Patent ID: 8337678
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: C25B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An electrochemical apparatus, for producing, through electrolysis, a first fluid having a normal pressure and a second fluid having a pressure higher than the normal pressure, comprising: an electrolyte membrane; a pair of current collectors disposed respectively on opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane; and a pair of separators stacked respectively on the current collectors; wherein a first flow field for supplying the first fluid having the normal pressure is defined between one of the current collectors and one of the separators, and a second flow field for producing the second fluid having the pressure higher than normal pressure is defined between the other current collector and the other separator; the one of the separators includes a first seal groove defined therein which extends around the first flow field, a seal member disposed in the first seal groove, and the other separator includes a second seal groove defined therein which extends around the second flow field, a second seal member disposed in the second seal groove, only the second seal groove including an opening which provides fluid communication between the second flow field and the second seal groove, no opening for fluid communication being provided between the first flow field and the first seal groove, wherein the first and second seal members are disposed in confronting relation to the electrolyte membrane interposed between the separators, and the first and second seal members are of a solid material.