Abstract
The invention relates to a method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit comprises at least one electrode unit (14a; 4b; 14c; 14f) with at least two functional layers (16a, 18a;16b, 18b;16c, 8c; 16f, 18f), and the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit comprises at least one metal support device for supporting the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f). According to the invention, the metal support device and the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) which has the at least two functional layers (16a, 8a; 16c, 18c; 16f, 18f) are produced separately.
Claims
1. A method for producing a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit, wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit comprises at least one electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) with at least two functional layers (16a, 18a; 16b, 18b; 16c, 18c; 16f, 18f), and wherein the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit comprises at least one metal support device for supporting the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f), characterized in that the metal support device and the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f), which has the at least two functional layers (16a, 18a; 16b, 18b; 16c, 18c; 16f, 18f), are produced separately.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) is applied to a flexible transport support element (22a; 22b; 22c) before application of the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) to the metal support device.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in at least one method step, after the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) has been applied to the metal support device, a transport support element (22a; 22b; 22c) is removed for the transport of the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an additional functional layer (26a; 26b) is applied to the electrode unit (14a; 14b) in at least one method step before application of the electrode unit (14a; 14b) to the metal support device.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an additional functional layer (26c) is applied to the electrode unit (14c) in at least one method step after application of the electrode unit (14c) to the metal support device.
6. A metal support device for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit produced by a method as claimed in claim 1, for supporting an electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit with at least one electrode contact surface (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f), characterized in that the electrode contact surface (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f) is of structured design.
7. The metal support device as claimed in claim 6, characterized by at least one fluid channel (30a; 30b-36b; 30c-34c; 30d-34d) having a large-area outlet opening (38a; 38b-44b; 38c-42c; 38d-42d) arranged on the electrode contact surface (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d).
8. The metal support device as claimed in claim 6, characterized by a fluid distribution element (46f) arranged on the electrode contact surface (28f).
9. The metal support device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the metal support device comprises an expanded metal element (47e) for conducting fluid.
10. (canceled)
11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unit is a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit.
12. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrode unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14f) is applied in layers.
13. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transport support element (22a; 22b; 22c) is a water-soluble transport support element.
14. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the additional functional layer (26a; 26b) is an oxidant electrode (24a).
15. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the additional functional layer (26c) is an oxidant electrode (24c).
16. The metal support device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the expanded metal element (47e) for conducting fluid is for the formation of the electrode contact surface (28e).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of drawings. Six exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to form useful further combinations.
[0021] In the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a method according to the invention,
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a metal support device according to the invention,
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section through the fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative method according to the invention for producing the alternative metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative metal support device according to the invention,
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a further metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a further method according to the invention for producing the further metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit according to the invention,
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of a further metal support device according to the invention,
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a schematic illustration of a further alternative metal support device according to the invention,
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a schematic illustration of another metal support device according to the invention, and
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section through an additional metal support device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a is produced by a method 10a shown in FIG. 2. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a comprises a metal support device 20a. The metal support device 20a is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14a. The metal support device 20a preferably comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28a. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a comprises at least one electrode unit 14a. The electrode unit 14a comprises at least two functional layers 16a, 18a. In particular, at least one of the functional layers 16a, 18a is designed as a fuel electrode 48a. In particular, the fuel electrode 48a is provided for contact with a fuel 50a during operation of the fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a. In particular, at least one of the functional layers 16a, 18a is designed as a separating layer 52a, in particular an electrolyte layer. The fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26a. The additional functional layer 26a is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode 24a. In particular, the oxidant electrode 24a is provided for contact with an oxidant 54a during operation of the fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a. The additional functional layer 26a designed as an oxidant electrode 24a is preferably arranged on the electrode contact surface 28a of the metal support device 20a. The metal support device 20a preferably comprises at least one fluid-pervious region 56a. In particular, the fluid-pervious region 56a adjoins the electrode contact surface 28a, in particular adjoins a passage for a fluid, in particular the oxidant 54a, through the metal support device 20a to the additional functional layer 26a arranged on the electrode contact surface 28a. The metal support device 20a is preferably of porous design in the fluid-pervious region 56a. In particular, the metal support device 20a comprises at least one fluid channel 30a (cf. FIG. 3), in particular for implementing the fluid-pervious region 56a. The functional layer 18a designed as a separating layer 52a is preferably arranged on the additional functional layer 26a designed as an oxidant electrode 24a. The functional layer 16a designed as a fuel electrode 48a is preferably arranged on the functional layer 18a designed as a separating layer 52a. In particular, the separating layer 52a is arranged between the fuel electrode 48a and the oxidant electrode 24a. In particular, the additional functional layer 26a is disposed between the electrode unit 14a and the metal support device 20a.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows the method 10a for producing the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The electrode unit 14a having the at least two functional layers 16a, 18a, and the metal support device 20a are produced separately from one another. The method 10a preferably comprises an electrode production step 58a. The method 10a preferably comprises a metal support production step 60a. The electrode production step 58a and the metal support production step 60a are preferably performed independently of one another. In particular, the electrode production step 58a and the metal support production step 60a are performed in parallel, successively and/or partially overlapping in time.
[0037] The at least two functional layers 16a, 18a are preferably produced, in particular preformed, in the electrode production step 58a. In particular, one green compact each of the functional layers 16a, 18a is produced in the electrode production step 58a. The at least two functional layers 16a, 18a are preferably arranged on one another, in particular fixed to one another, in the electrode production step 58a. Preferably, in the electrode production step 58a, the electrode unit 14a is applied, in particular in layers, to a flexible transport support element 22a, before the electrode unit 14a is applied to the metal support device 20a. Preferably, in at least one fuel electrode application step 62a, the functional layer 16a designed as a fuel electrode 48a is applied, in particular printed, onto the transport support element 22a. For example, at least the functional layer 16a designed as fuel electrode 48a is manufactured at least substantially of NiO/Ni with yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide, of cerium gadolinium oxide, of a perovskite or the like. Preferably, in at least one electrolyte application step 64a, the functional layer 18a designed as a separating layer 52a is applied, in particular printed, onto the fuel electrode 48a. For example, at least the functional layer 18a designed as a separating layer 52a is manufactured at least substantially of yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide and/or cerium-gadolinium oxide. In particular, it is conceivable that one of the functional layers 16a, 18a, is constructed from at least two or more sub-layers, wherein in particular different sub-layers are manufactured from different materials. In at least one oxidant electrode application step 66a before the electrode unit 14a is applied to the metal support device 20a, the additional functional layer 26a, in particular designed as an oxidant electrode 24a, is applied, in particular printed, onto the electrode unit 14a. For example, at least the additional functional layer 26a designed as an oxidant electrode 24a is manufactured at least substantially of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide, of lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite, of lanthanum strontium chromite, or the like. In the electrode production step 58a, the transport support element 22a is preferably rolled up and/or stacked for transport and/or storage after application of the electrode unit 14 and/or of the additional functional layer 26a. It is also conceivable that the transport support element 22a with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a is conveyed directly to further processing, e.g. via a conveyor system.
[0038] The metal support device 20a is preferably produced in the metal support production step 60a. The metal support device 20a preferably comprises at least one main body 68a, in particular a metal sheet. The metal support device 20a, in particular the main body 68a, is manufactured at least substantially of titanium, Crofer® 22 H/APU, Inconel® 600 or the like, for example. At least the main body 68a, in particular the electrode contact surface 28a, of the metal support device 20a is preferably structured in the metal support production step 60a. In particular, at least one fluid channel 30a is let into the main body 68a in the metal support production step 60a. The at least one fluid channel 30a is preferably let into the main body 68a of the metal support device 20a by means of a forming process, in particular by means of stamping, embossing, milling, laser boring, laser cutting or the like. The metal support device 20a is preferably deburred in the metal support production step 60a. The metal support device 20a is preferably cleaned in the metal support production step 60a. The metal support device 20a is preferably thermally after-treated in the metal support production step 60a. The metal support device 20a is preferably rolled up and/or stacked for transport and/or storage in the metal support production step 60a. It is also conceivable that the metal support device 20a is conveyed directly to further processing, e.g. via a conveyor system.
[0039] The electrode unit 14a, in particular together with the additional functional layer 26a, is preferably applied to the metal support device 20a, in particular to the electrode contact surface 28a, in an assembly process 70a. In the assembly process 70a, the transport support element 22a, with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, is preferably arranged on the metal support device 20a. In particular, the additional functional layer 26a faces the metal support device 20a, in particular the electrode contact surface 28a. The assembly process 70a preferably comprises a heat pressing process, in particular for laminating the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a onto the metal support device 20a, in particular onto the electrode contact surface 28a. In at least one detachment step 72a after application of the electrode unit 14a to the metal support device 20a, the, in particular water-soluble, transport support element 22a is removed for transport of the electrode unit 14a. In particular, the, in particular water-soluble, transport support element 22a is wetted in the detachment step 72a. In particular, the, in particular water-soluble, transport support element 22a is at least partially dissolved in the detachment step 72a. In particular, the, in particular water-soluble, transport support element 22a is detached from the electrode unit 14a, in particular from the functional layer 16a designed as fuel electrode 48a, in the detachment step 72a. It is conceivable that the method 10a comprises a cleaning process of the electrode unit 14a after the detachment step 72a. The method 10a preferably comprises a sintering step 74a. The electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, in particular in a state applied to the metal support device 20a, is preferably sintered in the sintering step 74a. The electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, in particular in a state applied to the metal support device 20a, is preferably brought to a temperature of more than 600° C., preferably more than 800° C., preferably more than 1000° C., in the sintering step 74a. It is conceivable that the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, in particular in a state applied to the metal support device 20a, is surrounded during sintering by a reduced atmosphere which in particular has an oxygen partial pressure of less than 10.sup.−16 bar, preferably of less than 10.sup.−17 bar, particularly preferably of less than 10.sup.−18 mbar. In a separation step 76a, the metal support device 20a is preferably separated, together with the electrode unit 14a and/or the additional functional layer 26a, into individual metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer units 12a. After separation in the separation step 76a, a largest outer surface of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a preferably comprises a largest area of at least 0.5 cm.sup.2, preferably of at least 2 cm.sup.2, particularly preferably of at least 4.5 cm.sup.2. After separation in the separation step 76a, the largest outer surface of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a preferably comprises a largest area of less than 1500 cm.sup.2, preferably of less than 1000 cm.sup.2, particularly preferably of less than 550 cm.sup.2.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the metal support device 20a, in particular of the electrode contact surface 28a. FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the metal support device 20a, in particular of the fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a. The metal support device 20a for the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a, in particular for the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a produced by the method 10a, is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14a of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a. The metal support device 20a comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28a. The electrode contact surface 28a is of structured design. In particular, the metal support device 20a comprises precisely one fluid channel 30a. The fluid channel 30a is designed as an aperture through the main body 68a of the metal support device 20a. In particular, the fluid channel 30a comprises an outlet opening 38a. The outlet opening 38a is preferably arranged in a plane containing the electrode contact surface 28a. The metal support device 20a comprises the fluid channel 30a with the large-area outlet opening 38a arranged on the electrode contact surface 28a. In particular, the outlet opening 38a is of meandering design. In particular, the outlet opening 38a comprises at least one turn, preferably a multiplicity of turns. The fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a is preferably mounted on a gas space plate 78a to form a gas space 80a in at least one method step of the method 10a. In particular, the metal support device 20a is mounted on the gas space plate 78a. It is conceivable that the gas space plate 78a is integrated into the metal support device 20a.
[0041] Five further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 5 to 13. The following descriptions and the drawings are limited substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein, in respect of components of identical designation, in particular in respect of components with the same reference signs, it is possible in principle also to refer to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 4. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is added as a suffix to the reference signs of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 5 to 13, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to f.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b is produced by the method 10b shown in FIG. 6. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b comprises a metal support device 20b. The metal support device 20b is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14b. The metal support device 20a preferably comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28b. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b comprises at least one electrode unit 14b. The electrode unit 14b comprises at least two functional layers 16b, 18b. In particular, at least one of the functional layers 16b, 18b is designed as an oxidant electrode 24b. The fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26b. The additional functional layer 26b is preferably designed as a fuel electrode 48b. The additional functional layer 26b designed as a fuel electrode 48b is preferably arranged on the electrode contact surface 28b of the metal support device 20b. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows the method 10b for producing the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b comprises at least the electrode unit 14b having the at least two functional layers 16b, 18b. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b comprises at least the metal support device 20b for supporting the electrode unit 14b. The electrode unit 14b having the at least two functional layers 16b, 18b, and the metal support device 20b are produced separately from one another. Preferably, in at least one oxidant electrode application step 66b, the functional layer 16b designed as an oxidant electrode 24b is applied, in particular printed, onto a transport support element 22b. Preferably, in at least one electrolyte application step 64a, the functional layer 18b designed as a separating layer 52a is applied, in particular printed, onto the oxidant electrode 24b. Preferably, in at least one fuel electrode application step 62b before application of the electrode unit 14b to the metal support device 20b, the additional functional layer 26b designed as a fuel electrode 48b is applied, in particular printed, onto the electrode unit 14b. In respect of further features and/or functions of the method 10b, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the metal support device 20b, in particular of the electrode contact surface 28b of the metal support device 20b. The metal support device 20b for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b produced by the method 10b, is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14b of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12b. The metal support device 20b comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28b. The electrode contact surface 28b is of structured design. The metal support device 20b comprises fluid channels 30b-36b having large-area outlet openings 38b-44b arranged on the electrode contact surface 28b. The metal support device 20b preferably comprises at least two, preferably more than five, fluid channels 30b-36b. The metal support device 20b preferably comprises at least one slot-shaped fluid channel 30b-36b. In particular, the large-area outlet opening 38b-44b of the slot-shaped fluid channel 30b-36b has at least one maximum longitudinal extent in at least one direction which corresponds at least substantially to a maximum extent of the electrode contact surface 28b in said direction. The fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably at least substantially of identical construction. At least two fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably arranged substantially parallel. The fluid channels 30b-36b are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal support device 20b, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c is produced by a method 10c shown in FIG. 9. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c comprises a metal support device 20c. The metal support device 20c is provided for supporting the electrode unit 14c. The metal support device 20c preferably comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28c. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c comprises at least one electrode unit 14c. The electrode unit 14c comprises at least two functional layers 16c, 18c. In particular, at least one of the functional layers 16a, 18a is designed as a fuel electrode 48c. The fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c preferably comprises at least one additional functional layer 26c. The additional functional layer 26c is preferably designed as an oxidant electrode 24c. The electrode unit 14c, in particular the functional layer 16c designed as a fuel electrode 48c, is preferably arranged on the electrode contact surface 28c of the metal support device 20c. The metal support device 20c preferably comprises at least one fluid-pervious region 56c. In particular, the fluid-pervious region 56c adjoins the electrode contact surface 28c, in particular adjoins a passage for a fluid, in particular the fuel 50c, through the metal support device 20c to the electrode unit 14c arranged on the electrode contact surface 28c, in particular to the functional layer 16c designed as a fuel electrode 48c. In particular, the electrode unit 14a is arranged between the additional functional layer 26c and the metal support device 20c. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a method 10c for producing the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c, in particular a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell unit. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c comprises at least one electrode unit 14c having at least two functional layers 16c, 18c. The metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c comprises at least the metal support device 20c for supporting the electrode unit 14b. The electrode unit 14b having the at least two functional layers 16c, 18c, and the metal support device 20b are produced separately from one another. Preferably, in at least one electrolyte application step 64c, the functional layer 18c designed as a separating layer 52c is applied, in particular printed, onto a transport support element 22c. Preferably, in at least one fuel electrode application step 62c the additional functional layer 26c designed as a fuel electrode 48c is applied, in particular printed, onto the separating layer 52c. Preferably, in an oxidant application step 66c after application of the electrode unit 14c to the metal support device 20c, an additional functional layer 26c, in particular designed as an oxidant electrode 24c is applied, in particular baked, onto the electrode unit 14c. The oxidant electrode application step 66c preferably takes place after a sintering step 74c, in particular for sintering the electrode unit 14c arranged on the metal support device 20c. In respect of further features and/or functions of the method 10c, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a metal support device 20c, in particular of an electrode contact surface 28c of the metal support device 20c. The metal support device 20c for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c, in particular for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c produced by a method 10c, is provided for supporting an electrode unit 14c of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12c. The metal support device 20c comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28c. The electrode contact surface 28c is of structured design. The metal support device 20c comprises fluid channels 30c-34c having large-area outlet openings 38c-42c arranged on the electrode contact surface 28c. The metal support device 20c preferably comprises at least two, preferably more than five, particularly preferably more than twenty, fluid channels 30c-34c, which, for the sake of clarity, are not all provided with reference signs here. The metal support device 20c preferably comprises at least one fluid channel 30c-34c having a rectangular outlet opening 38c-42c. The fluid channels 30c-34c are preferably at least substantially of identical construction. The fluid channels 30c-34c are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal support devices 20c, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a metal support device 20d, in particular of the electrode contact surface 28d of the metal support device 20d. The metal support device 20d for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit is provided for supporting an electrode unit 14 of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit. The metal support device 20d comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28d. The electrode contact surface 28d is of structured design. The metal support device 20d comprises fluid channels 30d-34d with large-area outlet openings 38d-42d arranged on the electrode contact surface 28d, which, for the sake of clarity, are not all provided with reference signs here. The metal support device 20d preferably comprises at least two, preferably more than five, particularly preferably more than twenty, fluid channels 30d-34d. The metal support device 20d preferably comprises at least one fluid channel 30d-34d having an outlet opening 38d-42d that is rotationally symmetrical, in particular symmetrical with respect to rotation. The fluid channels 30d-34d are preferably at least substantially of identical construction. The fluid channels 30d-34d are preferably arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals from one another. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal support devices 20d, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a metal support device 20e, in particular of the electrode contact surface 28e of the metal support device 20e. The metal support device 20e for a metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit is provided for supporting an electrode unit 14e of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit. The metal support device 20e comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28e. The electrode contact surface 28e is of structured design. The metal support device 20e comprises, in particular for forming the electrode contact surface 28e, an expanded metal element 47e for conducting fluid. In particular, meshes of the expanded metal element 47e form fluid channels 30e-34e of the metal support device 20e, which, for the sake of clarity, are not all provided with reference signs here. It is conceivable that the meshes of the expanded metal element 47e form large-area outlet openings of the fluid channels 30e-34e. In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal support devices 20e, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a cross section through a metal support device 20f, in particular a cross section through a fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12f. The metal support device 20f for the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12f is provided for supporting an electrode unit 14f of the metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12f. The metal support device 20f comprises at least one electrode contact surface 28f. The electrode contact surface 28f is of structured design. The metal support device 20f comprises at least one fluid distribution element 46f arranged on the electrode contact surface 28f. In particular, the fluid distribution element 46f comprises a region provided with, in particular, branching and/or spirally arranged grooves for conducting fluid. The metal support device 20f preferably comprises at least one fluid channel 30f-35f, which are designed as supply shafts, in particular as apertures through a main body 68f of the metal support device 20f. In particular, the at least one fluid channel 30f-35f opens into the fluid distribution element 46f
[0051] In respect of further features and/or functions of the metal support devices 20f, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0052] In addition, each metal support device 20a-20f shown here is compatible with each method 10a 10b, 10c shown here. In particular, each of the metal support devices 20a-20f can be used for each metal-supported fuel cell and/or electrolyzer unit 12a, 12b, 12c, 12f.
