ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE WITH SOLID ELECTROLYTE AND METHOD OF ITS OPERATION Russian patent published in 1995 - IPC

FIELD: electrical engineering; conversion of chemical energy into electric energy; electrochemical generators, electrolyzers. SUBSTANCE: electrochemical device has base, solid electrolyte layer, reducing and oxidizing electrodes with current-collecting means arranged at both sides from solid electrolyte, switching devices and system to deliver oxidizing and reducing medium to working zone. Electrochemical device has also loading unit located at least at side of one of electrodes to apply load to the latter in direction of solid electrolyte layer through corresponding current-collecting means. In one of design versions electrode body is used directly as current-collecting means. In this case electrode body is made massive and serves simultaneously as base. In this design version electrolyte layer is made in form of thin film cracking of which is prevented by creating stress of at least two-axis compression under the action of external effort transmitted through electrodes from side of loading unit. Provision is made for design version in which external effort is transmitted to electrodes and electrolyte layer through discrete bodies which can play part of current-collecting devices in this case which makes it possible to reduce thickness of electrodes to functional value providing only catalytic properties as longitudinal current collection from electrodes is effected by current-carrying discrete bodies. Moreover, in this case electric contact of electrolyte electrode pair is enhanced. Method of operation of electrochemical device includes heating to working temperature at two-side compression of electrolyte and delivery of reagents to active zone of electrodes. Working temperature of electrochemical device is maintained within sintering temperature limits of solid electrolyte material. External force providing compression of electrolyte is applied after heating to temperature exceeding 600 C and is removed at cooling at temperatures below 600 C. Electrolyte external compression force can vary in value. EFFECT: enlarged operating capabilities. 27 cl, 8 dwg