidant electrode application step 66a, an additional functional layer 26a, in particular in the form of an oxidant electrode 24a, is applied to, in particular printed onto, the electrode unit 14a before the electrode unit 14a is applied to the metal holder device 20 a. For example, at least the additional functional layer 26a forming the oxidant electrode 24a is made at least substantially of lanthanum-strontium-manganese oxide, lanthanum-strontium-cobalt-ferrite, lanthanum-strontium-chromite or the like. Preferably, in the electrode production step 58a, the transport support element 22a is rolled up and/or stacked for transport and/or for storage after the application of the electrode unit 14 and/or the additional functional layer 26 a. It is also conceivable for the transport support element 22a with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a to be transported directly for further processing, for example by means of a transport device.

The metallic stent device 20a is preferably manufactured in a metallic stent manufacturing step 60 a. The metal carrier device 20a preferably comprises at least one base body 68a, in particular a metal plate. For example, the metal bracket assembly 20a, and in particular the substrate 68a, is at least substantially made of titanium, Crofer 22H/APU, Inconel 600 or the like. In the metal holder production step 60a, at least the base body 68a, in particular the electrode mounting surface 28a, the metal holder arrangement 20a, is preferably structured. In particular, at least one fluid channel 30a is machined into the base body 68a in the metal holder production step 60 a. The at least one fluid channel 30a is preferably machined into the base body 68a of the metal holder device 20a by a forming process, in particular by means of stamping, embossing, milling, laser drilling, laser cutting or the like. The metal holder assembly 20a is preferably deburred in a metal holder manufacturing step 60 a. The metal stent device 20a is preferably cleaned in a metal stent fabrication step 60 a. The metal stent device 20a is preferably further heat treated in a metal stent fabrication step 60 a. The metal stent device 20a is preferably rolled and/or stacked for transport and/or for storage in a metal stent fabrication step 60 a. It is also conceivable for the metal holder device 20a to be conveyed directly for further processing, for example by means of a conveying device.

The electrode unit 14a, in particular together with the additional functional layer 26a, is preferably applied to the metal holder device 20a, in particular to the electrode mounting surface 28a, in a joining process 70 a. In the joining process 70a, the transport support element 22a is preferably arranged together with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a on the metal support device 20 a. The additional functional layer 26a faces in particular the metal holder arrangement 20a, in particular the electrode mounting face 28 a. The joining process 70a preferably comprises a hot-pressing process, in particular for laminating the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a to the metal carrier device 20a, in particular to the electrode mounting surface 28 a. In at least one detachment step 72a, the particularly water-soluble transport support element 22a for transporting the electrode unit 14a is removed after the electrode unit 14a has been applied to the metal support device 20 a. The, in particular water-soluble, carrier element 22a is wetted, in particular in a detachment step 72 a. The, in particular water-soluble, carrier element 22a is detached in particular at least partially in a detachment step 72 a. In a detachment step 72a, the in particular water-soluble transport support element 22a is detached in particular from the electrode unit 14a, in particular from the functional layer 16a designed as a fuel electrode 48 a. It is contemplated that method 10a includes a cleaning process of electrode unit 14a after detachment step 72 a. The method 10a preferably includes a sintering step 74 a. The electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a are preferably sintered in a sintering process 74a, in particular in the state of being applied to the metal holder device 20 a. The electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a are preferably brought to a temperature of more than 600 ℃, preferably more than 800 ℃, preferably more than 1000 ℃ in the sintering step 74a, in particular in the state of application on the metal holder device 20 a. It is conceivable that the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, in particular in the state of application on the metal carrier device 20a, are surrounded during sintering by a reduced atmosphere, in particular having a gas content of less than 10%^-16 bar, preferablyLess than 10^-17bar, particularly preferably less than 10^-18Oxygen partial pressure of bar. In the dividing step 76a, the metal holder device 20a together with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a is preferably divided into individual metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cells 12 a. The largest outer surface of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a preferably comprises at least 0.5 cm after separation in the dividing step 76a²Preferably at least 2 cm²Particularly preferably at least 4.5 cm²The largest area of (a). The largest outer surface of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a preferably comprises less than 1500 cm after separation in the dividing step 76a²Preferably less than 1000 cm²Particularly preferably less than 550 cm²The largest area of (a).

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the metal holder device 20a, particularly the electrode mounting surface 28 a. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of a metal holder device 20a, in particular of a fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12 a. A metal holder assembly 20a for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12a, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12a manufactured according to the method 10a, is provided for holding an electrode unit 14a of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12 a. The metal bracket device 20a includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 a. The electrode mounting surface 28a is structured. The metal holder device 20a comprises in particular exactly one fluid channel 30 a. The fluid channel 30a is configured as a cutout through the base 68a of the metal bracket device 20 a. The fluid channel 30a comprises, in particular, an outlet opening 38 a. The output opening 38a is preferably arranged in a plane containing the electrode mounting face 28 a. The metal holder device 20a comprises a fluid channel 30a with a large-area outlet opening 38a arranged at the electrode mounting face 28 a. The outlet opening 38a is in particular formed in a serpentine shape. The outlet opening 38a comprises in particular at least one spiral, preferably a plurality of spirals. Preferably, the fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12a is mounted to the gas chamber metal plate 78a in at least one of the method steps of the method 10a to form a gas chamber 80 a. The metal bracket device 20a is mounted on the gas chamber metal plate 78a, in particular. It is contemplated that the gas chamber metal plate 78a is integrated into the metal holder assembly 20 a.

Five further embodiments of the invention are shown in figures 5 to 13. The following description and the figures are substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein, with regard to components having the same name, in particular components having the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular fig. 1 to 4. To distinguish the embodiments, the reference numerals of the embodiments of fig. 1 to 4 are followed by the letter a. In the embodiment of fig. 5 to 13, the letter a is replaced by letters b to f.

Figure 5 shows a metal supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12b, in particular a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. A metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12b is fabricated by the method 10b shown in figure 6. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12b comprises a metal holder means 20 b. A metal holder device 20b is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14 b. The metal bracket device 20a preferably includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 b. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12b comprises at least one electrode unit 14 b. The electrode unit 14b comprises at least two functional layers 16b, 18 b. At least one of the functional layers 16b, 18b is in particular designed as an oxidant electrode 24 b. The fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12b preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26 b. The additional functional layer 26b is preferably designed as a fuel electrode 48 b. The additional functional layer 26b, which is designed as a fuel electrode 48b, is preferably arranged on the electrode mounting surface 28b of the metal carrier device 20 b. Reference is made to the description of figures 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12 b.

Fig. 6 shows a method 10b for manufacturing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12b, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12b comprises at least an electrode unit 14b with at least two functional layers 16b, 18 b. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12b comprises at least a metal holder means 20b for supporting the electrode unit 14 b. The electrode unit 14b with the at least two functional layers 16b, 18b and the metal holder device 20b are manufactured separately from each other. The functional layer 16b, which is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode 24b in at least one oxidant electrode application step 66b, is applied, in particular printed, to the transport support element 22 b. Preferably, in at least one electrolyte application step 64a, the functional layer 18b, which is designed as a separating layer 52a, is applied, in particular printed, to the oxidant electrode 24 b. In at least one fuel electrode application step 62b, an additional functional layer 26b, which is designed as a fuel electrode 48b, is preferably applied, in particular printed, to the electrode unit 14b before the electrode unit 14b is applied to the metal holder device 20 b. Reference is made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the method 10 b.

Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the metal holder device 20b, in particular of the electrode mounting face 28b of the metal holder device 20 b. A metal holder device 20b for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12b, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12b manufactured according to the method 10b, is provided for holding an electrode unit 14b of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12 b. The metal bracket device 20b includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 b. The electrode mounting surface 28b is structured. The metal bracket device 20b includes fluid channels 30b-36b with large area output openings 38b-44b disposed at the electrode mounting face 28 b. The metal stent device 20b preferably includes at least two, and preferably more than five, fluid passageways 30b-36 b. The metal bracket device 20b preferably includes at least one fluid passage 30b-36b in the shape of a cut-out groove. The large-area outlet openings 38b to 44b of the slotted flow channels 30b to 36b have in particular at least one maximum longitudinal extent in at least one direction, which at least substantially corresponds to the maximum extent of the electrode mounting surface 28b in this direction. The fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably at least substantially identically constructed. The at least two fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably arranged at least substantially in parallel. The fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. Reference is made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal bracket device 20 b.

Figure 8 shows a metal supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12c, in particular a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. A metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12c is fabricated using method 10c shown in figure 9. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12c comprises a metal holder means 20 c. A metal holder device 20c is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14 c. The metal bracket device 20a preferably includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 c. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12c comprises at least one electrode unit 14 c. The electrode unit 14c comprises at least two functional layers 16c, 18 c. At least one of the functional layers 16c, 18c is designed in particular as a fuel electrode 48 c. The fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12c preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26 c. The additional functional layer 26c is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode 24 c. Preferably, the electrode unit 14c, in particular the functional layer 16c designed as a fuel electrode 48c, is arranged on the electrode mounting surface 28c of the metal holder arrangement 20 c. The metallic stent device 20c preferably includes at least one fluid permeable area 56 c. The fluid-permeable region 56c is in particular adjacent to the electrode mounting surface 28c, in particular in order to allow a fluid, in particular a fuel 50c, to pass through the metal carrier device 20c to the electrode unit 14c arranged on the electrode mounting surface 28c, in particular to the functional layer 16c embodied as a fuel electrode 48 c. In particular, the electrode unit 14a is arranged between the additional functional layer 26c and the metal carrier device 20 c. Reference should be made to the description of figures 1 to 4 for additional features and/or functions of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12 c.

Fig. 9 shows a method 10c for manufacturing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12c, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12c comprises at least one electrode unit 14c with at least two functional layers 16c, 18 c. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12c comprises at least a metal holder means 20c for supporting the electrode unit 14 c. The electrode unit 14b with the at least two functional layers 16c, 18c and the metal holder device 20b are manufactured separately from each other. Preferably, in at least one electrolyte application step 64c, the functional layer 18c, which is configured as a release layer 52c, is applied, in particular printed, onto the transport stent element 22 c. In at least one fuel electrode application step 62c, an additional functional layer 26c embodied as a fuel electrode 48c is preferably applied, in particular printed, onto the separating layer 52 c. Preferably, in the oxidizer electrode coating step 66c, after the electrode unit 14c has been applied to the metal holder device 20c, an additional functional layer 26c, which is in particular designed as an oxidizer electrode 24c, is applied, in particular baked, to the electrode unit 14 c. The oxidizer electrode coating step 66c is preferably performed after a sintering step 74c, in particular for sintering the electrode unit 14c arranged on the metal stent-like paper device 20 c. Reference should be made to the description of fig. 1-4 for additional features and/or functions of method 10 c.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the metal holder device 20c, in particular of the electrode mounting face 28c of the metal holder device 20 c. A metal holder device 20c for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12c, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12c manufactured according to the method 10c, is provided for holding an electrode unit 14c of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser unit 12 c. The metal bracket device 20c includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 c. The electrode mounting face 28c is structured. The metal bracket device 20c includes fluid passages 30c-34c with large area output openings 38c-42c disposed at the electrode mounting face 28 c. The metal holder device 20c preferably comprises at least two, preferably more than five, particularly preferably more than twenty fluid channels 30c-34c, which are not designated by reference numerals in their entirety for the sake of clarity. The metal bracket device 20c preferably includes at least one fluid passage 30c-34c with a rectangular output opening 38c-42 c. The fluid channels 30c-34c are preferably at least substantially identically constructed. The fluid passages 30c-34c are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. Reference should be made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal bracket device 20 c.

Fig. 11 shows a plan view of the metal holder device 20d, in particular of the electrode mounting face 28d of the metal holder device 20 d. A metal holder assembly 20d for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14 of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell. The metal bracket device 20d includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 d. The electrode mounting face 28d is structured. The metal holder device 20d comprises fluid channels 30d-34d with large-area outlet openings 38d-42d arranged at the electrode mounting face 28d, which outlet openings are not designated in their entirety by reference numerals for the sake of clarity. The metal holder device 20d preferably comprises at least two, preferably more than five, particularly preferably more than twenty fluid channels 30d-34 d. The metal holder device 20d preferably comprises at least one fluid channel 30d-34d with a rotationally symmetrical, in particular rotationally symmetrical, outlet opening 38d-42 d. The fluid channels 30d-34d are preferably at least substantially identically constructed. The fluid passages 30d-34d are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. Reference should be made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal bracket device 20 d.

Fig. 12 shows a plan view of the metal holder device 20e, in particular of the electrode mounting face 28e of the metal holder device 20 e. A metal holder device 20e for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell is provided for holding the electrode unit 14e of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell. The metal bracket device 20e includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 e. The electrode mounting surface 28e is structured. The metal holder device 20e comprises a tensile grid element 47e for guiding the fluid, in particular for forming the electrode mounting surface 28 e. The mesh of the tension mesh element 47e forms, in particular, the fluid channels 30e-34e of the metal stent device 20e, which are not designated in their entirety by reference numerals for the sake of clarity. It is contemplated that the mesh of the elongated grid element 47e forms a large area of the output openings of the fluid channels 30e-34 e. Reference should be made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal bracket device 20 e.

Fig. 13 shows a cross section of a metal holder device 20f, in particular a cross section of a fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12 f. A metal bracket arrangement 20f for the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12f is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14f of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell 12 f. The metal bracket device 20f includes at least one electrode mounting face 28 f. The electrode mounting face 28f is structured. The metal bracket device 20f includes at least one fluid distribution element 46f disposed at the electrode mounting face 28 f. The fluid distribution element 46f comprises in particular a region for guiding the fluid provided with grooves, in particular of a branched and/or spiral arrangement. The metal bracket device 20f preferably includes at least one fluid passage 30f-35f configured to supply a well, particularly configured to pass through a cutout of the base 68f of the metal bracket device 20 f. The at least one fluid channel 30f-35f opens in particular into the fluid distribution element 46 f. Reference should be made to the description of fig. 1 to 4 for further features and/or functions of the metal bracket device 20 f.

In addition, each of the metallic stent devices 20a-20f shown herein is compatible with each of the methods 10a, 10b, 10c shown herein. Each of the metal frame assemblies 20a-20f may be used, inter alia, for each metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyser cell unit 12a, 12b, 12c, 12 f.