Membrane electrode assembly tooling and method and fuel cell

Abstract

The application provides a membrane electrode assembly tool and a method thereof and a fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of fuel cells.The membrane electrode assembly tool comprises a tool base;the tool base is provided with a frame contour mark line, and a plurality of water channel hole grooves are arranged in the range of the frame contour mark line, and a water channel hole positioning pin is arranged in the water channel hole groove;the tool base is also provided with a CCM contour mark line, and a GDL groove is arranged in the range of the CCM contour mark line;the water channel hole groove is arranged in the annular space between the frame contour mark line and the CCM contour mark line.The fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode produced by the membrane electrode assembly tool.Through the design of the water channel hole groove, the water channel hole positioning pin and the accurate mark line, the components of the membrane electrode can be accurately positioned, the accuracy is controlled to be within 0.5 mm, the components can be effectively prevented from deviating during the assembly process, the operation is simple, and the material utilization rate and the assembly efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to membrane electrode assembly tooling and methods thereof, and fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] The core component of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). There are many methods for preparing MEAs, the most common being the indirect coating method. First, a catalyst slurry is coated onto a substrate membrane. Then, the anode and cathode catalyst coatings are transferred onto the proton exchange membrane using a hot-pressing transfer method to form the CCM (catalyst-coated membrane). The CCM is then encapsulated within two border membranes, and finally, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) is attached. This method produces a seven-layer MEA, consisting of, from the inside out, the proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode catalyst coatings, two border membranes, and two gas diffusion layers.

[0003] During membrane electrode fabrication, the first frame membrane is placed first, and then the CCM is aligned with the active area on the frame. After placing the second frame membrane, it is hot-pressed together. After hot pressing, the anode and cathode GDLs are respectively attached to the outside of the frame membrane. All of the above, including the 1 CCM, the two frame membranes, and the two GDLs, need to be manually aligned and assembled. Each layer must be centered and aligned. The alignment accuracy cannot be guaranteed by manual operation, which affects the active area and the product thickness, and reduces the performance and durability of the membrane electrode.

[0004] In existing technologies, the size of the CCM (Chip Module Membrane) is typically enlarged, making it 3mm larger on each side than the active area. This keeps the active area within the tolerance range for manual fabrication. After laying the first layer of frame, the CCM is placed as centered as possible, followed by the second layer of frame. After hot pressing, the two sides of the GDL (Glass Module Adhesive) are then attached. However, the CCM's size being more than 3mm wider than the active area increases material waste. Manually aligning and assembling the membrane electrode components is not only time-consuming, but also makes it impossible to guarantee the centering alignment of the frame and GDL, with alignment accuracy exceeding 1mm.

[0005] Therefore, providing a membrane electrode assembly tooling and method for improving production accuracy, as well as a fuel cell, has become an important technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a membrane electrode assembly tooling and method thereof, as well as a fuel cell, to alleviate the technical problem of low production precision in the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a membrane electrode assembly fixture, including a fixture base;

[0008] The tooling base has a frame outline marking line, and multiple water channel hole grooves are formed within the frame outline marking line range. Water channel hole positioning pins are inserted into the water channel hole grooves.

[0009] The tooling base is also provided with a CCM outline marking line, and a GDL groove is provided within the range of the CCM outline marking line.

[0010] The water channel hole groove is located in the annular space between the border outline marking line and the CCM outline marking line.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the number of the above-mentioned water channel hole grooves is two.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the two water channel hole grooves are symmetrically arranged on the tooling base.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the groove depth of the water channel hole groove is between 2 and 10 mm.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the groove depth of the water channel hole groove is between 5-10 mm.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the height of the water channel hole positioning pin is between 13-20mm.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the height of the water channel hole positioning pin is between 15-20mm.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides one possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the groove depth of the GDL groove is 0.2 mm.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a membrane electrode assembly method, which uses the membrane electrode assembly fixture and includes the following steps:

[0019] Place the first layer of frame film on the tooling base, align the first layer of frame film with the frame outline marking line, and insert the water channel hole positioning pin into the water channel hole groove to position the first layer of frame film.

[0020] Place the CCM sheet, which is 1.5mm-2mm wider on each side than the active area of ​​the frame film, on the first frame film, and align the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line.

[0021] Place the second frame film on the CCM sheet and align the second frame film with the frame outline marking line, and insert the water channel hole positioning pin into the water channel hole on the second frame film.

[0022] The three-layer structure of the frame film and CCM sheet is transferred to a hot pressing equipment for hot pressing. After hot pressing, the placement of the CCM sheet and the alignment accuracy of the two frame films are checked.

[0023] Place the first layer of GDL sheet into the GDL groove of the tooling base and align the first layer of GDL sheet with the GDL groove.

[0024] The hot-pressed three-layer structure is placed on the first GDL sheet, and the water channel positioning pin is inserted into the water channel groove to position the three-layer structure.

[0025] Place the second GDL sheet on the three-layer structure and check the alignment accuracy of the two GDL sheets.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell, including a membrane electrode manufactured by the aforementioned membrane electrode assembly tooling.

[0027] Beneficial effects:

[0028] This invention provides a membrane electrode assembly fixture, including a fixture base; the fixture base has a frame outline marking line, and multiple water channel hole grooves are formed within the frame outline marking line, with water channel hole positioning pins inserted into the water channel hole grooves; the fixture base also has a CCM outline marking line, and GDL grooves are formed within the CCM outline marking line; the water channel hole grooves are located in the annular space between the frame outline marking line and the CCM outline marking line.

[0029] In use, the operator first places the first layer of frame film on the tooling base, aligning it with the frame outline marking line. Water channel positioning pins are then inserted into each water channel groove to secure the frame film. Next, a CCM sheet is placed on the frame film, aligning it with the CCM outline marking line. The second layer of frame film is then placed on the CCM sheet, also aligning with the frame outline marking line. At this point, the water channel positioning pins can be inserted into the water channels on the second layer of frame film. After the two layers of frame film and CCM sheet are assembled, the water channel positioning pins are removed. The three-layer membrane electrode assembly, consisting of the two layers of frame film and CCM sheet, is then transferred to a hot-pressing device for hot pressing. The first GDL sheet is then placed into the GDL groove, and the hot-pressed three-layer membrane electrode assembly is placed on top of the first GDL sheet. The water channel positioning pins are then inserted into the water channel grooves. Finally, the second GDL sheet is placed in. This setup allows the operator to easily align the frame film, CCM sheet, and GDL sheet, thereby improving production accuracy.

[0030] This invention provides a membrane electrode assembly method using a membrane electrode assembly fixture, comprising the following steps: placing a first-layer frame membrane onto the fixture base, aligning the first-layer frame membrane with the frame outline marking line, and inserting a water channel hole positioning pin into the water channel hole groove to position the first-layer frame membrane; placing a CCM sheet, cut to be 1.5mm-2mm wider on each side than the active area of ​​the frame membrane, onto the first-layer frame membrane, aligning the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line; placing a second-layer frame membrane onto the CCM sheet, aligning the second-layer frame membrane with the frame outline marking line, and positioning the water channel hole positioning pin... Insert the water channel holes on the second-layer frame membrane; transfer the three-layer structure assembly formed by the frame membrane and CCM sheet to a hot-pressing device for hot pressing. After hot pressing, check the placement of the CCM sheet and the alignment accuracy of the two frame membrane layers; place the first-layer GDL sheet into the GDL groove of the tooling base and align the first-layer GDL sheet with the GDL groove; place the hot-pressed three-layer structure on the first-layer GDL sheet and insert water channel hole positioning pins into the water channel hole grooves to position the three-layer structure; place the second-layer GDL sheet on the three-layer structure and check the alignment accuracy of the two GDL sheets. The membrane electrode assembly method has the advantages mentioned above compared to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0031] This invention provides a fuel cell, including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufactured using a membrane electrode assembly method. The fuel cell has the advantages described above compared to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated further here. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the membrane electrode assembly fixture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA.

[0035] icon:

[0036] 100 - Tooling base; 110 - Water channel hole groove; 111 - Water channel hole positioning pin;

[0037] 200 - Border outline marking line;

[0038] 300-CCM outline marking line;

[0039] 400-GDL groove. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] See Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides a membrane electrode assembly fixture, including a fixture base 100; the fixture base 100 has a frame outline marking line 200, and a plurality of water channel hole grooves 110 are formed within the frame outline marking line 200, and water channel hole positioning pins 111 are inserted into the water channel hole grooves 110; the fixture base 100 also has a CCM outline marking line 300, and a GDL groove 400 is formed within the CCM outline marking line 300; the water channel hole grooves 110 are located in the annular space between the frame outline marking line 200 and the CCM outline marking line 300.

[0046] In use, the operator first places the first layer of frame film on the tooling base 100, aligning the first layer of frame film with the frame outline marking line 200, and inserts water channel hole positioning pins 111 into each water channel hole groove 110 to fix the frame film. Then, a CCM sheet is placed on the frame film, aligning the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line 300. Next, the second layer of frame film is placed on the CCM sheet, aligning the second layer of frame film with the frame outline marking line 200. At this point, the water channel hole positioning pins 111 can be inserted into the water channel holes on the second layer of frame film. When the two layers... After the frame membrane and CCM sheet are assembled, remove the water channel hole positioning pin 111, and transfer the three-layer membrane electrode assembly assembled with the two layers of frame membrane and CCM sheet to the hot pressing equipment for hot pressing. Then, place the first GDL sheet into the GDL groove 400, and then place the hot-pressed three-layer membrane electrode assembly on the first GDL sheet. Next, insert the water channel hole positioning pin 111 into the water channel hole groove 110, and finally place the second GDL sheet. This setup allows the operator to easily align the frame membrane, CCM sheet, and GDL sheet, thereby improving production accuracy.

[0047] In the optional embodiment, both the border outline marking line 200 and the CCM outline marking line 300 are laser-etched.

[0048] Specifically, the frame outline marking line 200 and CCM outline marking line 300 can be marked on the tooling base 100 by laser engraving. This allows workers to easily align the frame film with the frame outline marking line 200 and the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line 300 during assembly, improving work efficiency and production accuracy. Furthermore, the opening of the GDL groove 400 allows workers to easily and accurately place the GDL sheet into the GDL groove 400, thereby completing the positioning of the GDL sheet.

[0049] The frame film can be further secured by the frame outline marking line 200 and the water channel hole positioning pin 111. Specifically, the staff places the frame film on the frame outline marking line 200 so that the frame film and the frame outline marking line 200 correspond to each other. Then, the water channel hole positioning pin 111 is inserted into the water channel hole groove 110 through the water channel hole on the frame film. When placing the second frame film, the water channel hole positioning pin 111 still needs to pass through the water channel hole on the second frame film to improve the alignment accuracy of the two frame films.

[0050] It should be noted that, in existing technologies, to achieve acceptable accuracy, the size of the CCM sheet needs to be set at least 3mm wider on each side than the active area on the frame film. Even with this setting, the alignment accuracy of the frame film, CCM sheet, and GDL sheet is still greater than 1mm, increasing material waste and cost. However, the membrane electrode assembly fixture provided in this embodiment, which positions the frame film using the frame outline marking line 200, the CCM sheet using the CCM outline marking line 300, and the GDL sheet using the GDL groove 400, can control the alignment accuracy of the frame film, CCM sheet, and GDL sheet to within 0.5mm. This improves production accuracy and significantly increases assembly efficiency. Furthermore, it reduces the size of the CCM sheet from more than 3mm to 1.5-2mm wider on each side of the active area on the frame film, reducing material waste.

[0051] It should be noted that the number of water channel grooves 110 is consistent with the number of water channel holes on the frame membrane. Those skilled in the art can freely set the number of water channel grooves 110 according to the actual situation.

[0052] In addition, the position of the water channel groove 110 is adjusted according to the position of the water channel hole on the frame membrane.

[0053] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the optional embodiment, the number of water channel grooves 110 is two.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, two water channel grooves 110 are symmetrically arranged on the tooling base 100.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of water channel hole grooves 110 can be set to two, and the two water channel hole grooves 110 are symmetrically arranged on the tooling base 100, corresponding to the water channel holes on the frame membrane.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 is between 2 and 10 mm.

[0057] Specifically, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 can be selected between 2 and 10 mm. For example, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 can be set to 2 mm, 5 mm, or 10 mm depending on the requirements.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 is between 5-10 mm.

[0059] Furthermore, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 can be selected between 5-10mm. For example, the groove depth of the water channel hole groove 110 can be set to 5mm, 8mm, or 10mm depending on the requirements.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the height of the water channel positioning pin 111 is between 13-20mm.

[0061] Specifically, the height of the water channel hole positioning pin 111 can be selected between 13-20mm. For example, the height of the water channel hole positioning pin 111 can be set to 13mm, 15mm, or 20mm depending on the requirements.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the height of the water channel positioning pin 111 is between 15-20mm.

[0063] Specifically, the height of the water channel hole positioning pin 111 can be selected between 15-20mm. For example, the height of the water channel hole positioning pin 111 can be set to 15mm, 18mm, or 20mm depending on the requirements.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the groove depth of the GDL groove 400 is 0.2 mm.

[0065] Specifically, the groove depth of GDL Groove 400 can be set to 0.2mm.

[0066] In summary, the membrane electrode assembly fixture provided in this embodiment, through the design of water channel grooves, water channel positioning pins, and precise scribing lines, can accurately position each component of the membrane electrode, controlling the accuracy within 0.5mm, and effectively preventing the components from shifting during assembly. It is simple to operate and improves material utilization and assembly efficiency.

[0067] This embodiment provides a membrane electrode assembly method using a membrane electrode assembly fixture, comprising the following steps: placing a first-layer frame membrane onto the fixture base, aligning the first-layer frame membrane with the frame outline marking line 200, and inserting a water channel hole positioning pin 111 into the water channel hole groove 110 to position the first-layer frame membrane; placing a CCM sheet, cut to be 1.5mm-2mm wider on each side than the active area of ​​the frame membrane, onto the first-layer frame membrane, aligning the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line 300; placing a second-layer frame membrane onto the CCM sheet, aligning the second-layer frame membrane with the frame outline marking line 200, and positioning the water channel holes. Pin 111 is inserted into the water channel hole on the second layer of the frame film; the three-layer structure component formed by the frame film and the CCM sheet is transferred to the hot pressing equipment for hot pressing. After hot pressing, the placement position of the CCM sheet is checked, and the alignment accuracy of the two frame films is checked; the first layer of GDL sheet is placed into the GDL groove 400 of the tooling base and aligned with the GDL groove 400; the hot-pressed three-layer structure is placed on the first layer of GDL sheet, and the water channel hole positioning pin 111 is inserted into the water channel hole groove 110 to position the three-layer structure; the second layer of GDL sheet is placed on the three-layer structure, and the alignment accuracy of the two GDL sheets is checked.

[0068] Specifically, prepare CCM sheets with a size 1.5mm-2mm wider on each side than the active area of ​​the frame film. First, place a frame film on the frame outline marking line 200 and secure it using two water channel hole positioning pins 111 inserted into the water channel hole grooves 110 on both sides. Place the CCM sheet according to the CCM outline marking line 300, then place the second frame film, simultaneously inserting the water channel hole positioning pins 111 into the water channel holes of the second frame film. After assembly, remove the water channel hole positioning pins 111 from both sides and transfer the three-layer assembly to a heat exchanger. Hot pressing is performed in the pressing equipment; after hot pressing, the placement position of the CCM sheet is checked, and the width of the active area of ​​the frame membrane is controlled within 1.5mm ± 0.2mm. The alignment accuracy of the upper and lower frame membranes is checked, and the deviation is < 0.5mm. Then, the first GDL sheet is placed in the GDL groove 400, and then the hot-pressed three-layer membrane electrode assembly is placed. The positioning pins 111 of the water channel holes on both sides are inserted into the water channel hole grooves 110 on both sides of the frame for positioning. Finally, the second GDL sheet is placed, and the alignment accuracy of the GDL sheet is checked, and the deviation is < 0.5mm.

[0069] In addition, the five assembled membrane electrodes are stacked on the assembly fixture, and the water channel holes on the frame membrane are aligned with the water channel hole grooves 110 on the fixture. The water channel positioning pins on both sides are inserted into the water channel positioning holes, and the alignment accuracy of the membrane electrode stack is measured. The deviation is <0.5mm.

[0070] This embodiment provides a fuel cell, including a membrane electrode assembly method.

[0071] Specifically, the fuel cell provided in this embodiment has the advantages of the above-mentioned membrane electrode assembly tooling compared with the prior art, which will not be elaborated here.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A membrane electrode assembly fixture, characterized in that, include: Tooling base (100); The tooling base (100) has a frame outline marking line (200) and a plurality of water channel hole grooves (110) are provided within the frame outline marking line (200). Water channel hole positioning pins (111) are inserted into the water channel hole grooves (110). The tooling base (100) is also provided with a CCM outline marking line (300), and a GDL groove (400) is provided within the range of the CCM outline marking line (300). The CCM outline marking line (300) is provided within the range of the border outline marking line (200), and the water channel hole groove (110) is located in the annular space between the border outline marking line (200) and the CCM outline marking line (300); The border outline marking line (200) positions the border film, the CCM outline marking line (300) positions the CCM piece, and the GDL groove positions the GDL piece.

2. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the water channel hole grooves (110) is two.

3. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two water passage grooves (110) are symmetrically arranged on the tooling base (100).

4. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The groove depth of the water channel hole groove (110) is between 2 and 10 mm.

5. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The groove depth of the water channel hole groove (110) is between 5-10mm.

6. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The height of the water passage positioning pin (111) is between 13-20mm.

7. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The height of the water passage positioning pin (111) is between 15-20mm.

8. The membrane electrode assembly fixture according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The groove depth of the GDL groove (400) is 0.2 mm.

9. A method for assembling a membrane electrode, using the membrane electrode assembly fixture as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Place the first layer of frame film onto the tooling base, align the first layer of frame film with the frame outline marking line (200), and insert the water channel hole positioning pin (111) into the water channel hole groove (110) to position the first layer of frame film. Place a CCM sheet, cut to be 1.5mm-2mm wider on each side than the active area of ​​the frame film, on the first frame film, and align the CCM sheet with the CCM outline marking line (300). Place the second frame film on the CCM sheet and align the second frame film with the frame outline marking line (200), and insert the water channel positioning pin (111) into the water channel hole on the second frame film. The three-layer structure of the frame film and CCM sheet is transferred to a hot pressing equipment for hot pressing. After hot pressing, the placement of the CCM sheet and the alignment accuracy of the two frame films are checked. Place the first layer of GDL sheet into the GDL groove (400) of the tooling base and align the first layer of GDL sheet with the GDL groove (400); The hot-pressed three-layer structure is placed on the first layer GDL sheet, and the water channel positioning pin (111) is inserted into the water channel groove (110) to position the three-layer structure. Place the second GDL sheet on the three-layer structure and check the alignment accuracy of the two GDL sheets.

10. A fuel cell, characterized in that, This includes membrane electrodes produced using the membrane electrode assembly method as described in claim 9.

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