A proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device

Abstract

This invention discloses a proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device, relating to the field of fuel cell proton exchange membrane performance testing technology. It includes a clamping assembly and a connecting assembly. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member has multiple through-holes, and the second clamping member has multiple through-holes, with the multiple second through-holes corresponding to and communicating with the multiple first through-holes. The connecting assembly includes a connector that connects the first and second clamping members and can drive the first and second clamping members to move closer or further apart. Because the fuel cell testing fixture and the proton exchange membrane can be connected through multiple first or second through-holes without excessive obstruction, the proton exchange membrane can quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in high testing efficiency and accurate proton conductivity testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of proton exchange membrane performance testing technology for fuel cells, and specifically to a proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device. Background Technology

[0002] One of the core components of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane (PEM), which isolates the reactant gases at the anode and cathode and allows only cations to pass through, thus enabling the electrolyte to conduct protons. Research institutes in various countries have attempted to fabricate PEMs using non-fluorinated or partially fluorinated resin materials in order to reduce membrane costs or improve performance. Whether fabricating PEMs using non-fluorinated or partially fluorinated resin materials or exploring suitable processing techniques for perfluorosulfonic acid PEMs, testing their proton conductivity is essential.

[0003] Prior art, disclosed in publication number CN117288992A, is a device and method for testing the proton conductivity of a proton exchange membrane. The device includes: an insulating base for holding the proton exchange membrane to be tested; four electrode wires disposed on the insulating base for electrical connection to the proton exchange membrane; and a first flexible thin-film detection component attached to the proton exchange membrane, the first flexible thin-film detection component being connected to a detection instrument via leads. By attaching a thin-film thermocouple to the surface of the proton exchange membrane, the temperature of the proton exchange membrane surface can be transmitted in real time to the detection instrument for display via test wires.

[0004] However, the testing device still has shortcomings. For example, the insulating base is a continuous closed structure, which isolates the proton exchange membrane from the fuel cell testing fixture. The proton exchange membrane cannot quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in low testing efficiency. Even if the preset temperature and humidity are reached, they are not maintained stably enough, and the proton conductivity test is not accurate enough. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device. This invention solves the technical problems in the prior art where the insulating base of the proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device is a continuous closed shape, which isolates the proton exchange membrane from the fuel cell testing fixture. As a result, the proton exchange membrane cannot quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, the testing efficiency is low, and even if the preset temperature and humidity are reached, they are not maintained stably enough, leading to inaccurate proton conductivity testing.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes, comprising:

[0008] The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member has multiple through first holes, and the second clamping member has multiple through second holes. The multiple second holes are connected to the multiple first holes at corresponding positions.

[0009] A connecting component includes a connector that connects the first clamping member and the second clamping member and is capable of driving the first clamping member and the second clamping member closer to or further away from each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, a portion of the first through holes are arranged around the central circumference of the first clamping member, and another portion of the first through holes are arranged radially spaced along the central circumference of the first clamping member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first clamping member includes a first support plate and a first flexible plate, the first flexible plate being connected to the side of the first support plate facing the second clamping member, and the first flexible plate having a plurality of through second holes.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first support plate has a first positioning groove, and the first flexible plate is engaged in the first positioning groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second clamping member includes a second support plate and a second flexible plate, the second flexible plate being connected to the side of the second support plate facing the first flexible plate, and the second flexible plate having a plurality of through fourth holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second support plate has a second positioning groove, and the second flexible plate is engaged in the second positioning groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly further includes an elastic element and a limiting element, the limiting element being connected to the connecting member, the connecting member passing through the first clamping member and threadedly connected to the second clamping member, and the elastic element being connected to the limiting element and the first clamping member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the elastic element is a spring, the spring is sleeved on the connector, and the limiting element is a pin, the pin being detachably inserted into the connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly further includes a first slider and a second slider, both of which are slidably disposed on the first clamping member, and the first slider and the second slider are respectively provided with a first wire hole and a second wire hole for threading.

[0018] In some embodiments, both the first slider and the second slider are threadedly connected to a tightening screw, which can abut against or disengage from the first clamping member when rotated.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device provided by this invention has a first clamping member and a second clamping member that can be used to clamp and fix the proton exchange membrane to be tested. After the proton exchange membrane is fixed, the fuel cell testing fixture can conduct temperature and humidity to the proton exchange membrane through multiple first through holes on the first clamping member or multiple second through holes on the second clamping member, so that the proton exchange membrane reaches the preset temperature and humidity. Since the fuel cell testing fixture and the proton exchange membrane can be connected through multiple first or second through holes without too many obstructions, the proton exchange membrane can quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in high testing efficiency. Moreover, after reaching the preset temperature and humidity, the proton exchange membrane can be stably maintained at the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in accurate proton conductivity testing. In addition, the first and second through holes can also be used for the passage of wires connecting the proton exchange membrane, so that the wires can be more easily connected to the testing equipment. Therefore, the testing device of this invention is applicable to the testing of proton exchange membranes of various sizes. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes provided in this invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a disassembly diagram of the proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes provided in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0025] To address the technical problems of existing proton exchange membrane (PEM) proton conductivity testing devices, where the insulating base is a continuous, closed structure that isolates the PEM from the fuel cell testing fixture, preventing the PEM from quickly reaching the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in low testing efficiency and unstable maintenance even when the preset temperature and humidity are reached, leading to inaccurate proton conductivity testing, this invention provides a PEM proton conductivity testing device that enables the PEM to quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, achieving high testing efficiency. Furthermore, once the preset temperature and humidity are reached, the PEM can stably maintain these conditions, resulting in accurate proton conductivity testing.

[0026] It should be noted that the proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device described in this invention is used for, but not limited to, proton exchange membrane testing. For ease of explanation, this invention will only use the application of the proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device to proton exchange membrane testing as an example. The principle of the proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device applied to other types of equipment is essentially the same as that applied to proton exchange membrane testing, and will not be described in detail here.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device in one embodiment of the present invention. The proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device includes a clamping component 1 and a connecting component 2. The clamping component 1 includes a first clamping member 11 and a second clamping member 12. The first clamping member 11 has a plurality of through first through holes 13, and the second clamping member 12 has a plurality of through second through holes 14.

[0028] The connecting component 2 includes a connector 21, which connects the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 and can drive the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 to move closer or further apart. When the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 move closer together, they can clamp the proton exchange membrane located between the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12; when the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 move further apart, they can unlock the proton exchange membrane.

[0029] In this embodiment, during the testing of the proton exchange membrane, the proton exchange membrane is first placed between the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12. The wires connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the proton exchange membrane are passed through the first through hole 13 or the second through hole 14 at appropriate positions to facilitate connection to the testing equipment. The control connection assembly 2 drives the first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 to move closer to each other to clamp and fix the proton exchange membrane. Then, the fuel cell testing fixture is brought close to the first clamping member 11 or the second clamping member 12. The fuel cell testing fixture can conduct temperature and humidity to the proton exchange membrane through the multiple first through holes 13 on the first clamping member 11 or the multiple second through holes 14 on the second clamping member 12, so that the proton exchange membrane can quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity. Because the fuel cell testing fixture and the proton exchange membrane can be connected through multiple first through holes 13 or second through holes 14 without excessive obstruction, the proton exchange membrane can quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in high testing efficiency. Furthermore, once the preset temperature and humidity are reached, the proton exchange membrane can stably maintain those conditions, leading to accurate proton conductivity testing. Additionally, fuel cell testing fixtures can be installed on both sides of the testing device. The two fixtures simultaneously apply the preset temperature and humidity conditions to both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The temperature and humidity contact both sides of the proton exchange membrane through the first through holes 13 and the second through holes 14, ensuring that both sides of the proton exchange membrane reach the preset temperature and humidity.

[0030] In this embodiment, the multiple second through holes 14 are arranged in the same layout as the multiple first through holes 13 and are correspondingly connected, so that the temperature and humidity applied to both sides of the proton exchange membrane by the fuel cell testing fixture can be highly consistent, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of proton exchange membrane testing. In other embodiments, the multiple second through holes 14 and the multiple first through holes 13 can also be arranged differently and not correspond one-to-one with each other, for example, they can be staggered, which will not have a significant impact on the proton exchange membrane testing.

[0031] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 A portion of the first through holes 13 are arranged around the central circumference of the first clamping member 11, while another portion of the first through holes 13 are arranged radially at intervals along the central circumference of the first clamping member 11. In this embodiment, when fixing the proton exchange membrane, the center of the proton exchange membrane is arranged as close as possible to the center of the first clamping member 11, so that after the proton exchange membrane is fixed, more of the first through holes 13 can remain connected to the proton exchange membrane. The large communication area between the proton exchange membrane and the fuel cell testing fixture allows the fuel cell testing fixture to drive the proton exchange membrane to reach the preset temperature and humidity more quickly, which helps to improve testing efficiency.

[0032] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The first clamping member 11 includes a first support plate 111 and a first flexible plate 112. The first flexible plate 112 is connected to the side of the first support plate 111 facing the second clamping member 12. In this embodiment, when fixing the proton exchange membrane, the first flexible plate 112 contacts the proton exchange membrane. The first flexible plate 112 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone to prevent damage to the proton exchange membrane when in contact with it. In this embodiment, the first support plate 111 has a first positioning groove 113, which is adapted to the shape of the first flexible plate 112. The first flexible plate 112 is engaged in the first positioning groove 113 to completely fix the first flexible plate 112.

[0033] The first support plate 111 has a plurality of through first holes 131, and the first flexible plate 112 has a plurality of through second holes 132. The plurality of first holes 131 and the plurality of second holes 132 are arranged in the same manner and are connected to each other. Each first hole 131 and the second hole 132 are connected to form the aforementioned first through hole 13. The plurality of first holes 131 and the plurality of second holes 132 are connected to form a plurality of first through holes 13.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 The first support plate 111 also has a slot structure, which includes a sliding groove 114 and multiple branch grooves 115. The multiple branch grooves 115 are all connected to the sliding groove 114 and are spaced apart along the length of the sliding groove 114. The sliding groove 114 and the branch grooves 115 both penetrate the first support plate 111.

[0035] A first winding device 116 is provided on the first support plate 111. A copper wire 117 is wound on the first winding device 116. The copper wire 117 passes through the sliding groove 114 and is connected to the positive electrode of the proton exchange membrane. The copper wire is fixed by being clamped in the branch groove 115 at a suitable position. Figure 4 The copper wire 117 in the illustrated embodiment has two free ends and two slot structures. The two free ends of the copper wire 117 pass through the two slot structures respectively and are fixed by corresponding branch slots 115. Both free ends are connected to the positive electrode of the proton exchange membrane. In other embodiments, the two free ends of the copper wire 117 can also be connected together and then connected to the positive electrode of the proton exchange membrane. If the proton exchange membrane has different dimensions, the length of the free ends of the copper wire 117 can be adjusted by rotating the first winding device 116. The free ends of the copper wire 117 can be correspondingly engaged with the appropriate branch slots 115 according to the size of the proton exchange membrane, and the rotation of the first winding device 116 tightens the copper wire 117. After the two free ends of the copper wire 117 are fixed by their respective branch slots 115, they are connected to the positive electrode of the proton exchange membrane. Therefore, the multiple branch slots 115 in this embodiment can provide multiple positions for fixing the copper wire, making it convenient to use.

[0036] The second support plate 122 is equipped with a second winding device 124, on which a corresponding copper wire is wound. This wire is used to connect to the negative electrode of the proton exchange membrane. Like the first support plate 111, the second support plate 122 has a sliding groove and multiple branch grooves, and its structure is identical to that of the first support plate 111. The copper wire of the second winding device 124 can pass through the sliding groove and connect to the negative electrode of the proton exchange membrane, and is fixed by the branch grooves at appropriate positions. Its structural principle is the same as that of the first support plate 111 and the first winding device 116 described above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0037] Further, please refer to Figure 2 The second clamping member 12 includes a second support plate 122 and a second flexible plate 121. The second flexible plate 121 is connected to the side of the second support plate 122 facing the first flexible plate 112. In this embodiment, when fixing the proton exchange membrane, the first flexible plate 112 and the second flexible plate 121 contact both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The second flexible plate 121 is also made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone to elastically abut against the proton exchange membrane, thus fixing the proton exchange membrane while avoiding damage to it. In this embodiment, the second support plate 122 has a second positioning groove 123. The second positioning groove 123 and the second flexible plate 121 are adapted in shape, and the second flexible plate 121 is engaged in the second positioning groove 123 to completely fix the second flexible plate 121.

[0038] The second support plate 122 has multiple through third holes 141, and the second flexible plate 121 has multiple through fourth holes 142. The arrangement of the multiple third holes 141 and the multiple fourth holes 142 is the same, and they are connected to each other. Each third hole 141 and the fourth hole 142 are connected to form the aforementioned second through hole 14. The multiple third holes 141 and the multiple fourth holes 142 are connected to form multiple second through holes 14.

[0039] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The connecting assembly 2 also includes an elastic element 22, a limiting element 23, and a nut 24. The limiting element 23 is connected to the connecting element 21. The connecting element 21 passes through the first clamping element 11 and the second clamping element 12 and is threadedly connected to the nut 24. The elastic element 22 connects the limiting element 23 and the first clamping element 11. In this embodiment, when the first clamping element 11 and the second clamping element 12 clamp the proton exchange membrane, the limiting element 23 is then manipulated to drive the connecting element 21 to rotate. The connecting element 21 is threadedly connected to the nut 24. When the two come closer to each other through the threads, the limiting element 23 presses against the elastic element 22 to accumulate elastic force. The elastic element 22 presses against the first support plate 111 through elastic force. The first support plate 111 drives the first flexible plate 112 to press against the proton exchange membrane to stably position the proton exchange membrane.

[0040] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The elastic element 22 is a spring, which is sleeved on the connecting element 21 to ensure that the spring is stably located on the connecting element 21 and will not be lost. The limiting element 23 is a pin, which is detachably inserted into the connecting element 21 for easy and quick assembly and disassembly. When the pin is inserted into the connecting element 21, the pin can limit the spring, and when the pin drives the connecting element 21 to rotate, the pin can continuously abut against the spring.

[0041] To better understand this invention, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 3 The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below:

[0042] The proton exchange membrane proton conductivity testing device provided by this invention has a first clamping member 11 and a second clamping member 12 that can be used to clamp and fix the proton exchange membrane to be tested. After the proton exchange membrane is fixed, the fuel cell testing fixture can conduct temperature and humidity to the proton exchange membrane through multiple first through holes 13 on the first clamping member 11 or multiple second through holes 14 on the second clamping member 12, so that the proton exchange membrane reaches the preset temperature and humidity. Since the fuel cell testing fixture and the proton exchange membrane can be connected through multiple first through holes 13 or second through holes 14 without too many obstructions, the proton exchange membrane can quickly reach the preset temperature and humidity, resulting in high testing efficiency. Moreover, after reaching the preset temperature and humidity, the proton exchange membrane can stably maintain the preset temperature and humidity. The first flexible plate 112 has multiple through-holes 132, and the second flexible plate 121 has multiple through-holes 142. The first flexible plate 112 and the second flexible plate 121 together clamp and abut against the proton exchange membrane, which can simulate the support state of the proton exchange membrane by the porous carbon paper in the fuel cell stack. This makes the test environment of the proton exchange membrane closer to the actual application environment, and the proton conductivity test is more accurate. In addition, the first through-hole 13 and the second through-hole 14 can also be used for the passage of wires for connecting the proton exchange membrane, so that the wires can be more easily connected to the test equipment. Therefore, the test device of the present invention can be applied to the testing of proton exchange membranes of various sizes.

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for testing the proton conductivity of a proton exchange membrane, characterized in that, include: The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, wherein the first clamping member has a plurality of through first holes, and the second clamping member has a plurality of through second holes; and A connecting component includes a connector that connects the first clamping member and the second clamping member and is capable of driving the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer to or further away from each other; The first clamping member includes a first support plate and a first flexible plate, wherein the first flexible plate is connected to the side of the first support plate facing the second clamping member; The first support plate also has a slot structure, which includes a sliding groove and multiple branch slots in the first support plate. The multiple branch slots are all connected to the sliding groove and are spaced apart along the length of the sliding groove. The sliding groove and the branch slots both penetrate the first support plate. A first winding device is provided on the first support plate. The first winding device winds a copper wire. The copper wire passes through the sliding groove and is connected to the positive electrode of the proton exchange membrane. The copper wire is locked into the branch slot at a suitable position for fixation.

2. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the first through holes is arranged around the central circumference of the first clamping member, and another portion of the first through holes are arranged radially at intervals along the central circumference of the first clamping member.

3. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support plate has a first positioning groove, and the first flexible plate is engaged in the first positioning groove.

4. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second clamping member includes a second support plate and a second flexible plate, wherein the second flexible plate is connected to the side of the second support plate facing the first flexible plate.

5. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second support plate has a second positioning groove, and the second flexible plate is engaged in the second positioning groove.

6. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly further includes an elastic element and a limiting element. The limiting element is connected to the connecting element. The connecting element passes through the first clamping element and is threaded to the second clamping element. The elastic element is connected to the limiting element and the first clamping element.

7. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring, which is sleeved on the connecting member. The limiting element is a pin, which is detachably inserted into the connecting member.

8. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly further includes a first slider and a second slider, both of which are slidably disposed on the first clamping member. The first slider and the second slider are respectively provided with a first wire hole and a second wire hole for threading.

9. The proton conductivity testing device for proton exchange membranes according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the first slider and the second slider are threadedly connected with a tightening screw, which can abut against or disengage from the first clamping member when rotated.

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