Water electrolytic apparatus

Abstract

A water electrolytic apparatus includes, and a plurality of water electrolytic cells each having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode, the anode and the cathode being arranged on opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane, respectively. The water electrolytic cells are developed on a hypothetical plane and electrically connected in series to one another. In the water electrolytic apparatus, an increase in electric current can be inhibited.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A water electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of water electrolytic cells each having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode, the anode and the cathode being arranged on opposite sides of said electrolyte membrane, respectively, said water electrolytic cells being developed on a hypothetical plane and electrically connected in series to one another.  
     
     
         2 . A water electrolytic apparatus according to    claim 1   , further including a solar cell serving as a power supply for said plurality of water electrolytic cells.  
     
     
         3 . A water electrolytic apparatus according to    claim 1    or    2   , wherein the anodes of the plurality of water electrolytic cells are disposed on one hypothetical plane, and the cathodes of the plurality of water electrolytic cells are disposed on another hypothetical plane, and a single water/oxygen flow path and a single hydrogen flow path are shared by the plurality of water electrolytic cells.  
     
     
         4 . A water electrolytic apparatus according to    claim 2   , wherein said solar cell is of a panel shape and superposed on said plurality of water electrolytic cells.  
     
     
         5 . A water electrolytic apparatus according to    claim 3   , wherein said solar cell is of a panel shape and superposed on said plurality of water electrolytic cells.