Transport and test cart for moving and adjusting and / or testing a stacked assembly of electrocells and / or fuel cell components,

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport and test cart (1) for moving and adjusting and / or testing a stack assembly of electrolytic cell and / or fuel cell components. The cart allows the stack to be taken out immediately at the end of production within, for example, a flow production zone, directly transported to a conditioning and / or testing station, and the conditioning and / or testing steps of the stack to be carried out directly on the cart without having to manipulate them prior to the steps. Figure 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells and electrolyzers comprising one or more stacks of individual electrochemical cells.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and to the field of high-temperature electrolysis and the field of high-temperature co-electrolysis of carbon dioxide CO2 and water H2O and the field of CO2 electrolysis of carbon dioxide CO2, also using solid oxides (SOEC, an acronym for solid oxide electrolysis cell).

[0003] The present invention more particularly relates to a novel system for managing a stack at the end of its manufacturing and assembly process.

[0004] Although mainly described with reference to high-temperature applications, the invention is also applicable to stacks of any kind of electrochemical cells, whatever the number of cells, for fuel cells and / or for electrolysers. Background Art

[0005] A SOFC fuel cell or SOEC electrolyser is an electrochemical device comprising a stack of basic units, each of which comprises a solid oxide electrochemical cell comprising an anode layer / electrolyte layer / cathode layer stacked on top of each other.

[0006] In addition, interconnectors are located between the cells to ensure the passage of current and the circulation of gases near each cell (steam is injected and hydrogen and oxygen are produced in the SOEC electrolyzer; air and hydrogen are injected and water is produced in the SOFC cell), and to separate the fuel compartment and the air compartment, which are the compartments for gas circulation.

[0007] To perform high-temperature SOEC electrolysis of steam, H2O vapor is typically injected into the fuel compartment at temperatures between 600°C and 950°C. Under the action of an electric current applied to the cell, water molecules in vapor form dissociate at the interface between the hydrogen electrode and the electrolyte: this dissociation produces dihydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen ions. The dihydrogen is collected and removed at the outlet of the hydrogen compartment. The oxygen ions O 2- The electrons that migrate through the electrolyte and are received from the fuel side by an external power supply are recombined into dioxygen (O2) at the interface between the electrolyte and the oxygen electrode. The generated oxygen is removed at the outlet of the air compartment.

[0008] To ensure the function of the SOFC fuel cell, air (oxygen) is injected into the air compartment and hydrogen is injected into the fuel compartment. Hydrogen H2 is converted into H + ions and release electrons which are captured by the fuel electrode.

[0009] On the air side, oxygen O2 is converted into O 2- ions, O2- ions migrate through the electrolyte to the fuel side where they react with H + The ions combine to form H2O vapor. The released electrons are transferred from the fuel to the air electrode through an external load to generate direct current from the hydrogen / oxygen reaction.

[0010] To increase the amount of hydrogen and oxygen produced in the case of SOEC electrolysis or the electrical power provided in the case of SOFC fuel cells, it is known to stack several basic electrochemical cells on top of each other, separating them with interconnectors. The receiving assembly is positioned between two terminal connection plates that support the power supply and gas supply / collection of the SOEC electrolyzer or SOFC fuel cell.

[0011] Furthermore, to improve the quality of electrical contact established between the interconnector and the electrodes, and thereby enhance the performance of the electrochemical device, electrical contact members are separately inserted and arranged on the electrodes. Nickel grids are typically used for contact with the hydrogen electrode, while Crofer grids are used for the air electrode.

[0012] The stacks used to date generally use seals in each of their stages which must ensure the tightness between the above-mentioned individual stacked layers. An advantageous seal is described in patent EP 3 078 071 B1.

[0013] These seals have characteristics that require thermal and mechanical treatments to become effective during the life of the SOEC electrolyzer and SOFC fuel cell stack. The described process is often referred to as "stack sintering" because the stacked layers are sintered to obtain a permanent and non-detachable connection.

[0014] During the described sintering step, the stack of the electrochemical device typically shrinks by several centimeters.

[0015] After sintering, the stack needs to be conditioned. This electrochemical conditioning step is essential to guarantee the quality of the stack and its adequacy to the expected specifications. This conditioning process includes at least one "reduction" heat treatment step to place the fuel side of the electrochemical cell in its reduced form, rather than its initial oxidized form.

[0016] The reduction step can be a thermomechanical cycle under gases: reducing gas for the hydrogen electrode and air or neutral gas for the oxygen electrode.

[0017] A specific heat treatment step is described in patent EP 2870650 B1.

[0018] Furthermore, once the assembly of the fuel cell or electrolyser is complete and before it can be operated, it is necessary to test it. This testing phase includes checking the seals and / or the actual power and / or gas production as expected.

[0019] The steps of adjusting and testing the stack as described above are time consuming.

[0020] As an example, a cycle may consist of several parts, such as heating, sintering, reduction, testing, and cooling.

[0021] Long cycle times can be a problem in manufacturing processes, especially in large-scale production.

[0022] In practice, the manufacturing process of fuel cell and / or electrolyser stacks is already arranged as a flow production.

[0023] And it is incompatible in time and / or place to implement testing and / or adjustment in situ (i.e. directly at the end of continuous flow manufacturing).In other words, implementing testing and / or adjustment equipment in the production line will reduce productivity and / or require a large space dedicated to such equipment.

[0024] Therefore, there is a need to find a solution that allows testing and / or adjustments of fuel cells and electrolyzers to be carried out at the end of their continuous flow manufacturing, without being affected by the production process.

[0025] The present invention is intended to address all or part of these needs. Summary of the Invention

[0026] The subject of the invention, in one of its aspects, is a transport and testing cart for moving and adjusting and / or testing stacks of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell components, comprising:

[0027] a movable frame for moving from the production area of at least one stack of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assemblies to a conditioning and / or testing station not included in the production area;

[0028] a support portion mounted on or integral with the movable frame, the support portion comprising at least one top surface area accessible from the outside by an operator and / or a robot, the support portion being configured to support at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies;

[0029] - at least one electrical connector mounted on the movable frame for arranging external electrical connections to at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies;

[0030] - At least one fluid manifold mounted on a movable frame to withdraw and / or feed gas to and / or from outside of and / or from at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies and / or at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies.

[0031] In the framework of the present invention, a "production area" is understood to be a flow production area or a research and development area, or more generally, any area where stacks to be tested are manufactured and assembled.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, the cart comprises at least one heating coil arranged around each top surface area of the support portion.

[0033] As another preferred embodiment, the cart includes at least one mechanical load, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, arranged in a movable frame, and the mechanical load is movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, in which the at least one stacking assembly is accessible by an operator and can be placed in place or removed from the top surface area, and in the retracted position, the mechanical load applies a force to the stacking assembly.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the mechanical load can be applied from below when the stack(s) are compressed on the upper side (and by the support on the lower side), or from the top when the stack(s) are compressed on the lower side by the support.

[0035] Prior art solutions for mechanical load application offer the risk of non-vertical force application, since temperature differences between the core and the outer furnace area during the conditioning and / or testing step(s) may lead to geometrical deformations of the stack and / or displacements of the end plates of the stack.

[0036] The solution according to the invention makes it possible to apply a load vertically to a stack assembly using a force introduction ball on the top side of the stack together with at least two hold-down plates above and below the force introduction ball. When the lower hold-down plate is located on the surface of a component of the stack assembly, the upper hold-down plate is pulled down by at least two rods along the side of the stack connected to a mechanical load system in a movable cart mounted below at least one stack assembly of an electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assembly. Alternatively, the hold-down plate can be pulled down to a specific point, but after the hold-down plate has been lowered and fixed in a specific position, the stack rises to a position where the hold-down plate is fixed. According to another variant, at least one stack assembly of an electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assembly can rise to the hold-down plate.

[0037] This method ensures that the compressive load is applied precisely at a 90° angle relative to the stack of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assemblies to achieve optimal stack geometry. Notably, it allows for the adjustment of stacks to be tested and / or regulated to the same or different heights. As one possible arrangement, the support portion comprises four top surface areas arranged at 90° to one another in front view.

[0038] The movable frame preferably comprises at least one condensate trap, preferably with a pump, which is arranged to collect all condensate from at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies during conditioning and / or testing thereof.

[0039] As another preferred embodiment, the movable frame is equipped with wheels and / or is configured to accommodate a mobile robotic platform for the displacement of the cart. Thus, the cart can be easily and quickly moved from the area where production is completed within the stack area downstream to the parking area of the stack waiting for testing transport or directly to the adjustment and / or testing station.

[0040] The invention also relates to a conditioning and / or testing station for conditioning and / or testing a stack assembly of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies, comprising:

[0041] at least one gantry on which is mounted at least one conditioning and / or testing furnace, for example in the form of a cover, which is fixed or movable between a deployed position, in which at least one transport and testing trolley, such as the one described above, can be put in place or removed, and a retracted position in which said trolley is returned to the conditioning and testing configuration;

[0042] - At least one fluid and power management box for the supply and / or recovery of gases and the supply and / or recovery of electricity, for connection to the fluid manifolds and electrical connectors, respectively, of a transport and test cart such as those mentioned above, when in the conditioning and / or testing configuration.

[0043] As a possible configuration, the station comprises a universal gantry on which are mounted several conditioning and / or testing furnaces, each in the form of a hood.

[0044] Preferably, each cowl is moved vertically by translation along the gantry from a deployed position to a retracted position, and vice versa.

[0045] The control and / or testing station can also be implemented as at least one stack of sintered electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assemblies.

[0046] The invention also relates to a device for adjusting and / or testing a stack assembly of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell components, comprising:

[0047] - at least one stroller as described above;

[0048] - At least one station as previously described, any one of the cart and / or support and / or cover being movable such that the cover repositions the cart into an adjustment and / or testing configuration.

[0049] In other words, the invention essentially consists in a trolley which removes the piles immediately at the end of in-zone production (e.g. flow production), transports them directly to a conditioning and / or testing station and carries out the (one or more) conditioning and / or testing steps of said piles directly on the trolley, without having to manipulate them prior to said steps.

[0050] Within the scope of the present invention, the cart and the device can be embodied as a stack assembly of sintered electrolyzers and / or fuel cells.

[0051] The present invention also provides a stack load control station for cooperating with at least one cart according to the present invention.

[0052] The invention also relates to a regulating and / or testing device as described above for regulating and / or testing a stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has many advantages, among which can be mentioned:

[0054] - The downtimes for preparing the stacks for conditioning and / or testing fuel cells or electrolyzers and finally for sintering said stacks are significantly improved directly at the outlet of the in-zone production;

[0055] - Improve the efficiency of the testing and / or adjustment steps of the stack;

[0056] - Improve the working conditions of operators at the export of production in the zone;

[0057] - Optimization of the floor space of factories for manufacturing electrolyzers and / or fuel cells;

[0058] - No risk of component (stack) breakage, since the trolley according to the invention minimizes the handling of such components;

[0059] - A significant modularity that can easily adapt to various regional production, various regulation and / or testing conditions and various types of technology (PEM, SOEC, SOFC, ...) of the stack assembly;

[0060] - Possibility to arrange several stacks in separate conditioning and testing carts and devices, while all stacks have a common gas;

[0061] - Possibility to measure and evaluate multiple types of piles simultaneously;

[0062] - Possibility to arrange and test and / or adjust small stacks in series and / or large stacks in parallel in one or more carts.

[0063] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from a perusal of the detailed description of examples of its embodiments, with reference to the following drawings, which description is provided for guidance only and is not intended to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof and by studying the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conditioning and testing cart according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cart has a manually displaceable movable frame;

[0066] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 Side view of the cart;

[0067] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the cart;

[0068] Figure 4 is based on Figures 1 to 3 a detailed perspective view of a cart showing the mechanical load stroke and force introduction balls with upper and lower hold-down plates for vertically applying a load to each stack from its top side;

[0069] Figure 5 is based on Figures 1 to 3 Detailed perspective view of a cart showing a SOEC / SOFC stack positioned and supported on a top surface area of a support portion mounted on a movable frame of the cart, with various elements surrounding each surface area;

[0070] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention comprising a conditioning and testing cart positioned by an operator in a configuration electrically and fluidically connected to a complementary fixing station;

[0071] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view of

[0072] Figure 8 It is shown that Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view of several adjustment and test carts shown with complementary fixing stations to which they must be electrically and fluidically connected;

[0073] Figure 9is a perspective view of a variant of a monolithic stack according to the invention, the monolithic stack itself being stacked so as to be supported by one top surface area of a support portion of a movable frame of a cart;

[0074] Figure 10 is a side view of a conditioning and testing cart according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the cart having a movable frame to be displaced by a mobile robotic platform;

[0075] Figure 11 is a schematic top view of a production area of a SOEC / SOFC stack, which is surrounded at one end by several conditioning and testing carts according to a second embodiment and their corresponding stations arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the production area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood with reference to a cart according to the invention, wherein the SOEC / SOFC stack is arranged horizontally on the support of a movable frame of the cart.

[0077] Figures 1 to 5 An example of a conditioning and testing cart according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 .

[0078] The cart 1 is intended to move and adjust and / or test SOEC / SOFC stack assemblies S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 .

[0079] This cart 1 comprises firstly a mobile frame 2 for moving from the production area of the stack to a conditioning and / or testing station 10 not included in the production area, such as described below.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the movable frame 2 is preferably in the general form of a metal cube and is equipped with four wheels 20 to move the cart on the ground. A handle 21 is provided on one side of the frame 2 to facilitate carrying it from the production area to the station 10 and vice versa.

[0081] The support portion 3 is mounted on the movable frame 2 or is integrated with the movable frame 2. Figure 5 As shown, the support 3 comprises an electrically and thermally insulating peripheral area 30 and four top surface areas 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 accessible from the outside by an operator and / or a robot.

[0082] Each top surface area 31, 32, 33, 34 is used to support one of the stacking assemblies S1, S2, S3, S4. In the embodiment shown, the four top surface areas 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged at 90 degrees to each other in a front view. Each top surface area 31, 32, 33, 34 is configured so that no elements surrounding the respective stack S1, S2, S3, S4 are present.

[0083] The top surface areas 31 to 34 are surrounded by a common cooling element 4 which can be activated during the conditioning and / or testing step(s). This cooling element 4 allows accelerated furnace cooling control at the end of a sintering, conditioning and / or testing cycle.

[0084] A heating coil 51, 52, 53, 54 is arranged around each top surface area 31, 32, 33, 34 of the support. These heating coils 51 to 54 allow passive heating of the gas provided during the conditioning and / or testing step(s).

[0085] During the steps of conditioning and / or testing a SOEC / SOFC stack, it is often necessary to apply a compressive force to the stack.

[0086] In order to apply this compacting force directly inside the trolley 1 , the trolley 1 comprises at least one mechanical loading system 61 , 62 , 64 , preferably a pneumatic cylinder, arranged in the movable frame 3 for each stack S1 to S4 .

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the mechanical load strokes 61 to 64 apply the load vertically to the stacks S1 to S4 from the top side thereof through at least one plate 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 forming a counterweight, the surface of the counterweight being at least the surface of the stacks S1 to S4 .

[0088] Each mechanical load stroke 61 to 64 can be Figure 4 The stacks S1 to S4 are independently movable between a deployed position shown, in which the stacks S1 to S4 are accessible to the operator and can be placed into position or removed from the top surface area, and a retracted position in which the travel applies a mechanical load to the stacks S1 to S4. The applied mechanical load can vary from one stack assembly to another, i.e., up to four different loads can be applied to the stack assemblies S1 to S4.

[0089] In order to supply and / or collect directly electricity and different gases (such as H2, O2 and final exhaust gases) from and / or to the different stacks S1 to S4 during the conditioning and / or testing step(s), the cart 1 is equipped with a connector system 8. Figure 2As shown, the connector system 8 is mounted on one side of the movable frame 3 as a fluid and electrical feedthrough to recover and / or feed gas to and / or from outside the stacks S1 to S4, and to arrange external electrical connections to the stacks S1 to S4, respectively.

[0090] More precisely, the connector system 8 comprises at least one electrical connector 80 and at least four fluid manifolds 81 (gas, cooling fluid, condensed water). The fluid lines and cables between the connectors 80 and manifolds 81 and the top surface areas 31 to 34 and the various components (cooling element 4, heating coils 51 to 54, pneumatic cylinders 61 to 64, stacks S1 to S4) are not shown: they are arranged in an optimized routing configuration in the movable frame 3.

[0091] Preferably, the connector 80 and the manifold 81 are configured to allow for an automatic quick connect to make the fluid and electrical connections between the cart 1 and the complementary station 10 .

[0092] As a preferred variant, at least one condensate trap (not shown) with a pump can be arranged on the movable frame to collect all condensate from the stacks S1 to S4 during conditioning and / or testing of the stacks S1 to S4 .

[0093] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the figure the device is shown with its own cart 1 and its complementary station 10. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the cart 1 is in a configuration fluidically and electrically connected to the station 10 , in a ready state to carry out conditioning and / or testing steps on the stacks S1 to S4 loaded by the cart 1 .

[0094] The fixed station 10 mainly includes a connection base 11 on which the cart 1 is parked, a gantry 12 located in front and above the connection base 11, a furnace 13 in the form of a hood slidably mounted on the gantry 12, and an electrical and fluid management cabinet / box 14 arranged behind the connection base 13 and electrically and fluidically connected to the base 13.

[0095] More specifically, the connection base 11 has a general U-shape into which the trolley 1 can be introduced until the connection system 8 is electrically and fluidically connected with a complementary connection system, not shown, implemented in the base 11 .

[0096] The furnace cover 13 is slidably mounted on the gantry 12 to move between a deployed position and a retracted position, in which the trolley 1 can be put into place or removed (e.g. Figure 6 and 7In the retracted position, the connection base 11 returns the cart 1 to the adjustment and testing configuration. More specifically, the cover 13 is mounted to the gantry 12 so as to be vertically movable by translation along the gantry from the deployed position to the retracted position, and vice versa. When in the retracted position, the cover 13 can abut against the top of the support 3.

[0097] In order to slide the cover 13 from its deployed position to its retracted position, an electric motor 120 arranged on top of the gantry 12 may be implemented.

[0098] When in the conditioning and testing configurations, the fluid and power management cabinet 14 is configured for supplying and / or recovering gas and supplying and / or recovering power, which are respectively connected to the fluid manifold and electrical connector of the transport and test cart 1. For example, the gas and fluid may be cooling water or condensed water.

[0099] A control and command unit for managing adjustment and / or test cycles may be housed in one of the cabinets 14 .

[0100] The sequence of installation will now be briefly described.

[0101] Step a / : The operator O maneuvers the trolley 1 with the stacks S1 and S4 arranged on its top surface area until the trolley 1 is parked in the base 11 of the station 10 .

[0102] Preferably, the fluid and electrical connection between the connection system 8 and one of the bases 11 is made simultaneously with the parking of the trolley 1 and automatically.

[0103] Step b / : Operator O checks all stacks S1 to S4 and their fluid and electrical connections.

[0104] Step c / : The operator O activates the control and command unit to execute the regulation and / or testing step(s) of the stacks S1 to S4 .

[0105] Step d / : The furnace hood 13 slides downwards to reach its retracted position. Alternatively, the furnace hood 13 is fixed and the trolley 1 itself and / or the supports 3 of the support stacks S1 to S4 can be raised.

[0106] Step e / : By activating the pneumatic cylinders 61 to 64 , a mechanical load is applied to each stack S1 to S4 from the upper side via the plates 71 to 74 .

[0107] Step f / : Temperature and / or pressure cycles are applied to the stacks S1 to S4 by the control and command unit according to the specification of the conditioning and / or test conditions.

[0108] Step g / : Once the cycle has been completed and the temperature has been reduced, the furnace cover 13 can be slid upwards to its deployed position. It must be noted that the furnace cover 13 can move during active load compaction without restriction and without interfering with the load compaction.

[0109] The trolley 1 can then be displaced directly into a dedicated area for packaging of the stacks S1 to S4 for transport out of the production plant.

[0110] In an advantageous configuration of the device, several integral stations can be arranged parallel to each other in a dedicated test area. An example of such a configuration is Figure 8 The diagram shows four stations 10.1 to 10.4 arranged side by side, each of which is configured to accommodate a cart 1.1 to 1.4. A single operator O can operate all of these carts and carry out one or more adjustment and / or test steps. It is foreseeable that all stations 10.1 to 10.4 have a common control and command unit.

[0111] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another advantageous variant is shown: each surface area 31 to 34 has several stacks S11 to Sn instead of just one; S21 to Sp can themselves be pre-stacked to form a preassembled module M1, M2 to be placed on each surface area 31 to 34. More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, module M1 is a pre-assembled assembly of three stacks S11, S12, S13, ... Sn of electrochemical cells with interconnectors. The bottom stack S11 is held by two end plates 35, 36, while the middle stack S12 is held by two end plates 36, 37, and the top stack S13 is held by two end plates 3n, 3n-1. For example, if stacks S11 to Sn typically include 25 electrochemical cells, module M1 includes n×25 electrochemical cells. Each module M1, M2 can be adjusted and / or tested on a given surface area 31, 32.

[0112] For the displacement of the cart 1 according to the invention, another embodiment can be considered instead of the simple wheels 20. Thus, the mobile robot platform 9 can be arranged below the movable frame 2 of the cart 1, such as Figure 10 This robotic platform 9 can be controlled and commanded in an autonomous manner to displace one or more carts 1 from the production area of the stack up to a station 10 for conditioning and / or testing the assembled stack.

[0113] Figure 11An advantageous configuration of a production area is shown, wherein adjustment and / or test carts and stations are arranged around the perimeter. In this configuration, eight stations 10.1 to 10.8 are arranged side by side and on each longitudinal side of the production area 100. The manufactured and assembled stacks can be handled from this area to the cart 1.1, for example, by an automated lifting robot. Once the stacks S1 to S4 are loaded in the top areas 31 to 34 of the movable frame 2, the mobile robot platform 9 can be moved from the charging position (i.e., near the area 100) to the connection position, where the dedicated station 10.1 is positioned in the optimal position. This configuration 11 can fully automate the production and adjustment and / or test installation of SOEC / SOFC stacks.

[0114] Other variations and improvements may be provided without departing in any way from the framework of the invention.

[0115] For example, if the illustrated embodiment shows four areas on a unique cart's supporting top, each area being used to support a stack, it is certainly contemplated that only one or more of the four areas may be used.

[0116] In the embodiment shown, the furnace hood is vertically slidably mounted on the gantry from its deployed position to its retracted position.Other displacement mechanisms for the hood can be considered, such as a rotation mechanism.

[0117] Also in the illustrated embodiment, the furnace hood can be moved to return the cart to the adjustment and / or testing configuration. However, it is also foreseeable that the furnace hood is fixed, while the cart and / or support can be moved upward to achieve the adjustment and / or testing configuration and then moved downward once the adjustment and / or testing step(s) have been performed. Likewise, it is contemplated that both the furnace hood and the cart can be moved to achieve the adjustment and / or testing configuration.

[0118] It is also possible to consider mechanically coupling several carts according to the invention in order to optimize their displacement depending on the specifications.

[0119] The movable frame of the cart according to the present invention can accommodate any other components useful for the conditioning and / or testing steps to be performed directly on the cart. For example, separate heat exchangers for the fuel side and / or air (oxygen) side of each stack loaded on the cart can be integrated into the movable frame. Any sensors / detectors, such as pressure and temperature sensors, can also be integrated into the frame.

[0120] Unless otherwise stated, the expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one."

Claims

1. A transport and testing cart (1) for moving and adjusting and / or testing a stack of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell components, comprising: - a movable frame (2) for moving from a production area of at least one stack of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell assemblies to a conditioning and / or testing station not included in said production area; a support portion (3) mounted on or integral with the movable frame, the support portion (3) comprising at least one top surface area (30) accessible from the outside by an operator and / or a robot, the support portion (3) being intended to support the at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies; - at least one electrical connector (80) mounted on the movable frame for arranging external electrical connections to the at least one stack assembly of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies; - at least one fluid manifold (81) mounted on the movable frame for withdrawing and / or feeding gas to at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies and / or from outside of at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies and / or from at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies.

2. The transport and testing cart of claim 1, comprising at least one heating coil arranged around each top surface area of the support portion.

3. The transport and testing cart according to claim 1 , comprising at least one mechanical load, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, arranged in the movable frame, the mechanical load being movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the at least one stacking assembly is accessible to an operator and can be placed in place or removed from the top surface area, and wherein the cylinder applies a mechanical load to the stacking assembly.

4. The transport and testing cart according to claim 3, wherein: The mechanical load uses a force introduction ball on the top side of the stack along with at least two hold-down plates above and below the force introduction ball to apply a load vertically to the stack assembly from the top side of the stack.

5. The transport and testing cart according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The support portion includes four top surface areas arranged at 90° to each other in a front view.

6. The transport and testing cart according to claim 1 , comprising at least one condensate trap, preferably with a pump, arranged at the movable frame to collect all condensate from at least one stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies during conditioning and / or testing of these.

7. The transport and testing cart according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The movable frame is equipped with wheels and / or is configured to accommodate a mobile robotic platform for displacement of the cart.

8. A conditioning and / or testing station for sintering, conditioning and / or testing a stack assembly of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell components, comprising: at least one gantry on which is mounted at least one conditioning and / or testing furnace, for example in the form of a cover, said cover being fixed or movable between a deployed position, in which at least one transport and testing trolley according to any of the preceding claims can be put in place or removed, and a retracted position in which said cover returns said trolley to the conditioning and / or testing configuration; - At least one fluid and power management box for the supply and / or recovery of gases and for the supply and / or recovery of electricity, for connection to the fluid manifold and the electrical connectors, respectively, of the transport and test cart according to any of the preceding claims, when in the conditioning and / or testing configuration.

9. The conditioning and / or testing station according to claim 8, comprising a universal gantry on which are mounted several conditioning and / or testing furnaces, each conditioning and / or testing furnace being in the form of a hood.

10. The adjustment and / or testing station according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: Each hood is mounted to the gantry for vertical movement by translation along the gantry from the deployed position to the retracted position, and vice versa.

11. The adjustment and / or testing station according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The station is implemented to sinter the at least one stack assembly of electrolysis cells and / or fuel cell assemblies.

12. A conditioning and / or testing apparatus for sintering, conditioning and / or testing a stack assembly of electrolyzer and / or fuel cell components, comprising: - at least one stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 7; - At least one station according to any one of claims 8 to 11, any one of the trolley and / or the support and / or the cover being movable such that the cover repositions the trolley into an adjustment and / or testing configuration.

13. Use of the regulating and / or testing device according to claim 12 for regulating and / or testing a stack of electrolyzers and / or fuel cell assemblies.

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