PEM electrolysis water bipolar plate automatic cleaning equipment and cleaning method

Abstract

This invention provides an automated cleaning device and method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates. The automated cleaning device includes a frame body, comprising an upper cleaning zone and a lower transport zone. At least two cleaning devices are installed in the cleaning zone, and a transport device is installed in the transport zone. A hydraulic cylinder, fixedly connected to the cleaning devices, is located at the top of the frame body. Each cleaning device has a cleaning chamber. The advantages of this invention are: it is custom-designed to suit the structure and material properties of the bipolar plates, employing a pair of clamping plates with limiting grooves to synchronously clamp the sides of the bipolar plates. With the synchronous rotation of the clamping plates, the bipolar plates rotate 360° while being sprayed, achieving thorough rinsing and cleaning of the entire bipolar plate. Furthermore, this device can be configured with multiple cleaning processes as needed, and the transport device enables automated transport of the bipolar plates, achieving efficient cleaning while saving manpower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bipolar plate cleaning devices, and more particularly to an automated cleaning device and method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is widely available, has a high calorific value, is clean and carbon-free, and can be used for energy storage, power generation, and heating, offering flexibility, efficiency, and a wide range of applications. Water electrolysis for hydrogen production is considered the future direction of hydrogen production, especially the use of renewable energy for water electrolysis. PEM (Polymer Electrolyte) water electrolysis for hydrogen production utilizes materials with good chemical stability and proton conductivity, making it widely used in hydrogen production. The main components of PEM water electrolysis for hydrogen production include membrane electrodes and bipolar plates. Bipolar plates are one of the key components of PEM water electrolysis technology, typically incorporating a flow field structure. This flow field structure includes flow channel ridges and grooves, providing support, gas isolation, conductivity, and heat dissipation.

[0003] After the bipolar plates are manufactured, due to process issues and production environment limitations, a lot of dust, particles and other impurities remain on their surface. Some of these impurities will adhere to the surface of the bipolar plates, which will then have an adverse effect on the overall electrolysis performance and capacity during actual operation after the electrolyzer is assembled. For example, it will cause increased contact resistance, greater water pollution, and may even enter the catalyst layer surface with the water flow, causing the catalyst to be poisoned, directly affecting hydrogen production efficiency and increasing energy consumption.

[0004] Common cleaning processes for bipolar plates in PEM electrolytic cells include soaking, rinsing, and spraying. Soaking, due to the lack of water flow, does not thoroughly clean the surface of the bipolar plates. Rinsing and spraying require specific directional control of the bipolar plates to ensure thorough cleaning of both sides. The most common control method in the current field is using grippers, but because bipolar plates are large, thin, and have precise surface structures, intelligent automated gripping with grippers can easily damage the surface and cause uneven force at the gripping points. This is especially true for titanium bipolar plates, which are prone to breakage. Therefore, most PEM electrolytic cell bipolar plates are still cleaned manually, which incurs labor costs. Furthermore, to ensure thorough cleaning, multiple cleaning processes are usually used, resulting in significant inefficiency for manual cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the aforementioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides an automated cleaning device and method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates.

[0006] This invention discloses an automated cleaning device for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates, comprising a frame body, the frame body including an upper cleaning area and a lower transport area, at least two cleaning devices are provided in the cleaning area, and a transport device is provided in the transport area. A hydraulic cylinder is provided at the top of the frame body and fixedly connected to the cleaning devices. Each cleaning device is provided with a cleaning chamber, and the cleaning chamber is provided with two connecting plates, two clamping plates, a limiting groove, a drive mechanism, a closed push plate, and a spray head. The connecting plates are mounted on the frame body, and clamping plates are rotatably provided on the facing sides of the two connecting plates. Limiting grooves are provided on the facing sides of the two clamping plates, and a spray head is provided above the clamping plates.

[0007] Based on this, the driving mechanism includes a double-screw and a drive motor, and the two connecting plates are respectively threaded to the left-hand thread section and the right-hand thread section of the double-screw.

[0008] Based on this, the transport device includes a circular track, a contour section, a support shaft, a mounting plate, a transport bracket, and a support plate. The circular track is fixedly mounted on the frame body. The circumferential cross-section of the circular track is a curved contour section. A support shaft is rotatably mounted at the center of the circular track. A mounting plate is fixedly mounted on the support shaft. The mounting plate is installed parallel to the upper surface of the circular track. Multiple transport brackets are fixedly arrayed circumferentially on the mounting plate. One end of each transport bracket passes through the mounting plate and acts on the circular track, rolling along the trajectory of the circular track. The other end of each transport bracket is fixedly connected to the support plate.

[0009] Based on this, the cleaning device is set at the highest point of the contour section, and the cleaning device is symmetrically arranged on the frame body at 180° along the center of the circular track.

[0010] Based on this, the transport support is arranged in a ° angle array, and the support shaft is driven by the main servo motor to achieve a fixed 90° rotation.

[0011] Based on this, a liquid collection box is fixedly installed on the transport bracket, and the liquid collection box is located directly below the support plate.

[0012] Based on this, the support plate is provided with a limiting mechanism that acts on the bipolar plate. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting strip that is fixedly installed on the support plate and acts on the longer side of the bipolar plate. The height of the limiting strip is lower than the upper surface of the bipolar plate.

[0013] Based on this, artificial sites are provided on both sides of the cleaning device on the frame body.

[0014] Based on this, a pressure sensor is provided between the clamping plate and the connecting plate.

[0015] An automated cleaning method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates includes the following steps:

[0016] Steps: The worker is positioned at the two-person work station, the bipolar plate is placed on the transport bracket that has been rotated to the two-person work station, the sealing push plate is opened, the entire cleaning device is lowered, and the clamping plate clamps the bipolar plate.

[0017] Steps: The entire cleaning device rises, the sealing push plate closes to form a closed cleaning chamber, the clamping plate rotates under the action of the drive motor, and at the same time the spray head opens to spray and clean the bipolar plate.

[0018] Steps: The closed push plate opens, the entire cleaning device descends, the cleaned bipolar plates are placed on the transport bracket, and the cleaning device rises again to await the next operation;

[0019] Steps: The transport rack rotates 90° again to the next manual sampling point, where staff observe the cleanliness and collect or clean it again.

[0020] Based on this, the rinsing time in the above steps is set to 10-15 seconds.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] (1) This invention is designed to suit the structure and material properties of the bipolar plate itself. It adopts a pair of clamping plates with limit grooves to achieve synchronous clamping of the sides of the bipolar plate. With the synchronous rotation of the clamping plates, the bipolar plate can rotate 360° while being sprayed, so as to achieve full rinsing and cleaning of the entire bipolar plate. In addition, this device can be set with multiple cleaning processes according to needs, and the bipolar plate can be automatically transported through a transport device to achieve efficient cleaning while saving manpower.

[0023] (2) In this invention, the transport device adopts a circular track with a staggered curved profile, and a transport support that rolls along the profile is provided. This allows the transport support to simultaneously lift and lower the bipolar plates while transporting them, facilitating the transport and supply of the bipolar plates to the cleaning device. Furthermore, multiple cleaning devices can be set up according to the contour trajectory of the circular track to achieve multiple cleaning processes. This device has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has a high degree of automation.

[0024] (3) In this invention, a pressure sensor is set between the clamping plate and the connecting plate to facilitate the control of the clamping pressure of the bipolar plate; a liquid collection box is set to facilitate the collection of liquid on the surface of the cleaned bipolar plate and avoid contamination and waste; a limiting strip is set on the support plate, and the height of the limiting strip is lower than that of the bipolar plate, which facilitates the limiting of the bipolar plate when the operator places it on the support plate to facilitate subsequent clamping.

[0025] (4) In this invention, the fixed angle rotation of the transport bracket is achieved by electrical components such as servo motors, which realizes the orderly transmission of bipolar plates and allows them to be moved to the most suitable angle, which facilitates the clamping of the bipolar plates by the clamping plate.

[0026] (5) This invention integrates orderly transmission and multiple cleaning processes, and reserves manual positions to facilitate all operations of bipolar plates from transportation to cleaning and subsequent collection by staff. It has the advantages of high automation and high controllability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the PEM electrolytic water bipolar plate automated cleaning equipment of the present invention from another angle;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting strip structure of the present invention;

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Frame body, 2. Cleaning device, 2-1. Connecting plate, 2-2. Clamping plate, 2-3. Limiting groove, 2-4. Double-rotating screw, 2-5. Drive motor, 2-6. Enclosed push plate, 2-7. Spray head, 3. Hydraulic cylinder, 4. Transport device, 4-1. Circular track, 4-2. Higher profile section, 4-3. Support shaft, 4-4. Mounting plate, 4-5. Transport bracket, 4-6. Support plate, 4-7. Liquid collection box, 4-8. Limiting strip, 5. Manual position point, 6. Bipolar plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present 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 only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] This invention discloses an automated cleaning device for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates, with reference to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The system includes a frame body 1, which comprises an upper cleaning area and a lower transport area. The transport area is equipped with a transport device 4, which includes a ring track 4-1, a contour section 4-2, a support shaft 4-3, a mounting plate 4-4, a transport bracket 4-5, and a support plate 4-6. The ring track 4-1 is fixedly mounted on the frame body 1. The circumferential cross-section of the ring track 4-1 is a curved contour section 4-2. The support shaft 4-3 is rotatably mounted at the center of the ring track 4-1. The support shaft 4-3 is driven by a servo motor. The mounting plate 4-4 is fixedly mounted on the support shaft 4-3. The mounting plate 4-4 is installed parallel to the upper surface of the ring track 4-1, meaning that the support shaft 4-3 can drive the mounting plate 4-4 to rotate 360° around the center of the ring track 4-1.

[0036] Multiple transport brackets 4-5 are fixedly arranged in a circular array on the mounting plate 4-4. In this embodiment, there are four transport brackets 4-5, which are arranged in a 90° angle array. One end of each transport bracket 4-5 passes through the mounting plate 4-4 and acts on the circular track 4-1 through a roller, and rolls along the trajectory of the circular track 4-1. The other end is fixedly connected to a support plate 4-6 for placing the bipolar plate 6. The transport brackets 4-5 are driven by a servo motor to achieve a fixed 90° angle rotation.

[0037] The contour segment 4-2 at the highest point is symmetrically arranged 180° around the center of the circular track 4-1. The cleaning device 2 is located at the contour segment 4-2 at the highest point. In this embodiment, two cleaning devices 2 are arranged in the cleaning area. Each cleaning device 2 is provided with a cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber is provided with two connecting plates 2-1, two clamping plates 2-2, a limiting groove 2-3, a drive mechanism, a closed push plate 2-6, and a spray head 2-7. The closed push plate 2-6 is located at the bottom of the cleaning chamber and is moved by components such as cylinders to open and close the cleaning chamber. A position sensor can be set between the closed push plate 2-6 and the support plate 4-6. For example, a through-beam sensor can be used and connected to the PLC system circuit signal. When the support plate 4-6 carrying the bipolar plate 6 is conveyed to the area directly below the clamping plate 2-2, the closed push plate 2-6 receives the sensing signal and transmits it to the PLC system. The PLC system then controls all subsequent actions of the cleaning device.

[0038] Two connecting plates 2-1 are slidably connected to the frame body 1. Each of the facing sides of the connecting plates 2-1 is provided with a clamping plate 2-2. Each of the facing sides of the two clamping plates 2-2 is provided with a limiting groove 2-3. The limiting groove 2-3 is used for the side of the bipolar plate 6 to be embedded. A spray head 2-7 is provided above the clamping plate 2-2. The water system controlling the spray head 2-7 is also controlled by the PLC system program to control the movement sequence and time. In this embodiment, the spraying time can be set to 10-15s. In this embodiment, it is set to 10s.

[0039] The drive mechanism includes a double-screw 2-4 and a drive motor 2-5. The connecting plate 2-1 is threaded to the left-hand thread section and the right-hand thread section of the double-screw 2-4, respectively. While the drive motor 2-5 controls the rotation of the double-screw 2-4, the connecting plate 2-1 can achieve synchronous sliding motion in opposite directions or in opposite directions. The synchronous motion can ensure uniform clamping of the bipolar plate 6 and avoid damage to the bipolar plate 6 due to uneven force. The clamping plate 2-2 is electrically rotated by the drive motor 2-5, and the connecting plate 2-1 is driven by the drive mechanism to achieve synchronous sliding motion in opposite directions or in opposite directions on the frame body 1.

[0040] A liquid collection box 4-7 is fixedly installed on the transport bracket 4-5. The liquid collection box 4-7 is located directly below the support plate 4-6, which can realize the function of collecting liquid on the cleaned bipolar plate 6.

[0041] The support plate 4-6 is equipped with a limiting mechanism that acts on the bipolar plate 6. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting strip 4-8 fixedly mounted on the support plate 4-6 and acting on the longer side of the bipolar plate 6. When the bipolar plate 6 is placed on the support plate 4-6, the height of the limiting strip 4-8 is lower than the upper surface of the bipolar plate 6, which facilitates the limiting of the bipolar plate 6 when the operator places it on the support plate 4-6, thus facilitating subsequent clamping. The frame body 1 is equipped with manual positions 5 on both sides of the cleaning device 2. A pressure sensor is provided between the clamping plate 2-2 and the connecting plate 2-1 to better control the clamping force on the bipolar plate 6. At the same time, the top of the frame body 1 is also equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 3 fixedly connected to the cleaning device 2 to control the cleaning device 2 to achieve lifting and lowering movement along the height direction of the frame body 1.

[0042] All the aforementioned electrical components, including the drive mechanism, main servo motor, cylinder, hydraulic cylinder 3, and pressure sensor, are connected to the PLC system via circuitry. This means that the sequence and timing of the actions of each component can be controlled by the program written into the PLC system. While the main servo motor controls the support shaft to rotate 4-390°, the PLC system controls the interval time of the 90° rotation, which is controlled to be 20-30 seconds. In this embodiment, the interval time is controlled to be 20 seconds.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] An automated cleaning method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates includes the following steps:

[0045] Step 1: The worker is positioned at the two-person work station 5. The bipolar plate 6 is placed on the transport bracket 4-5, which is rotated to the two-person work station 5. The closed push plate 2-6 is opened, the cleaning device 2 is lowered as a whole, and the clamping plate 2-2 clamps the bipolar plate 6.

[0046] Step 2: The cleaning device 2 rises as a whole, the sealing push plate 2-6 closes to form a closed cleaning chamber, the clamping plate 2-2 rotates under the action of the drive motor 2-5, and at the same time the spray head 2-7 opens to spray and clean the bipolar plate 6.

[0047] The sealing push plate 2-6 opens, the cleaning device 2 descends as a whole, the cleaned bipolar plate 6 is placed on the transport bracket 4-5, and the cleaning device 2 rises again to await the next operation.

[0048] Step 3: The transport bracket 4-5 is rotated 90° again to the next manual site 5. The staff observes the cleanliness and collects or cleans it again.

[0049] In actual use, the worker is positioned at the two-person work station 5 and places the bipolar plate 6 on the transport bracket 4-5, which is rotated to the two-person work station 5. The bipolar plate 6 is positioned by the limiting strip 4-8 and is transported in an orderly manner at a 90° angle under the drive of the main servo motor. In this embodiment, since the highest point contour segment 4-2 is symmetrically arranged at 180° along the center and the transport bracket 4-5 is arranged in a 90° array, when the transport bracket 4-5 rotates at a fixed angle of 90° to directly below the cleaning device, the bipolar plate 6 on it can be parallel to the sliding trajectory of the clamping plate 2-2, so that the two clamping plates 2-2 can clamp the bipolar plate 6.

[0050] At this moment, when the two bipolar plates 6 are simultaneously conveyed to the two cleaning devices 2, they rise together. Under the action of the position sensor, the PLC system receives a signal and simultaneously controls the closing push plate 2-6 of the cleaning device 2 to open. The cleaning device 2 descends as a whole, bringing the two clamping plates 2-2 closer to the bipolar plates 6. Under the action of the drive mechanism, they move towards each other to clamp the bipolar plates 6. The pressure sensor records the clamping pressure to prevent excessive pressure. The cleaning device 2 then rises as a whole, and the closing push plate 2-6 closes to form a closed cleaning chamber. The clamping plates 2-2 are driven by the motor... Under the action of 2-5, the device rotates, and at the same time, the spray head 2-7 opens to spray and clean the bipolar plate 6 for 10 seconds. After that, the sealing push plate 2-6 opens, and the cleaning device 2 descends as a whole, so that the cleaned bipolar plate 6 is placed on the transport bracket 4-5. The cleaning device 2 then rises again to wait for the next operation. Meanwhile, after 20 seconds, the transport bracket 4-5 rotates 90° again to the next manual position 5. The staff observes the cleaning status. If the cleaning status is good, the staff can choose to collect the bipolar plate 6 or continue to rotate and clean it again.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial," "bottom," "one end," "top," "middle," "other end," "upper," "side," "top," "inner," "front," "center," "both ends," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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 limiting this invention.

[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw-in," and "pad" 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. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated cleaning device for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates, comprising a frame body (1), characterized in that: The frame body (1) includes an upper cleaning area and a lower transport area. At least two cleaning devices (2) are installed in the cleaning area, and a transport device (4) is installed in the transport area. A hydraulic cylinder (3) is fixedly connected to the cleaning device (2) at the top of the frame body (1). Each cleaning device (2) has a cleaning chamber containing two connecting plates (2-1), two clamping plates (2-2), a limiting groove (2-3), a drive mechanism, a closed push plate (2-6), and a spray head (2-7). The connecting plate (2-1) is installed on the frame body (1). Each of the two connecting plates (2-1) has a clamping plate (2-2) rotatably mounted on its facing side. Each of the two clamping plates (2-2) has a limiting groove (2-3) on its facing side. A spray head (2-7) is installed above the clamping plate (2-2). The transport device (4) includes a ring track (4-1), a contour section (4-2), a support shaft (4-3), a mounting plate (4-4), a transport bracket (4-5), and a support plate (4-6). The ring track (4-1)... The annular track (4-1) is fixedly mounted on the frame body (1). The circumferential cross-section of the annular track (4-1) is a curved profile segment (4-2). A support shaft (4-3) is rotatably provided at the center of the annular track (4-1). A mounting plate (4-4) is fixedly mounted on the support shaft (4-3). The mounting plate (4-4) is installed parallel to the upper surface of the annular track (4-1). Multiple transport brackets (4-5) are fixedly arranged in a circular array on the mounting plate (4-4). One end of each transport bracket (4-5) passes through the mounting plate (4-4). The action is then applied to the circular track (4-1) and rolls along the trajectory of the circular track (4-1). The other end of the transport bracket (4-5) is fixedly connected to the support plate (4-6). The cleaning device (2) is set at the highest point of the contour section (4-2). The cleaning device (2) is symmetrically arranged on the frame body (1) at 180° along the center of the circular track (4-1). The transport brackets (4-5) are arranged in a 90° angle array. The support shaft (4-3) is driven by the main servo motor to achieve a fixed 90° angle rotation.

2. The automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a double-screw (2-4) and a drive motor (2-5). The two connecting plates (2-1) are respectively threaded to the left-hand thread section and the right-hand thread section of the double-screw (2-4).

3. The automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transport bracket (4-5) is fixedly equipped with a liquid collection box (4-7), and the liquid collection box (4-7) is located directly below the support plate (4-6).

4. The automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support plate (4-6) is provided with a limiting mechanism that acts on the bipolar plate (6). The limiting mechanism includes a limiting strip (4-8) that is fixedly installed on the support plate (4-6) and acts on the longer side of the bipolar plate (6). The height of the limiting strip (4-8) is lower than the upper surface of the bipolar plate (6).

5. The automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: Artificial sites (5) are provided on both sides of the cleaning device (2) on the frame body (1).

6. The automated cleaning equipment for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure sensor is provided between the clamping plate (2-2) and the connecting plate (2-1).

7. An automated cleaning method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The worker is positioned at the two-person work station (5), the bipolar plate (6) is placed on the transport bracket (4-5) rotated to the two-person work station (5), the closed push plate (2-6) is opened, the cleaning device (2) is lowered as a whole, and the clamping plate (2-2) clamps the bipolar plate (6). Step 2: The cleaning device (2) rises as a whole, the closing push plate (2-6) closes to form a closed cleaning chamber, the clamping plate (2-2) rotates under the action of the drive motor (2-5), and at the same time the spray head (2-7) opens to spray and clean the bipolar plate (6); Step 3: The closed push plate (2-6) is opened, the cleaning device (2) is lowered as a whole, the cleaned bipolar plate (6) is placed on the transport bracket (4-5), and the cleaning device (2) rises again to wait for the next operation; Step 4: The transport bracket (4-5) is rotated 90° again to the next manual site (5). The staff observes the cleanliness and collects or cleans it again.

8. The automated cleaning method for PEM electrolytic water bipolar plates according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rinsing time in step 2 is set to 10-15 seconds.

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