Fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtight detection all-in-one machine

Abstract

The invention discloses an air tightness detection all-in-one machine for a membrane electrode and a bipolar plate of a fuel cell, and relates to the technical field of air tightness detection for the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate of the fuel cell. The device comprises a detection machine rack, three plates and four columns are installed on the detection machine rack, the three plates and four columns support a middle plate with an anti-falling assembly, a movable airtight jig is arranged below the middle plate, a complete airtight loop is arranged in the detection machine rack, and the airtight loop is communicated with an external detection air source. Gas circulation control is carried out through a main gas inlet valve, a bypass inflation valve, a hydrogen cavity gas inlet valve, a water cavity gas inlet valve and an oxygen cavity gas inlet valve, and the airtight loop further comprises an outer leakage flow meter and a series leakage flow meter which are used for monitoring the gas leakage condition. Through the integrated design, airtightness detection of two different types of fuel cell assemblies can be completed on the same equipment, and various detection requirements can be flexibly met only by replacing corresponding jigs and adjusting formula settings in software according to the sizes of products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of membrane electrode and bipolar plate air tightness detection of fuel cells, and in particular relates to an integrated machine for detecting the air tightness of membrane electrode and bipolar plates of fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] During the manufacturing process of fuel cells, it is crucial to ensure that their core components such as membrane electrode and bipolar plates have good airtightness, because any tiny leak may lead to reduced battery efficiency, shortened lifespan and even increased safety risks.

[0003] Traditionally, testing the membrane electrode and bipolar plates (BPPs) of fuel cells for airtightness requires two separate pieces of equipment. This approach not only increases equipment acquisition costs but also occupies more production space. Furthermore, due to potential operational differences between different pieces of equipment, overall work efficiency is low and CT time is increased. Furthermore, when dealing with products of varying types or sizes, existing equipment lacks compatibility, requiring frequent adjustments or changes to equipment configurations, further impacting production continuity and flexibility.

[0004] To address these issues, the present invention proposes an innovative solution: an integrated fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness tester. This device aims to address the poor compatibility and low efficiency challenges of traditional testing methods. By implementing a complete airtightness circuit system, it can perform airtightness testing on both the membrane electrode and bipolar plate on a single device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention is an integrated gas tightness tester for fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plates, comprising a tester frame, on which are mounted three plates and four columns, which support a middle plate with an anti-drop assembly, and a movable gas tightness fixture is provided below the middle plate. A complete gas tightness circuit is provided within the tester frame, which is connected to an external test gas source and controls gas flow through a main air inlet valve, a bypass inflation valve, a hydrogen chamber air inlet valve, a water chamber air inlet valve, and an oxygen chamber air inlet valve. The gas tightness circuit also includes an external leakage flowmeter and a cross leakage flowmeter for monitoring gas leakage.

[0007] The airtight jig includes an upper jig and a lower jig. The upper jig is fixed to the bottom of the middle plate and is driven by an electric cylinder to move up and down. The lower jig is located on the workbench, and a sealed space is formed between the upper jig and the lower jig for placing the product to be tested.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the airtight circuit also includes an exhaust valve and a muffler, wherein the exhaust valve is arranged at the end of the airtight circuit for discharging exhaust gas generated during the test, and the muffler is connected to the exhaust valve to reduce the noise generated during exhaust gas discharge.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that a PC computer component is also provided on the detection machine frame, and the PC computer component is connected to the sensors and valves in the airtight circuit via a data cable to realize data collection and control instruction sending for the entire detection process.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that a code scanning component is provided on the detection machine frame, and the code scanning component is connected to the PC computer component via a signal line, and is used to read the information of the product to be tested and transmit the information to the PC computer component.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the hydrogen chamber air inlet valve, the water chamber air inlet valve, and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve in the airtight circuit are independently controlled to supply air to the corresponding chambers, and the leakage detection between the chambers is achieved by opening the corresponding hydrogen chamber leakage valve, the water chamber leakage valve, and the oxygen chamber leakage valve.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the airtight circuit is provided with a cathode chamber air inlet valve and an anode chamber air outlet valve for regulating the inlet and outlet air flows during the membrane electrode airtightness test.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the anti-drop component is located above the middle plate, and plays a role in preventing accidental falling during the rising or falling process of the upper fixture. The anti-drop component is mechanically connected to the middle plate and can automatically adjust its position as the middle plate moves.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. The integrated design of the fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness testing machine provided by the present invention enables airtightness testing of two different types of fuel cell components to be completed on the same device. By simply replacing the corresponding fixture according to the size of the product and adjusting the formula settings in the software, it can flexibly respond to various testing needs.

[0016] 2. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine provided by the present invention has a high degree of automation, which simplifies the operating process. From product information input to the generation of the final test report, the entire process is highly automated, which reduces the possibility of manual intervention and reduces errors caused by human factors. For example, the product information is automatically entered through the code scanning component, and after pressing the start button with both hands, the equipment automatically completes the steps of inflation, voltage stabilization, detection and exhaust, greatly improving work efficiency.

[0017] 3. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine provided by the present invention is equipped with a variety of control valves (such as the main air intake valve, bypass inflation valve, hydrogen chamber air intake valve, etc.) and flow meters (external leakage flow meter, cross leakage flow meter), and can flexibly adjust the detection conditions according to the specific product characteristics and test requirements to ensure that each type of product can obtain accurate and reliable test results.

[0018] Of course, any product implementing the present invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the airtight circuit of the present invention.

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows:

[0023] 1. Detection machine frame; 2. Anti-drop assembly; 3. Airtight circuit; 4. PC computer assembly; 5. Three-plate and four-column assembly; 6. Airtight fixture; 7. Code scanning assembly; 8. Detection gas source; 9. Main air inlet valve; 10. External leakage flowmeter; 11. Bypass inflation valve; 12. Exhaust valve; 13. Muffler; 14. Hydrogen chamber air inlet valve; 15. Water chamber air inlet valve; 16. Oxygen chamber air inlet valve; 17. Cathode chamber air inlet valve; 18. Hydrogen chamber leakage valve; 19. Water chamber leakage valve; 20. Oxygen chamber leakage valve; 21. Anode chamber outlet valve; 22. Leakage flowmeter; 23. Product fixture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Example

[0026] See also Figure 1-2The present invention is an integrated gas tightness tester for a fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate, comprising a tester frame 1, on which are mounted three plates and four columns 5, which support a middle plate with an anti-drop assembly 2, and below which is a movable gas-tight fixture 6. A complete gas-tight circuit 3 is provided within the tester frame 1, the gas-tight circuit 3 being connected to an external test gas source 8 and controlling gas flow through a main air inlet valve 9, a bypass charging valve 11, a hydrogen chamber air inlet valve 14, a water chamber air inlet valve 15, and an oxygen chamber air inlet valve 16. The gas-tight circuit 3 also includes an external leakage flowmeter 10 and a cross-leakage flowmeter 22 for monitoring gas leakage.

[0027] The airtight jig 6 includes an upper jig and a lower jig. The upper jig is fixed to the bottom of the middle plate and is driven by an electric cylinder to move up and down. The lower jig is located on the workbench, and a sealed space is formed between the upper jig and the lower jig for placing the product to be tested.

[0028] Specifically, the airtight circuit 3 also includes an exhaust valve 12 and a muffler 13. The exhaust valve 12 is arranged at the end of the airtight circuit 3 and is used to discharge the exhaust gas generated during the test. The muffler 13 is connected to the exhaust valve 12 to reduce the noise generated when the exhaust gas is discharged. The hydrogen chamber air inlet valve 14, the water chamber air inlet valve 15, and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve 16 in the airtight circuit 3 are independently controlled to supply air to the corresponding chambers. The leakage detection between each chamber is achieved by opening the corresponding hydrogen chamber leakage valve 18, the water chamber leakage valve 19, and the oxygen chamber leakage valve 20. The airtight circuit 3 is provided with a cathode chamber air inlet valve 17 and an anode chamber air outlet valve 21 for adjusting the inlet and outlet airflow during the membrane electrode air tightness test.

[0029] Furthermore, the anti-drop component 2 is located above the middle plate, and plays a role in preventing accidental falling during the rising or falling process of the upper fixture. The anti-drop component 2 is mechanically connected to the middle plate and can automatically adjust its position as the middle plate moves.

[0030] In addition, a PC computer component 4 is provided on the detection machine frame 1. The PC computer component 4 is connected to the sensors and valves in the airtight circuit 3 through a data cable to realize data collection and control instruction sending for the entire detection process. A code scanning component 7 is provided on the detection machine frame 1. The code scanning component 7 is connected to the PC computer component 4 through a signal line, and is used to read the information of the product to be tested and transmit the information to the PC computer component 4.

[0031] The present invention provides a fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness tester. The core of the system is an integrated airtight loop system 3, which is installed within the tester frame 1 and uses a series of precisely controlled valves and sensors to efficiently and accurately test the airtightness of key fuel cell components, namely the membrane electrode and bipolar plates. Before the test begins, the corresponding product fixture 23 is selected and replaced according to the type of product to be tested, and the test parameters are set through software. For bipolar plate leakage testing, the test gas source 8 first fills the product interior with gas through the main air inlet valve 9, the bypass air filling valve 11, and the hydrogen chamber air inlet valve 14, the water chamber air inlet valve 15, and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve 16. During this process, the exhaust valve 12 is closed to ensure pressure rise. The system then enters the pressure stabilization phase, with the bypass air filling valve 11 closed to stabilize the pressure within the system. This is followed by the test phase, in which the leakage flowmeter 10 records the leakage volume and compares it with the preset standard value to determine whether the product is qualified. For cross-leakage detection, it is necessary to open specific cross-leakage valves such as the hydrogen chamber cross-leakage valve 18, the water chamber cross-leakage valve 19 or the oxygen chamber cross-leakage valve 20, and use the cross-leakage flowmeter 22 for measurement after stabilizing the pressure. The entire detection process is monitored and controlled by the PC computer component 4, and the sensors and valves are connected by data cables to realize automated operation. In addition, in order to ensure the safety of operation, the equipment is equipped with an anti-drop component 2, which is located above the middle plate to prevent the upper fixture from accidentally falling. At the same time, the three-plate four-column 5 structure provides stable support for the equipment, so that the upper fixture can move up and down accurately under the drive of the electric cylinder, and cooperate with the lower fixture to complete the formation of the sealed space, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the test environment. The entire process not only realizes the compatibility detection of membrane electrode and bipolar plate on the same device, but also greatly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0032] When using the fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine of the present invention for testing, it is first necessary to select the appropriate test items in the software system according to the type of product to be tested, and adjust to the corresponding parameter settings. For example, if you want to perform leakage detection on the bipolar plate, you need to select the corresponding detection mode in the software interface and ensure that the matching product fixture 23 is correctly installed on the equipment. Afterwards, the operator scans the code of the product to be tested, and the product information is automatically entered into the system through the integrated scanning component 7 to ensure that the information of each sample is recorded accurately. Next, place the product on the lower fixture part of the airtight fixture 6 on the workbench, and prepare to start the test process. When everything is ready, the operator presses the start button with both hands to trigger a series of automated steps: the anti-drop component 2 retracts, allowing the electric cylinder to drive the airtight upper fixture on the middle plate to descend and apply appropriate pressure to form a sealed space. At this time, the airtight circuit 3 is started, and the detection gas source 8 is used to fill the product with gas through the main air inlet valve 9, the bypass air filling valve 11 and specific chamber air inlet valves such as the hydrogen chamber air inlet valve 14, the water chamber air inlet valve 15, and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve 16, and enter the inflation stage; after the inflation is completed, the bypass air filling valve 11 is closed to enter the pressure stabilization stage, so that the system reaches a stable state. Next is the detection stage, using the external leakage flow meter 10 or the cross leakage flow meter 22 to monitor the leakage, and the reading is compared with the preset standard value to determine whether the product is qualified. After the test is completed, the electric cylinder drives the airtight upper fixture to rise back to the initial position, and the anti-drop cylinder extends forward to lock the position to ensure the safety of the equipment. Finally, all test data is processed by the PC computer component 4, and a detailed test report is generated and stored for subsequent reference and analysis. The entire process is highly automated, which not only simplifies the operating process, but also significantly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy, and supports compatibility testing of different types of fuel cell components on the same device.

[0033] Throughout this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "example," or "specific example" indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0034] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are intended only to help illustrate the present invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible based on the content of this specification. These embodiments are selected and described in detail in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present invention. The present invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine, comprising a detection machine frame (1), on which three plates and four columns (5) are mounted, the three plates and four columns (5) supporting a middle plate with an anti-drop assembly (2), and a movable airtight fixture (6) being provided below the middle plate, characterized in that: The detection machine frame (1) is provided with a complete airtight circuit (3), the airtight circuit (3) is connected to the external detection gas source (8), and the gas flow is controlled through the main air inlet valve (9), the bypass air filling valve (11), the hydrogen chamber air inlet valve (14), the water chamber air inlet valve (15) and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve (16), and the airtight circuit (3) also includes an external leakage flowmeter (10) and a cross leakage flowmeter (22) for monitoring gas leakage; The airtight jig (6) comprises an upper jig and a lower jig, wherein the upper jig is fixed to the bottom of the middle plate and is driven by an electric cylinder to move up and down, and the lower jig is located on the workbench, and a sealed space is formed between the upper jig and the lower jig for placing the product to be tested.

2. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airtight circuit (3) further comprises an exhaust valve (12) and a muffler (13). The exhaust valve (12) is arranged at the end of the airtight circuit (3) and is used to discharge exhaust gas generated during the test. The muffler (13) is connected to the exhaust valve (12) to reduce noise generated when the exhaust gas is discharged.

3. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A PC component (4) is also provided on the detection machine frame (1). The PC component (4) is connected to the sensor and valve in the airtight circuit (3) via a data line to realize data collection and control instruction transmission for the entire detection process.

4. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection machine frame (1) is provided with a code scanning component (7), which is connected to the PC component (4) via a signal line and is used to read information of the product to be tested and transmit the information to the PC component (4).

5. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen chamber air inlet valve (14), the water chamber air inlet valve (15), and the oxygen chamber air inlet valve (16) in the airtight circuit (3) are independently controlled to supply air to the corresponding chambers, and leakage detection between the chambers is achieved by opening the corresponding hydrogen chamber leakage valve (18), the water chamber leakage valve (19), and the oxygen chamber leakage valve (20).

6. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airtight circuit (3) is provided with a cathode chamber air inlet valve (17) and an anode chamber air outlet valve (21) for regulating inlet and outlet airflow during membrane electrode airtightness testing.

7. The fuel cell membrane electrode and bipolar plate airtightness detection integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-drop component (2) is located above the middle plate and plays a role in preventing accidental dropping during the process of the upper fixture rising or falling. The anti-drop component (2) is mechanically connected to the middle plate and can automatically adjust its position as the middle plate moves.

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