A fuel cell multifunctional seal evaluation device, system and method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device, system and method thereof, the device includes: upper pressing plate, medium inflow cavity is opened, the medium inflow cavity is communicated with outside by first inlet;Lower pressing plate, top surface is used to place fuel cell polar plate material sample, polar plate material sample is opened with first through-hole, first through-hole is provided with first sealing rib and second sealing rib outside, first sealing rib and second sealing rib form first recess for placing fuel cell sealing ring small sample between, lower pressing plate is opened with medium outflow cavity, medium outflow cavity is communicated with outside by second outlet;Fastening structure is used to fasten and connect combination of upper pressing plate and lower pressing plate;In combination state, medium inflow cavity, the first through-hole and the medium outflow cavity are communicated.It is the advantage that: the device is combined with the help of polar plate material sample to seal multifunctional early evaluation of sealing material and sealing structure, which greatly reduces the selection cost of sealing material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and specifically to sealing materials, sealing structure evaluation devices and testing methods for hydrogen fuel cells. It relates to a multifunctional sealing evaluation device, system and method for fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen fuel cell is an energy conversion device that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy. When a fuel cell is working, it involves a variety of fluid media. Hydrogen and air are the reaction media of the fuel cell, and the coolant is the thermal management media. In order to ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell, all of the above media need to be designed with appropriate sealing structures and selected with appropriate sealing materials to make the hydrogen fuel cell have reliable and stable sealing.

[0003] Due to the lack of effective evaluation devices and testing methods for sealing materials and sealing structures, most manufacturers currently do not conduct sufficient evaluation of the selection of sealing materials and the design of sealing structures during the early stages of seal development. They rely solely on airtightness evaluation of fuel cell seals at the later stage. This lag or inadequacy in evaluation may lead to problems such as seal failure in later fuel cell products.

[0004] Therefore, there is currently a lack of effective testing devices and methods for evaluating fuel cell sealing materials and structures. At the same time, the current performance evaluation of fuel cell seals involves a variety of tooling types, making it impossible to achieve a single device that can evaluate multiple indicators of fuel cell seals.

[0005] It is understood that the above statements only provide background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multifunctional sealing evaluation device, system, and method for fuel cells. This device combines the use of fuel cell electrode material samples to perform multifunctional preliminary evaluation of sealing materials and sealing structures, which greatly reduces the cost of selecting sealing materials. At the same time, by using the multifunctional sealing evaluation device, system, and testing method for fuel cells, the evaluation equipment and conditions are normalized, reducing the number of sealing evaluation tooling, i.e., sealing ring samples, required.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0008] A multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells, comprising:

[0009] The upper pressure plate has a medium inflow cavity, which is connected to the outside through a first inlet;

[0010] A lower pressure plate is disposed below the upper pressure plate. The top surface of the lower pressure plate is used to place a fuel cell electrode material sample. The electrode material sample has a first through hole. A first sealing rib and a second sealing rib are arranged around the outside of the first through hole. The first sealing rib is arranged around the outside of the second sealing rib and forms a first groove with the second sealing rib. The first groove is used to place a fuel cell sealing ring sample. The lower pressure plate has a medium outflow cavity, which is connected to the outside through a second outlet.

[0011] A fastening structure is used to fasten the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate together; in the combined state, the sealing ring sample is tightly attached to the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate, and the medium inflow cavity, the first through hole and the medium outflow cavity are connected.

[0012] Optionally, the upper pressure plate has a groove around the outer side of the first sealing rib to form a medium leakage cavity. The medium leakage cavity is connected to the outside through the first outlet. In the combined state, the medium leakage cavity is in contact with the electrode material sample.

[0013] Optionally, the upper pressure plate has an upper pressure plate sealing groove around the outside of the medium leakage cavity to accommodate the upper pressure plate sealing ring, and the lower pressure plate has a lower pressure plate sealing groove around the outside of the medium leakage cavity to accommodate the lower pressure plate sealing ring. In the combined state, the upper pressure plate sealing ring and the lower pressure plate sealing ring are respectively disposed in the upper pressure plate sealing groove and the lower pressure plate sealing groove to ensure the sealing between the upper pressure plate and the electrode material sample and between the lower pressure plate and the electrode material sample.

[0014] And / or, the upper pressure plate is connected to the first outlet quick connector, and the first outlet quick connector has a first outlet.

[0015] Optionally, a pressure sensor mounting slot is provided on the upper surface of the lower pressure plate corresponding to the first groove. The pressure sensor mounting slot is used to place the pressure sensor. The value of the pressure sensor changes as the fastening structure presses the upper and lower pressure plates to different degrees.

[0016] Optionally, a sealing element is provided at the contact point between the lower pressure plate and the first through hole of the electrode material sample;

[0017] And / or, the upper pressure plate is connected to the first inlet quick connector, the first inlet quick connector having a first inlet;

[0018] And / or, the lower pressure plate is connected to the second outlet quick connector, the second outlet quick connector having a second outlet;

[0019] And / or, the cross-section of the fuel cell sealing ring sample is at least one of rectangular, square, inclined D-shaped, single-peak, and multi-peak types;

[0020] And / or, the height of the sealing ring sample is greater than the height of the first sealing rib and / or the second sealing rib.

[0021] Optionally, the fastening structure includes a screw, a washer, and a nut;

[0022] The fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device has multiple fastening structures arranged circumferentially.

[0023] Optionally, a multi-functional seal evaluation system for fuel cells includes:

[0024] The aforementioned multi-functional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells;

[0025] A cooling medium supply device is connected to the fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device through a first inlet. A third valve is provided between the cooling medium supply device and the first inlet. The cooling medium supply device is used to provide cooling medium.

[0026] A cooling circulation pump is disposed between the cooling medium supply device and the second outlet, and a fourth valve is disposed between the cooling circulation pump and the second outlet.

[0027] Optional, also includes:

[0028] A detection gas source is connected to the first inlet, and the detection gas source is used to provide detection gas, which includes at least one of hydrogen, oxygen, helium, and compressed air.

[0029] At least one of a flow meter, a hydrogen concentration sensor, an oxygen concentration sensor, and a humidity sensor is installed at the first outlet.

[0030] When the detection gas source provides compressed air, a gas humidification device is provided between the detection gas source and the first inlet.

[0031] Optionally, an evaluation method for the aforementioned multifunctional seal evaluation system for fuel cells includes:

[0032] The sample of the fuel cell electrode material to be evaluated and the small sample of the fuel cell sealing ring are placed into the multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells.

[0033] The upper and lower pressure plates are fastened together by a fastening structure, so that the fuel cell sealing ring sample has an initial compression.

[0034] The cooling medium supply device supplies cooling medium to the fuel cell multi-functional sealing evaluation device through the first inlet, and connects the first outlet, the second outlet, the cooling circulation pump and the cooling medium supply device to make the cooling medium circulate.

[0035] The cooling medium is circulated for a certain period of time, and air tightness tests are performed at each preset time point. The air tightness data after different cooling medium circulation times are recorded.

[0036] Optional, including:

[0037] Air tightness test: Close the fourth valve and introduce test gas into the fuel cell multi-functional sealing evaluation device through the test gas source. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the test gas at the first inlet is 200 kPa. After stabilizing the pressure for a period of time, use the corresponding flow meter or sensor to detect the corresponding parameters at the first outlet.

[0038] Moisture permeability test: Close the fourth valve, turn on the gas humidification device and the detection gas source, and introduce compressed air into the fuel cell multifunctional seal evaluation device through the detection gas source. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the detection gas at the first inlet is 200 kPa and the relative humidity is 100% RH. Stabilize its pressure and relative humidity for 100 hours, and detect the moisture permeability of the fuel cell sealing ring sample through the humidity sensor at the first outlet.

[0039] Sealing material assembly force test: The fuel cell sealing ring sample is initially compressed by a fastening structure, and the pressure cloud map of the fuel cell sealing ring sample area is detected by a pressure sensor; the torque of the fastening structure is adjusted to give the fuel cell sealing ring sample different pressures, and the corresponding pressure magnitude, compression ratio and pressure cloud map uniformity are recorded; relevant data of different sealing ring materials and different cross-sectional shapes are tested, and the stress-strain of different sealing ring materials and cross-sectional shapes are evaluated based on the pressure magnitude, the compression ratio of the fuel cell sealing ring sample and the uniformity of the pressure cloud map.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0041] In this invention, a multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device, system, and method are disclosed. The evaluation device, utilizing fuel cell electrode material samples and sealing ring samples, can perform integrated evaluation of fuel cell sealing material selection and sealing ring cross-sectional structure. It can also reduce the sealing ring size, thereby reducing the initial development costs of the sealing process. Simultaneously, the evaluation device integrates evaluation tooling for fuel cell sealing materials and structures, enabling multifunctional sealing evaluation and reducing the number of required evaluation tooling. Furthermore, the evaluation system can formulate appropriate evaluation methods for the sealing requirements of different media within the fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional sealing evaluation system for fuel cells according to the present invention;

[0047] Figures 6a-6d This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of various structures of the fuel cell sealing ring prototype of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by providing a detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

[0049] Based on the multi-faceted performance sealing evaluation requirements of fuel cells, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this invention provides a multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device. This device can evaluate not only the requirements of hydrogen fuel cells (such as the selection of sealing materials and the cross-sectional structure of sealing rings), but also other types of applications with sealing requirements (such as sealing requirements similar to those in this application, such as sealing hydrogen, sealing air, sealing coolant, sealing moisture, and investigating the influence of sealing ring materials or cross-sectional shapes on assembly forces). In this embodiment, the evaluation of sealing materials for hydrogen fuel cells is illustrated by example.

[0050] Specifically, the evaluation device includes: an upper pressure plate 100, a lower pressure plate 900, and a fastening structure 200. The upper pressure plate 100 has a medium inflow cavity 102, which communicates with the outside through a first inlet 01. The lower pressure plate 900 is located below the upper pressure plate 100. The top surface of the lower pressure plate 900 is used to place a fuel cell electrode material sample 500. The electrode material sample 500 has a first through hole 503. A first sealing rib 501 and a second sealing rib 502 are arranged around the outside of the first through hole 503. The first sealing rib 501 surrounds the second sealing rib 502 and forms a first groove, i.e., an O-ring seal groove, between it and the second sealing rib 502. The first groove is used to place a fuel cell sealing ring sample 400, i.e., a sealing ring standard sample, for testing. The lower pressure plate 900 has a medium outflow cavity 904, which is connected to the outside through a second outlet 03. The fastening structure 200 is used to fasten the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900 together. In the combined state, the sealing ring sample 400 is in close contact with the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900. The medium inflow cavity 102 of the upper pressure plate 100 is connected to the medium outflow cavity 904 of the lower pressure plate 900 through the first through hole 503 of the electrode material sample 500. That is, the first through hole 503 cooperates with the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900 to form a circulation loop by connecting the cooling medium inflow cavity 102 and the medium outflow cavity 904 in series during the cooling medium circulation test.

[0051] It is understood that the present invention does not limit the outer contour of the electrode material sample 500, which can be circular or square, etc. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the electrode material sample 500 is square to facilitate the arrangement of the fastening structure 200 (placed precisely at the four corners). Furthermore, the first groove is not limited to the above-mentioned circular structure; in other embodiments, it can also be other structures such as a square ring, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the upper pressure plate 100 has a groove surrounding the outer side of the first sealing rib 501 to form a medium leakage cavity 103. The medium leakage cavity 103 communicates with the outside through the first outlet 02. In the assembled state, the medium leakage cavity 103 is in contact with the upper surface of the electrode material sample 500. In this embodiment, by forming the first sealing rib 501 and the second sealing rib 502 on the electrode material sample 500 of the fuel cell, a first groove is formed to accommodate the sealing ring sample 400. This simulates the real working environment of the fuel cell sealing ring as closely as possible, enabling more accurate evaluation of various performance characteristics of the sealing ring sample 400, and thus achieving integrated evaluation of fuel cell sealing material selection and sealing ring cross-sectional structure. Furthermore, the size of the electrode material sample 500 and the sealing ring sample 400 used in this application may not be the same as the size of the structure used in the actual battery (not equal to 1:1) (of course, they may be equal or larger). The size of the sample material used in this application may be smaller than the size of the structure used in the actual application (by changing the range of the first groove). Therefore, this device can reduce the size of the sealing ring sample in order to reduce the investment cost of early-stage sealing research and development.

[0053] Optionally, the height of the sealing ring sample 400 is greater than the height of the first sealing rib 501 and / or the second sealing rib 502. When the height of the sealing ring sample 400 is slightly greater than the height of the first sealing rib 501 and the second sealing rib 502, the sealing ring sample 400 can be used as an effective blocking structure between the medium inflow cavity 102 and the medium leakage cavity 103, which helps to ensure the accuracy of subsequent tests. Optionally, the height of the sealing ring sample 400 is 1.2 to 1.3 times the height of the first sealing rib 501 and the second sealing rib 502.

[0054] In this embodiment, the upper pressure plate 100 has an upper pressure plate sealing groove 101 around the outside of the medium leakage cavity 103 to accommodate the upper pressure plate sealing ring 300, and the lower pressure plate 900 has a lower pressure plate sealing groove 901 around the outside of the medium leakage cavity 103 to accommodate the lower pressure plate sealing ring 800. In the combined state, the upper pressure plate sealing ring 300 and the lower pressure plate sealing ring 800 are respectively disposed in the upper pressure plate sealing groove 101 and the lower pressure plate sealing groove 901 to ensure the sealing between the upper pressure plate 100 and the upper surface of the electrode material sample 500 and between the lower pressure plate 900 and the lower bottom surface of the electrode material sample 500, so as to prevent external leakage during testing.

[0055] The upper surface of the lower pressure plate 900 has an annular pressure sensor mounting groove 902 corresponding to the first groove. The annular pressure sensor mounting groove 902 is used to place the annular pressure sensor 600. The reading of the annular pressure sensor 600 changes depending on the degree to which the fastening structure 200 presses the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900. In this embodiment, the annular pressure sensor 600 includes a pressure ring 601 and a signal line 602 connected to it. A number of miniature pressure sensors 600 are distributed on the pressure ring 601 to collect pressure changes and stress distribution data of the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400. It is understood that the pressure sensor mounting groove 902 and the pressure sensor 600 are not limited to the aforementioned annular shape; they can also be configured in other non-continuous shapes according to actual needs, preferably arranged circumferentially.

[0056] In this embodiment, a sealing element is provided at the contact point between the lower pressure plate 900 and the first through hole 503 of the electrode material sample 500. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, the medium outflow cavity 904 has an L-shaped cross-section. Its opening on the surface of the lower pressure plate 900 is slightly higher than the placement surface of the electrode material sample 500. An O-ring mounting groove 903 is provided between the two for installing a seal. In this embodiment, the seal is an O-ring 700. By fitting the O-ring 700 into the O-ring mounting groove 903, the O-ring can press against the electrode material sample 500, thereby covering the gap between the electrode material sample 500 and the lower pressure plate 900. This prevents coolant from seeping into other areas (such as the pressure sensor mounting groove 902) during testing, further ensuring the seal between the first through hole 503 of the electrode material sample 500 and the lower pressure plate 900.

[0057] In this embodiment, the upper pressure plate 100 is connected to the first inlet quick-connect connector 1000, which has a first inlet 01. The medium inflow chamber 102 communicates with the first inlet 01 to detect the entry of medium. The upper pressure plate 100 is also connected to the first outlet quick-connect plug 2000, which has a first outlet 02. The medium leakage chamber 103 communicates with the first outlet 02 to detect the flow rate from the medium inflow chamber 102, across the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400, to the medium leakage chamber 103 during airtightness testing. Furthermore, the lower pressure plate 900 is connected to the second outlet quick-connect plug 3000, which has a second outlet 03. The medium outflow chamber 904 communicates with the second outlet 03.

[0058] The fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device has multiple fastening structures 200 arranged circumferentially. In this embodiment, four fastening structures 200 are distributed around the perimeter of the fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device. The device is fastened by the fastening structures 200 to simulate the compression and sealing state of the internal sealing ring of the fuel cell under assembly force. Further, the fastening structure 200 includes a screw, a washer, and a nut. It is understood that the number and distribution of the fastening structures 200 are not limited to those described above, nor are their structural compositions limited to those described above. In other embodiments, other situations may occur, and the present invention does not limit these.

[0059] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also provides a multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation system, which includes: the aforementioned multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device, a cooling medium supply device, and a cooling circulation pump 35. The cooling medium supply device is connected to the multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device via a first inlet 01, and a third valve 33 is provided between the cooling medium supply device and the first inlet 01. The cooling medium supply device is used to provide cooling medium. The cooling circulation pump 35 is located between the cooling medium supply device and a second outlet 03 and can communicate with both. A fourth valve 34 is provided between the cooling circulation pump 35 and the second outlet 03. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling medium supply device includes a water tank 31 and a coolant temperature control device 32.

[0060] Furthermore, the evaluation system also includes a detection gas source, which is connected to the first inlet 01 and is used to provide detection gas. The detection gas includes at least one of hydrogen, oxygen, helium, and compressed air. In this embodiment, the detection gas source includes a second detection gas source 20 that provides hydrogen, oxygen, and helium, and a first detection gas source 10 that provides compressed gas. A gas humidification device 11 is provided between the first detection gas source 10 and the first inlet 01, and a first valve 12 is provided between the gas humidification device 11 and the first inlet 01. A second valve 21 is provided between the second detection gas source 20 and the first inlet 01. A flow meter 04, a hydrogen concentration sensor 05, an oxygen concentration sensor 06, and a humidity sensor 07 are correspondingly provided at the first outlet 02.

[0061] In practical applications, the shape and structure of the fuel cell sealing ring prototype 400 vary widely. For example, such as... Figures 6a-6dAs shown, the cross-section of the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 can be rectangular, square, inclined D-shaped, single-peak, or multi-peak. Of course, it can also be other structures depending on the actual application requirements. Based on the above-mentioned multi-functional fuel cell sealing evaluation system, multi-functional evaluation of the sealing components can be achieved, including sealing material selection testing and sealing cross-sectional structure testing. For example, the sealing material selection test is based on the device allowing hydrogen fuel cell coolant to flow in from the first inlet 01 and out from the second outlet 03. The coolant is circulated inside the device using a cooling circulation pump 35, simulating the working environment of the sealing material inside the fuel cell. After the coolant circulates for a certain period, the second outlet 03 is sealed with a plug, and a test gas at a certain pressure is introduced into the first inlet 01. The leakage of the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 is measured at the first outlet 02 using a flow meter 04. The above tests can effectively evaluate the sealing material's resistance to media and the degree of sealing attenuation, providing information for the initial selection of sealing materials for hydrogen fuel cells. The sealing cross-section structure test is based on the relationship between the torque of the fastening structure 200 and the annular pressure sensor 600 when the device tests the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 with different cross-sectional shapes. The above test can effectively evaluate the torque and pressure of the fastening structure 200 of the sealing ring sample 400 with different cross-sectional shapes.

[0062] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also provides an evaluation method for the aforementioned multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation system, a hydrogen fuel cell sealing test method, including high and low temperature cycling test of cooling medium, moisture permeability test, hydrogen permeability test, oxygen permeability test, airtightness test, and assembly force test; the above tests can realize the evaluation of fuel cell sealing, including evaluation of sealing material selection and sealing cross-sectional structure, etc.

[0063] Specifically, the method includes a high and low temperature cycling test of the cooling medium: a hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 with the required cross-sectional shape is fabricated on a plate material sample 500 using the sealing material to be evaluated. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing ring sample 400 can be planar, single-peak, double-peak, etc.; the plate material sample 500 and the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 are placed inside a multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device; the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900 are fastened together by the fastening structure 200, giving the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 initial pressure. The initial compression amount is the actual compression rate of the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 during actual use, which is generally 20%-40%, and it is fastened with fastening structure 200; the cooling medium supply device introduces cooling medium into the fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device through the first inlet 01, and connects the first outlet 02, the second outlet 03, the cooling circulation pump 35 and the cooling medium supply device to make the cooling medium circulate; the cooling medium is circulated for a certain period of time, and air tightness tests are performed at each preset time node, and the air tightness data after different cooling medium circulation times are recorded.

[0064] Specifically, the cooling medium introduction includes: adding coolant to the water tank 31, opening the coolant temperature control device 31, the third valve 33, the fourth valve 34, and the coolant circulation pump 35, allowing the cooling medium at a certain temperature to flow into the first inlet 01. The temperature can be a high temperature of 95℃ or a low temperature of -45℃. The cooling medium flows through the medium inflow chamber 102 and the medium outflow chamber 904, and flows out from the second outlet 03. The second outlet 03 and the first inlet 01 are connected through pipelines and the coolant circulation pump 32 to achieve circulation of the high-temperature or low-temperature coolant. After the coolant circulates for 100h, 200h, 300h, etc., airtightness tests are conducted, and the airtightness data after different coolant circulation times are recorded. Note: This test can evaluate the sealing material and the cross-sectional structure of the sealing ring, and conduct high and low temperature cycle tests on the cooling medium of hydrogen fuel cells, i.e., evaluation of the hydrogen fuel cell sealing coolant sealing system.

[0065] Furthermore, the airtightness test includes:

[0066] (1) The sealing material to be evaluated is made into a hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 with the required cross-sectional shape on the electrode material sample 500. The cross-sectional shape can be planar, single-peak, or double-peak.

[0067] (2) Place the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 and the electrode material sample 500 into the hydrogen fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device. The upper pressure plate 100 and the lower bottom plate 900 are molded together to give the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 a certain amount of compression. The compression amount is the actual compression rate of the fuel cell sealing ring during actual use. And fasten it with fastening structure 200.

[0068] (3) Close the fourth valve 34 to ensure that the test gas will not leak from here. Open the second valve 21 and the second detection gas source 20. The gas source can be hydrogen, oxygen, or helium. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the detection gas at the first inlet 01 is 200 kPa and stabilize the pressure for 5 minutes. At the same time, the flow meter 04, hydrogen concentration sensor 05, and oxygen concentration sensor 06 connected to the first outlet 02 will detect the airtightness leakage flow rate, hydrogen leakage amount, and oxygen leakage amount, respectively. When the detection gas source 20 is helium and the detection end is the flow meter 04, the corresponding detection item is the airtightness test of the sealing ring. When the detection gas source 20 is hydrogen and the detection end is the hydrogen concentration sensor 05, the corresponding detection item is the hydrogen leakage airtightness test of the sealing ring. When the detection gas source 20 is oxygen and the detection end is the oxygen concentration sensor 06, the corresponding detection item is the oxygen leakage airtightness test.

[0069] Note: This test can evaluate the sealing material and the cross-sectional structure of the sealing ring, and the permeability of hydrogen and oxygen reactant gases in hydrogen fuel cells, i.e., the evaluation of the hydrogen fuel cell sealing reactant gas sealing system.

[0070] The moisture permeability test includes:

[0071] (1) The sealing material to be evaluated is made into a hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 with the required cross-sectional shape on the electrode material sample 500. The cross-sectional shape can be planar, single-peak, or double-peak.

[0072] (2) Place the small sample 400 of the sealing ring to be tested and the sample 500 of the electrode material into the multi-functional sealing evaluation device for hydrogen fuel cells. The upper pressure plate 100 and the lower bottom plate 900 are molded together to give the small sample 400 of the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring a certain amount of compression. The compression amount is the actual compression rate of the fuel cell sealing ring during actual use. And fasten it with the fastening structure 200.

[0073] (3) Close the fourth valve 34 to ensure that the test gas will not leak from here. Open the first valve 12, the gas humidification device 11 and the first detection gas source 10. The gas source can be compressed air. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the detection gas is 200 kPa and the relative humidity is 100% RH at the first inlet 01. At the same time, stabilize the pressure and humidity for 100 h. Meanwhile, the humidity sensor 07 connected to the first outlet 02 detects the moisture permeability of the sealing ring.

[0074] Note: This test can evaluate the moisture permeability of sealing materials and sealing ring cross-sectional structure, i.e., the moisture permeability evaluation of hydrogen fuel cell sealing system.

[0075] The sealing material assembly force test is as follows: The fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 is initially compressed by the fastening structure 200, and the pressure cloud map of the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 area is detected by the pressure sensor 600. The torque of the fastening structure 200 is adjusted to give the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 different pressures, and the corresponding pressure magnitude, compression ratio, and pressure cloud map uniformity are recorded. Data related to different sealing ring materials and cross-sectional shapes are tested. Based on the pressure magnitude, compression ratio of the fuel cell sealing ring sample 400, and the uniformity of the pressure cloud map, the stress-strain situation of different sealing ring materials and cross-sectional shapes is evaluated. Specifically, a torque wrench can be used to quantitatively apply torque to the fastening structure 200 (bolts and nuts). A torque wrench is an adjustable torque fastening tool. Generally, the torque value to be tightened needs to be pre-adjusted, and then the torque wrench is used to tighten the nut. When the set torque value is reached, the torque wrench cannot tighten further. This torque wrench tool is a relatively common assembly tool. In practical applications, the numerical torque value (in N·m) on the torque wrench is used to quantify the values ​​of each test.

[0076] Specifically, the sealing material assembly force test includes:

[0077] (1) The sealing material to be evaluated is made into a hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 with the required cross-sectional shape on the electrode material sample 500. The cross-sectional shape can be planar, single-peak, or double-peak.

[0078] (2) Place the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 and the electrode material sample 500 into the hydrogen fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device, and close the upper pressure plate 100 and the lower pressure plate 900.

[0079] (3) By using the torque of the fastening structure 200, the hydrogen fuel cell sealing ring sample 400 is compressed to a certain extent. The compression amount is the actual compression ratio of the fuel cell sealing ring during actual use. At the same time, the pressure cloud map of the sealing ring area is detected by the signal line 602 of the annular pressure sensor 600.

[0080] (4) Based on the pressure magnitude, the compression ratio of the sealing ring and the uniformity of the pressure cloud map, evaluate the stress and strain of different sealing ring materials and sealing ring cross-sectional shapes to facilitate the selection of sealing materials and the design of sealing cross-sectional structures in the later stage of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0081] Note: This test can evaluate the impact of sealing materials and sealing ring cross-sectional structure on the sealing assembly force and stress uniformity of hydrogen fuel cells, i.e., the hydrogen fuel cell sealing system.

[0082] It should be noted that this evaluation device and system can evaluate any gas or liquid that needs to be sealed, and is not limited to batteries. For example, it can be used to evaluate the sealing of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic cylinder, and can also be used for preliminary evaluation of sealing materials or sealing cross-sectional structures. When it is applied to the testing of different types of batteries or other sealing devices, the type of gas to be tested can be a commonly used gas (compressed air) or the medium that the device actually needs to seal, such as the hydraulic oil mentioned above. Furthermore, the fuel cells that this device and system can be used for are not limited to hydrogen fuel cells, but can also be used for other types of fuel cells, such as lithium batteries or lead-acid batteries, whose internal electrolytes also need to be sealed to prevent leakage. Therefore, this device can also evaluate the sealing materials and sealing structures of the aforementioned batteries.

[0083] In summary, the multifunctional fuel cell sealing evaluation device, system, and method of the present invention can comprehensively evaluate the sealing structure of hydrogen fuel cells. This evaluation covers aspects such as the sealing medium (including coolant and reactant gas), sealing design (including sealing materials and sealing ring cross-sectional structure), and sealing process (including sealing force uniformity and the magnitude of sealing force and sealing material deformation rate). Furthermore, this device effectively integrates multiple fuel cell sealing evaluation items, reducing the number of testing fixtures and achieving the goal of "one machine for multiple uses."

[0084] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells, characterized in that, Include: The upper pressure plate has a medium inflow cavity, which is connected to the outside through a first inlet; A lower pressure plate is disposed below the upper pressure plate. The top surface of the lower pressure plate is used to place a fuel cell electrode material sample. The electrode material sample has a first through hole. A first sealing rib and a second sealing rib are arranged around the outside of the first through hole. The first sealing rib is arranged around the outside of the second sealing rib and forms a first groove with the second sealing rib. The first groove is used to place a fuel cell sealing ring sample. The lower pressure plate has a medium outflow cavity, which is connected to the outside through a second outlet. A fastening structure is used to fasten the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate together; in the combined state, the sealing ring sample is tightly attached to the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate, and the medium inflow cavity, the first through hole and the medium outflow cavity are connected. During testing, the medium enters the medium inflow chamber from the first inlet, passes through the first through hole and the medium outflow chamber, and flows out from the second outlet. The upper pressure plate has a groove around the outer side of the first sealing rib to form a medium leakage cavity. The medium leakage cavity is connected to the outside through the first outlet. In the assembled state, the medium leakage cavity is in contact with the electrode material sample.

2. The multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper pressure plate has an upper pressure plate sealing groove that accommodates the upper pressure plate sealing ring around the outside of the medium leakage cavity, and the lower pressure plate has a lower pressure plate sealing groove that accommodates the lower pressure plate sealing ring around the outside of the medium leakage cavity. In the combined state, the upper pressure plate sealing ring and the lower pressure plate sealing ring are respectively disposed in the upper pressure plate sealing groove and the lower pressure plate sealing groove to ensure the sealing between the upper pressure plate and the electrode material sample and between the lower pressure plate and the electrode material sample. And / or, the upper pressure plate is connected to the first outlet quick connector, and the first outlet quick connector has a first outlet.

3. The multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensor mounting slot is provided on the upper surface of the lower pressure plate corresponding to the first groove. The pressure sensor mounting slot is used to place the pressure sensor. The value of the pressure sensor changes as the fastening structure presses the upper and lower pressure plates to different degrees.

4. The multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided at the contact point between the lower pressure plate and the first through hole of the electrode material sample; And / or, the upper pressure plate is connected to the first inlet quick connector, the first inlet quick connector having a first inlet; And / or, the lower pressure plate is connected to the second outlet quick connector, the second outlet quick connector having a second outlet; And / or, the cross-section of the fuel cell sealing ring sample is at least one of rectangular, square, inclined D-shaped, single-peak, and multi-peak types; And / or, the height of the sealing ring sample is greater than the height of the first sealing rib and / or the second sealing rib.

5. The multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening structure includes a screw, a washer, and a nut; The fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device has multiple fastening structures arranged circumferentially.

6. A multifunctional sealing evaluation system for fuel cells, characterized in that, Include: The multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; A cooling medium supply device is connected to the fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation device through a first inlet. A third valve is provided between the cooling medium supply device and the first inlet. The cooling medium supply device is used to provide a flowing medium. A cooling circulation pump is disposed between the cooling medium supply device and the second outlet, and a fourth valve is disposed between the cooling circulation pump and the second outlet.

7. The fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A detection gas source is connected to the first inlet, and the detection gas source is used to provide detection gas, which includes at least one of hydrogen, oxygen, helium, and compressed air. At the first outlet, at least one of the following is installed: a flow meter, a hydrogen concentration sensor, an oxygen concentration sensor, and a humidity sensor. When the detection gas source provides compressed air, a gas humidification device is provided between the detection gas source and the first inlet.

8. A method for evaluating a multifunctional sealing evaluation system for fuel cells as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Include: The sample of the fuel cell electrode material to be evaluated and the small sample of the fuel cell sealing ring are placed into the multifunctional sealing evaluation device for fuel cells. The upper and lower pressure plates are fastened together by a fastening structure, so that the fuel cell sealing ring sample has an initial compression. The cooling medium supply device supplies cooling medium to the fuel cell multi-functional sealing evaluation device through the first inlet, and connects the first outlet, the second outlet, the cooling circulation pump and the cooling medium supply device to make the cooling medium circulate. The cooling medium is circulated for a certain period of time, and air tightness tests are performed at each preset time point. The air tightness data after different cooling medium circulation times are recorded.

9. The evaluation method of the fuel cell multifunctional sealing evaluation system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Include: Air tightness test: Close the fourth valve and introduce test gas into the fuel cell multi-functional sealing evaluation device through the test gas source. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the test gas at the first inlet is 200 kPa. After stabilizing the pressure for a period of time, use the corresponding flow meter or sensor to detect the corresponding parameters at the first outlet. Moisture permeability test: Close the fourth valve, turn on the gas humidification device and the detection gas source, and introduce compressed air into the fuel cell multifunctional seal evaluation device through the detection gas source. Ensure that the gauge pressure of the detection gas at the first inlet is 200 kPa and the relative humidity is 100% RH, stabilize its pressure and relative humidity for 100 hours, and detect the moisture permeability of the fuel cell sealing ring sample through the humidity sensor at the first outlet. Sealing material assembly force test: The fuel cell sealing ring sample is initially compressed by a fastening structure, and the pressure cloud map of the fuel cell sealing ring sample area is detected by a pressure sensor; the torque of the fastening structure is adjusted to give the fuel cell sealing ring sample different pressures, and the corresponding pressure magnitude, compression ratio and pressure cloud map uniformity are recorded; relevant data of different sealing ring materials and different cross-sectional shapes are tested, and the stress-strain of different sealing ring materials and cross-sectional shapes are evaluated based on the pressure magnitude, the compression ratio of the fuel cell sealing ring sample and the uniformity of the pressure cloud map.

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