Device and method for testing pressure distribution of bipolar plate of fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell testing, and discloses a pressure distribution testing device and method for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell. The test assembly comprises a substrate and a plurality of pressure sensors; the bottom of the substrate is provided with test cavities used for being communicated with a bipolar plate runner to be tested, the top of the substrate is provided with step holes corresponding to the test cavities one by one, and the bottom surfaces of the step holes are provided with waterproof breathable films in an attached mode; the pressure sensor is arranged in the stepped hole; the test board is communicated with the gas inlet channel and is used for providing reaction gas for the bipolar plate to be tested; a data acquisition module; and the upper computer is used for summarizing the pressure data to obtain pressure distribution on the bipolar plate to be detected. The method has the beneficial effects that the flow field result of the bipolar plate does not need to be damaged, the accuracy of the test result is improved, in addition, the pressure distribution of the flow channel of the bipolar plate can be directly measured, and the test precision is relatively high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell testing, and in particular to a pressure distribution testing device and method for a fuel cell bipolar plate. Background Art

[0002] As one of the core components of the fuel cell stack, the bipolar plate contains a flow field structure that directly affects the performance and life of the stack, and is the focus of the stack optimization design. For a large-area bipolar plate structure, the distribution of the reactant gas along the flow channel becomes uneven, which will cause the fuel cell to have excessive current, excessive potential, local hot spots, etc., which will cause the proton exchange membrane, catalyst or carbon carrier to decay faster, reduce the life of the fuel cell or cause the fuel cell to fail locally. Therefore, in order to improve the life and reliability of the fuel cell, it is necessary to understand the parameter distribution characteristics inside the fuel cell, understand the mass transfer, heat transfer, reaction and other processes inside the fuel cell, and then make structural improvements to the fuel cell stack.

[0003] In the invention patent CN109301289A, a device for measuring the pressure distribution of the reaction gas in the electrode plate is disclosed in a test device for the internal temperature and pressure distribution of a large-area fuel cell. Specifically, a hollow structure is set on the electrode plate, and a temperature and pressure sensor is set on the hollow electrode plate, so as to achieve the measurement of the pressure distribution of the electrode plate flow field structure. This test method requires the hollow structure to be set on the electrode plate, which damages the flow field structure of the electrode plate, and the test result is not accurate enough. In addition, in the prior art, when performing a pressure distribution test on a bipolar plate, it mainly relies on simulating the fluid path in the bipolar plate flow channel to determine the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate. This test method cannot directly measure the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate flow channel for verification, and the accuracy is low. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pressure distribution test device and method for a fuel cell bipolar plate. During the test, there is no need to damage the flow field results of the bipolar plate, thereby improving the accuracy of the test results. In addition, the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate flow channel can be directly measured, and the test accuracy is high.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a pressure distribution measurement device for a fuel cell bipolar plate, comprising a test assembly; the test assembly comprises a substrate and a plurality of pressure sensors;

[0006] The bottom of the substrate is provided with a test cavity for communicating with the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested, the top of the substrate is provided with a step hole corresponding to the test cavity, the bottom of the step hole is connected with the test cavity, and the bottom surface of the step hole is provided with a waterproof breathable membrane; the circumference of the substrate is provided with a threaded hole connected with the bipolar plate to be tested; the substrate is provided with an air inlet channel;

[0007] The pressure sensor is arranged in the step hole, and the measuring end of the pressure sensor is arranged close to the waterproof breathable membrane;

[0008] A test bench, the test bench being in communication with the air inlet passage and being used for providing reaction gas to the bipolar plate to be tested;

[0009] A data acquisition module, electrically connected to the pressure sensor, and used to acquire pressure data of the pressure sensor;

[0010] The host computer is electrically connected to the test bench, the plurality of pressure sensors, and the data acquisition module, and summarizes the pressure data to obtain the pressure distribution on the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0011] Furthermore, the substrate is divided into a first area, a second area, and a third area, the step holes are evenly distributed in the first area, the second area, and the third area, and the pressure sensor is installed, the pressure sensor in the first area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the common pipeline area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, the pressure sensor in the second area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the distribution area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, and the pressure sensor in the third area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0012] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided on the outer wall of the pressure sensor, and the sealing ring is arranged to fit the step surface of the step hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the host computer is provided with a display screen, and the display screen is used to display the pressure distribution data of the bipolar plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is preset with a safety pressure value, and the host computer is provided with an alarm module. When the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor is greater than the safety pressure value, the alarm module generates an alarm.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for testing the pressure distribution of a fuel cell bipolar plate, based on the pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate described in any one of the above, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. A test assembly is provided on both sides of the bipolar plate to be tested, and the test cavities of the two test assemblies are connected to the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested;

[0017] S2, the air inlet of one of the test components is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the test bench, and the air inlet of another of the test components is connected to the air outlet of the test bench;

[0018] S3, the data acquisition module acquires the pressure data measured by the pressure sensors in the two test assemblies;

[0019] S4. The host computer obtains the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate to be tested according to the collected pressure data.

[0020] Furthermore, the step S1 comprises:

[0021] S100, a gas diffusion layer is laminated on both side end surfaces of the bipolar plate to be tested;

[0022] S101. A test assembly is attached to the outside of each gas diffusion layer; one end of the test assembly having a test cavity is in contact with the gas diffusion layer, and the test assembly is fixedly connected to the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0023] Furthermore, the step S1 further includes:

[0024] S102. The edges of the contact surfaces between the test assembly and the bipolar plate to be tested are filled with sealant.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the pressure distribution test device and method of a fuel cell bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: during the test, there is no need to damage the flow field structure of the bipolar plate, and the actual working conditions of the bipolar plate are simulated to ensure the accuracy of the test results. In addition, the pressure distribution of the cathode and anode of the bipolar plate can be measured simultaneously, and the test efficiency is relatively high. In addition, due to the provision of a waterproof and breathable membrane, the influence of liquid water in the bipolar plate on the pressure test of the pressure sensor is eliminated, and the test accuracy is further improved. The overall structure is simple, the test is convenient, and the operation is easy, which improves the test efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test assembly of a pressure distribution test device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the middle A;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a test principle diagram of a pressure distribution test device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the figure, 1. test component; 11. substrate; 100. first area; 110. second area; 120. third area; 111. test cavity; 112. step hole; 113. waterproof breathable membrane; 114. threaded hole; 115. air inlet; 116. air outlet; 12. pressure sensor; 13. sealing ring; 2. test bench; 3. data acquisition module; 4. host computer; 5. gas diffusion layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The specific implementation of the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "inside", "outside", etc. used in the present invention to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the referred devices and elements must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention uses the terms "first", "second", etc. to describe various information, but these information should not be limited to these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, "first" information may also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information may also be referred to as "first" information.

[0033] See also Figures 1 to 3 A pressure distribution test device for a fuel cell bipolar plate provided by a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 3 The pressure distribution test device includes a test component 1, a test bench 2, a data acquisition module 3 and a host computer 4, wherein the test component 1 is used to connect with the bipolar plate a to be tested, and is used to measure the pressure distribution of the flow channel of the bipolar plate a to be tested; the test bench 2 is used to provide reaction gas to the bipolar plate a to be tested, and is used to simulate the actual working condition of the bipolar plate; the data acquisition module 3 is used to obtain pressure data; the host computer 4 is used to summarize the collected pressure data and obtain the pressure distribution on the bipolar plate a to be tested.

[0034] In some embodiments, the test assembly 1 includes a substrate 11 and a plurality of pressure sensors 12, wherein the substrate 11 is used as a mounting carrier and is connected to the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested. Specifically, a test cavity 111 for connecting to the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested is provided at the bottom of the substrate 11. The pressure of the test cavity 111 measured by the pressure sensor 12 is the pressure at the corresponding bipolar plate flow channel. In order to facilitate the installation of the pressure sensor 12, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 A step hole 112 corresponding to the test cavity 111 is provided on the top of the substrate 11. The bottom of the step hole 112 is connected to the test cavity 111. The pressure sensor 12 is provided in the step hole 112. In order to prevent the liquid water generated in the bipolar plate from affecting the measurement of the pressure sensor 12, a waterproof and breathable membrane 113 is attached to the bottom surface of the step hole 112. The measuring end of the pressure sensor 12 is arranged close to the waterproof and breathable membrane 113. In order to facilitate the fixed connection between the test assembly 1 and the bipolar plate to be tested, refer to Figure 1 A threaded hole 114 connected to the bipolar plate to be tested is provided in the circumferential direction of the substrate 11, and the bipolar plate to be tested is fixedly connected to the substrate 11 by bolts.

[0035] At the same time, in order to facilitate the gas supply to the bipolar plate to be tested, an air inlet channel is provided on the substrate 11. During the test, the test bench 2 and the air inlet channel ( Figure 1 The air inlet 115 and the air outlet 116 in the figure represent the air inlet and air outlet of the air inlet channel, and the reaction gas provided by the test bench 2 is connected to the gas inlet of the bipolar plate to be tested through the air inlet channel, so as to provide the reaction gas to the bipolar plate to be tested. The data acquisition module 3 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 12 and is used to collect the pressure data of the pressure sensor 12; the host computer 4 is electrically connected to the test bench 2, multiple pressure sensors 12, and the data acquisition module 3, and summarizes the pressure data to obtain the pressure distribution on the bipolar plate to be tested. In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the direct acquisition of the pressure distribution data, a display screen is provided on the host computer 4, and the display screen is used to display the pressure distribution data of the bipolar plate.

[0036] In some embodiments, in order to avoid damage to the bipolar plate to be tested due to excessive local pressure caused by the provided reaction gas during the test, the pressure sensor 12 is preset with a safety pressure value, and the host computer 4 is provided with an alarm module. When the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor 12 is greater than the safety pressure value, the alarm module sounds an alarm to avoid damage to the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0037] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the distinction of the pressure data obtained on the bipolar plate to be tested, that is, the pressure sensors 12 at different positions measure the pressure data of different positions of the bipolar plate to be tested. In order to facilitate data processing and to facilitate the acquisition of the pressure distribution in different areas of the bipolar plate to be tested, refer to Figure 1The substrate 11 is divided into a first area 100, a second area 110, and a third area 120, wherein the step holes 112 are evenly distributed in the first area 100, the second area 110, and the third area 120, and a pressure sensor 12 is installed in each step hole 112. Specifically, the pressure sensor 12 in the first area 100 is used to measure the pressure distribution in the common pipeline area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, the pressure sensor 12 in the second area 110 is used to measure the pressure distribution in the distribution area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, and the pressure sensor 12 in the third area 120 is used to measure the pressure distribution in the flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0038] In some embodiments, in order to improve the sealing effect of the measuring end of the pressure sensor 12 installed in the step hole 112, avoid leakage and thus affect the measured pressure result, and improve the measurement accuracy, refer to Figure 2 A sealing ring 13 is provided on the outer wall of the pressure sensor 12 near the measuring end, and the sealing ring 13 is arranged to fit the step surface of the step hole 112 to ensure that the measuring end of the pressure sensor 12 remains sealed and the measured pressure result is accurate.

[0039] The present invention also provides a method for testing the pressure distribution of a fuel cell bipolar plate, based on the pressure distribution testing device for the fuel cell bipolar plate, comprising the following steps:

[0040] S1. A test assembly 1 is provided on both sides of the bipolar plate to be tested, and the test cavities 111 of the two test assemblies 1 are both connected to the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested;

[0041] S2, the air inlet of one test assembly 1 is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the test bench 2, and the air inlet of another test assembly 1 is connected to the air outlet of the test bench 2;

[0042] S3, the data acquisition module 3 acquires the pressure data measured by the pressure sensors 12 in the two test assemblies 1;

[0043] S4. The host computer 4 obtains the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate to be tested according to the collected pressure data.

[0044] In this embodiment, in order to simulate the actual working condition of the bipolar plate to be tested, step S1 includes:

[0045] S100, a gas diffusion layer 5 is attached to both end surfaces of the bipolar plate to be tested; Figure 3 It can be seen that the bipolar plate to be tested is arranged between two gas diffusion layers 5 .

[0046] S101. A test assembly 1 is attached to the outside of each gas diffusion layer 5. One end of the test assembly 1 having a test cavity 111 is in contact with the gas diffusion layer 5. The test assembly 1 is fixedly connected to the bipolar plate to be tested.

[0047] In some embodiments, since the substrate 11 in the test assembly 1 is connected to the bipolar plate to be tested by bolts, in order to ensure the sealing effect of the connection, step S1 further includes:

[0048] S102 , the edges of the contact surfaces between the test assembly 1 and the bipolar plate to be tested are filled with sealant.

[0049] In this embodiment, in step S2, the intake amount of hydrogen and air is adjusted by the test bench 2, so that the working conditions of the bipolar plate to be tested under different intake conditions can be simulated, and the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate to be tested under different working conditions can be measured, which greatly improves the test efficiency.

[0050] In summary, the embodiment of the present invention provides a pressure distribution test device and method for a fuel cell bipolar plate. During the test, there is no need to damage the flow field structure of the bipolar plate, and the actual working conditions of the bipolar plate are simulated to ensure the accuracy of the test results. In addition, the pressure distribution of the cathode and anode of the bipolar plate can be measured at the same time, which has a high test efficiency. In addition, due to the provision of a waterproof and breathable membrane 113, the liquid water in the bipolar plate is excluded from affecting the pressure test of the pressure sensor 12, further improving the test accuracy. The overall structure is simple, the test is convenient, and the operation is easy, which improves the test efficiency.

[0051] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and substitutions should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure distribution test device for a fuel cell bipolar plate, characterized in that: A test assembly is included; the test assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of pressure sensors; The bottom of the substrate is provided with a test cavity for communicating with the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested, the top of the substrate is provided with a step hole corresponding to the test cavity, the bottom of the step hole is connected with the test cavity, and the bottom surface of the step hole is provided with a waterproof breathable membrane; the circumference of the substrate is provided with a threaded hole connected with the bipolar plate to be tested; the substrate is provided with an air inlet channel; The pressure sensor is arranged in the step hole, and the measuring end of the pressure sensor is arranged close to the waterproof breathable membrane; A test bench, the test bench being in communication with the air inlet passage and being used for providing reaction gas to the bipolar plate to be tested; A data acquisition module, electrically connected to the pressure sensor, and used to acquire pressure data of the pressure sensor; The host computer is electrically connected to the test bench, the plurality of pressure sensors, and the data acquisition module, and summarizes the pressure data to obtain the pressure distribution on the bipolar plate to be tested.

2. The pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate is divided into a first area, a second area, and a third area. The step holes are evenly distributed in the first area, the second area, and the third area, and the pressure sensor is installed. The pressure sensor in the first area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the common pipeline area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, the pressure sensor in the second area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the distribution area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested, and the pressure sensor in the third area is used to measure the pressure distribution in the flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate to be tested.

3. The pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the pressure sensor is sleeved with a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is arranged in close contact with the step surface of the step hole.

4. The pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The host computer is provided with a display screen, and the display screen is used to display the pressure distribution data of the bipolar plate.

5. The pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is preset with a safety pressure value, and the host computer is provided with an alarm module. When the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor is greater than the safety pressure value, the alarm module generates an alarm.

6. A method for testing the pressure distribution of a fuel cell bipolar plate, based on the pressure distribution testing device for a fuel cell bipolar plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. A test assembly is provided on both sides of the bipolar plate to be tested, and the test cavities of the two test assemblies are connected to the flow channel of the bipolar plate to be tested; S2, the air inlet of one of the test components is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the test bench, and the air inlet of another of the test components is connected to the air outlet of the test bench; S3, the data acquisition module acquires the pressure data measured by the pressure sensors in the two test assemblies; S4. The host computer obtains the pressure distribution of the bipolar plate to be tested according to the collected pressure data.

7. The pressure distribution testing method of a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step S1 comprises: S100, a gas diffusion layer is laminated on both side end surfaces of the bipolar plate to be tested; S101. A test assembly is attached to the outside of each gas diffusion layer; one end of the test assembly having a test cavity is in contact with the gas diffusion layer, and the test assembly is fixedly connected to the bipolar plate to be tested.

8. The pressure distribution testing method of a fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step S1 further comprises: S102. The edges of the contact surfaces between the test assembly and the bipolar plate to be tested are filled with sealant.

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