Assembly auxiliary system and method for electrolytic cell

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to an electrolytic hydrogen production technology, and discloses an assembling auxiliary system and method for an electrolytic bath. In the application, the assembly auxiliary system comprises a to-be-assembled electrolytic cell, a heating system, a cooling system and an automatic control system which is in communication connection with the to-be-assembled electrolytic cell, the heating system and the cooling system; and the electrolytic bath to be assembled is provided with a fastening force monitoring system for monitoring the fastening force in real time. The automatic control system is used for controlling the electrolytic bath to be assembled to undergo at least one circulation process comprising a heating stage and a cooling stage by controlling the starting, stopping and switching of the heating system and the cooling system, and acquiring real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic bath to be assembled from the fastening force monitoring system in the circulation process; and determining adjustment data of the fastening force based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relation between the fastening force and the temperature of the electrolytic cell. Therefore, the operation safety risk is reduced, and the operation safety is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to electrolytic hydrogen production technology, and particularly to an assembly auxiliary system and method for electrolyzers. Background Technology

[0002] With the deepening of global "dual carbon" goals, the hydrogen energy industry has entered a period of rapid development. As a core piece of equipment for green hydrogen production, the reliability of electrolyzers has become the cornerstone of the industry's development. The long-term reliability of electrolyzers is directly determined by their assembly quality. During assembly, the fastening force is a crucial control parameter. Appropriate fastening force is a prerequisite for ensuring the electrolyzer's sealing performance, operating efficiency, and service life. Inappropriate fastening force, whether too loose or too tight, will directly lead to electrolyzer leaks, short circuits, decreased efficiency, and even serious safety accidents. Therefore, how to achieve and verify the accuracy, reliability, and durability of the fastening force is a key challenge facing the entire electrolyzer manufacturing industry.

[0003] Currently, the assembly and testing methods for electrolytic cells in the industry are relatively traditional and isolated, mainly focusing on static, single-condition processing, including: Room temperature static fastening: Most assembly is carried out at room temperature. A preset fastening force or displacement is applied to the fuel cell stack using tools such as hydraulic pressure or torque wrenches to achieve a uniform distribution of pressure. After assembly, the fastening force is fixed.

[0004] Independent sealing test: After assembly, the hydrostatic test or air tightness test is usually performed manually by the operator as a separate, subsequent inspection step to verify the sealing performance under static conditions.

[0005] However, the "ideal" tightening force set by the existing assembly methods (such as room temperature tightening) may lead to over-tightening and damage to the diaphragm when hot, or under-tightening and leakage when cold. Furthermore, setting the tightening force only once during assembly means that once the gasket relaxes due to temperature cycling, the assembly platform cannot detect and warn of the decrease in tightening force in real time, posing a significant operational safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an assembly auxiliary system and method for an electrolytic cell, which enables the assembly and fastening force of the electrolytic cell to dynamically match the actual hot and cold working conditions, and can automatically maintain a constant optimal compression state during long-term operation, thereby reducing operational safety risks and ensuring operational safety.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an assembly auxiliary system for an electrolytic cell, comprising: an electrolytic cell to be assembled, a heating system and a cooling system connected to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and an automatic control system communicatively connected to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, the heating system, and the cooling system, respectively; the electrolytic cell to be assembled is equipped with a fastening force monitoring system for real-time monitoring of fastening force; the heating system is used to heat the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and the cooling system is used to cool the electrolytic cell to be assembled; the automatic control system is used to control the electrolytic cell to be assembled to undergo at least one cyclic process including a heating stage and a cooling stage by controlling the start-up, shutdown, and switching of the heating system and the cooling system, and during the cyclic process, to obtain real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell to be assembled from the fastening force monitoring system, and to determine fastening force adjustment data based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature.

[0008] An embodiment of this application also provides an assembly assistance method for an electrolytic cell, applied to the aforementioned assembly assistance system for an electrolytic cell. The method includes: controlling the electrolytic cell to be assembled to undergo at least one cyclic process including a heating stage and a cooling stage by controlling the start-up, shutdown, and switching of the heating system and the cooling system; acquiring real-time fastening force data from the fastening force monitoring system during the cyclic process; and determining adjustment data for the fastening force based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between the fastening force and the electrolytic cell temperature.

[0009] In this embodiment, an automatic control system actively controls the heating and cooling systems, causing the electrolytic cell to undergo at least one complete cycle of heating and cooling. This process actively simulates the thermal expansion and contraction that the electrolytic cell inevitably experiences during actual operation. During this cycle, real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell is acquired. Based on this real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature, adjustment data for the fastening force is determined. Compared to conventional technical solutions that set an "ideal" fastening force at room temperature, which cannot reflect the actual stress state under hot (expansion) and cold (contraction) conditions, this embodiment actively applies thermal loads during the assembly stage. This exposes the risk of "overheating and becoming too tight" or "undercooling and becoming too loose" fastening force due to temperature changes. Therefore, the "adjustment data" determined based on this is no longer a theoretical value based on room temperature, but rather empirical data based on simulated operating conditions, thus ensuring that the assembled electrolytic cell can adapt to real temperature change environments. This allows the assembly and fastening force of the electrolytic cell to dynamically match the actual hot and cold working conditions, and to automatically maintain a constant optimal clamping state during long-term operation, thereby reducing operational safety risks and ensuring operational safety. Attached Figure Description

[0010] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly auxiliary system for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of an assembly auxiliary system for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an assembly assistance method for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Currently, the assembly of electrolytic cells mainly relies on experience-based static tightening. At room temperature, a preset tightening force is applied to the electrolytic cell stack using hydraulic devices or torque wrenches. This process heavily depends on the operator's experience, and the tightening force is fixed after assembly, becoming a "static" parameter. However, electrolytic cells experience drastic temperature fluctuations during actual operation. This static assembly is severely out of sync with dynamic operating conditions, affecting the long-term reliability of the electrolytic cell. For example, when the temperature rises, the components expand, significantly increasing the pre-tightening force and potentially causing short circuits; when the temperature drops or returns to room temperature, the components shrink, weakening the tightening force, which may lead to poor sealing, electrolyte leakage, increased resistance, and decreased efficiency, among other problems. This results in a high degree of randomness and uncertainty in assembly quality, posing a potential threat to the long-term stable operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0013] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one embodiment of this application provides an assembly auxiliary system for an electrolytic cell, comprising: an electrolytic cell to be assembled, a heating system and a cooling system connected to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and an automatic control system communicatively connected to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, the heating system, and the cooling system, respectively; the electrolytic cell to be assembled is equipped with a fastening force monitoring system for real-time monitoring of the fastening force; the heating system is used to heat the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and the cooling system is used to cool the electrolytic cell to be assembled; the automatic control system is used to control the heating system and the electrolytic cell to be assembled... The starting, stopping, and switching of the cooling system control the electrolytic cell to be assembled to undergo at least one cycle process including a heating stage and a cooling stage. During the cycle process, real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell to be assembled is obtained from the fastening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time fastening force data and the preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature, the adjustment data of the fastening force is determined, so that the assembly fastening force of the electrolytic cell can achieve dynamic matching with the actual hot and cold working conditions, and can automatically maintain a constant optimal compression state during long-term operation, thereby reducing operational safety risks and ensuring operational safety.

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this application to help readers better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for the convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0015] One embodiment of this application relates to an assembly auxiliary system for an electrolytic cell. This system works in conjunction with the electrolytic cell assembly system to achieve high-quality electrolytic cell assembly. Those skilled in the art will understand that the electrolytic cell assembly system is responsible for the mechanical assembly of the electrolytic cell, including stacking components such as electrode plates, diaphragms, and end plates in sequence, and initially inserting tie rod bolts or applying pre-tightening force to form a complete stack structure to be compressed. In this embodiment, after the initial mechanical assembly is completed, the assembly auxiliary system, through an automatic control system, drives the heating and cooling systems to apply simulated real-world thermal cycling to the pre-assembled electrolytic cell. During this process, its integrated fastening force monitoring system (i.e., the clamping force monitoring system in the figure) monitors and evaluates in real time the performance of the initial fastening force applied by the assembly system under temperature changes. Based on the monitoring data, the system provides operators with precise fastening force adjustment data, guiding them to perform final, evidence-based tightening optimization of the bolts. Finally, a hydrostatic testing system is used to verify the assembly quality.

[0016] Specifically, the assembly auxiliary system of the electrolytic cell in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes: an automatic control system 1, an electrolytic cell to be assembled 2, a circulating pump 3, a heating system 4, a cooling system 5, and multiple switching valves, including a first switching valve V1, a second switching valve V2, a third switching valve V3, a fourth switching valve V4, and a fifth switching valve V5.

[0017] The electrolytic cell 2, circulating pump 3, heating system 4, and cooling system 5 to be assembled are all communicatively connected to the automatic control system 1, receiving control commands from the automatic control system 1 and feeding back status signals to the automatic control system 1. The electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled is integrated with a fastening force monitoring system, such as a distributed stress sensor or bolt preload sensor, to collect real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell pressure plate or tie rod bolts and upload the data to the automatic control system 1.

[0018] The circulating pump 3, heating system 4, and cooling system 5 are connected to the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled through a fluid circuit composed of multiple switching valves, forming a switchable temperature-controlled cycle. The automatic control system 1 is also used to control the start and stop of the circulating pump 3 and the on / off state of the multiple switching valves. Specifically: the input end of the circulating pump 3 is connected to the output end of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled through the first switching valve V1. The output end of the circulating pump 3 is divided into two paths: one path is connected to the input end of the heating system 4 through the second switching valve V2; the other path is connected to the input end of the cooling system 5 through the third switching valve V3. The output end of the heating system 4 is connected to the input end of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled through the fourth switching valve V4. The output end of the cooling system 5 is connected to the input end of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled through the fifth switching valve V5.

[0019] The heating system 4 is used to heat the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled, and the cooling system 5 is used to cool the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled. The automatic control system 1 is used to control the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled to undergo at least one cycle process including a heating stage and a cooling stage by controlling the start, stop and switch of the heating system 4 and the cooling system 5. During the cycle process, the real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell to be assembled is obtained from the fastening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time fastening force data and the preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature, the adjustment data of fastening force is determined.

[0020] Specifically, the automatic control system 1 includes program setting functions for automatic pressure and temperature regulation, as well as data recording, storage, analysis, and calculation functions. The circulating pump 3 is used to transport the circulating medium, simulating actual operating conditions; the circulating medium can be water to achieve a stable heating process. The heating system 4 is used to achieve system heating, heat preservation, regulation, and operation; the heating system 4 uses hot water, steam, or electric heating for heating and heat preservation. The cooling system 5 is used to achieve system cooling, regulation, and operation; the cooling system 5 uses a refrigeration unit or air-cooled tower for cooling. The fastening force monitoring system during assembly monitors the bolt fastening force during hot and cold tightening processes through set sensors. Through the automatic control system 1, the circulating medium is first transported to the heating system 4 via the circulating pump 3 to heat the system, and then the system undergoes a hot tightening; then the cooling system 5 is turned on, the heating system 4 is turned off, the system cools to the specified temperature, and the system undergoes a cold tightening; then the cycle of heating, hot tightening, cooling, and cold tightening is repeated, which can be repeated once, twice, or more. Throughout the process, the tightening force of the electrolytic cell bolts is monitored in real time, and hot tightening and cold tightening are performed to the predetermined tightening forces.

[0021] In one example, starting the circulating pump 3 and the heating system 4 can be done by: starting the circulating pump 3 and controlling the heating system 4 to heat the circulating medium to a first preset temperature at a preset heating rate. For example, the preset heating rate can be 1-8℃ / min, and the first preset temperature can be 80-95℃. In another example, starting the circulating pump 3 and the cooling system 5 can be done by: starting the circulating pump 3 and controlling the cooling system 5 to cool the circulating medium to a second preset temperature at a preset cooling rate. For example, the preset cooling rate can be 1-8℃ / min, and the second preset temperature can be 30-45℃.

[0022] The specific workflow of this embodiment will be described below using a concrete example. First, operators can set key process parameters on the human-machine interface of the automatic control system 1, including: target temperature (such as hot-tightening temperature 90℃, cold-tightening temperature 40℃), heating / cooling rate (such as 5℃ / min) and number of cycles.

[0023] Then, the automatic control system 1 executes multiple complete "heating-hot tightening-cooling-cold tightening" cycles according to the set program to fully release thermal stress and stabilize the tightening force. The number of executions is determined based on the set number of cycles. The following explanation uses an example of executing three cycles including heating and cooling phases, i.e., executing three "heating-hot tightening-cooling-cold tightening" cycles, with a target heating temperature of 90℃, a target cooling temperature of 40℃, and a heating / cooling rate of 5℃ / min: (1) Initial cycle: The automatic control system 1 opens the first switch valve V1, the second switch valve V2 and the fourth switch valve V4, closes the third switch valve V3 and the fifth switch valve V5, and starts the circulation pump 3 and the heating system 4. The circulating medium (water) is heated to 90°C at a rate of 5°C / min and flows through the electrolytic cell. After reaching the target temperature of 90°C and maintaining a stable temperature, the real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled is obtained through the fastening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time fastening force data and the preset mapping relationship between the fastening force and the electrolytic cell temperature, the adjustment data of the fastening force is determined. For example, if the real-time tightening force is 6000kN, and the preset tightening force corresponding to an electrolytic cell temperature of 90℃ is 9000kN, the system will prompt the operator to use a torque wrench to perform a heat tightening on each bolt based on the real-time tightening force data. For instance, each bolt may be tightened to 500kN, bringing the total tightening force to 9000kN, thus completing the heating and first heat tightening. Next, the automatic control system 1 shuts off the heating system and related valves (second switch valve V2 and fourth switch valve V4), and opens the cooling system 5 and third switch valve V3 and fifth switch valve V5. The cooling system 5 is controlled to cool to below 40℃ at a rate of 5℃ / min. After the temperature stabilizes, the system will again prompt the operator to perform a cold tightening on the bolts, restoring and stabilizing the total tightening force at 9000kN. This completes the cooling and first cold tightening.

[0024] (2) Second cycle: Automatic control system 1 performs a second heating and a second hot tightening. The specific operation is the same as the heating and hot tightening in the first cycle. Then, automatic control system 1 performs a second cooling and a first cold tightening. The specific operation is the same as the cooling and cold tightening in the first cycle, and will not be repeated here.

[0025] (3) Third cycle: Automatic control system 1 performs the third heating and the third hot tightening. The specific operation is the same as the heating and the first hot tightening in the first cycle. Then, automatic control system 1 performs the third cooling and the third cold tightening. The specific operation is the same as the cooling and the first cold tightening in the first cycle. It will not be repeated here.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of cycles may be only 1 or 2 times, or more times, and this application does not limit this.

[0027] In one example, the assembly auxiliary system may further include: a water replenishment system 6 and a pressure detection device (not shown in the figure). The water replenishment system 6 is connected to the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled via a sixth switching valve V6; the pressure detection device is located on the connecting pipeline between the sixth switching valve V6 and the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled. The automatic control system 1 is also used to control the start and stop of the water replenishment system 6 and the on / off state of the sixth switching valve V6 during the circulation process, controlling the pressure during the circulation process at a preset circulation pressure value. For example, during the hot and cold cycle, if the system pressure is detected to be lower than a preset threshold, such as 2 kg, the water replenishment system 6 is started to replenish water until the preset circulation pressure value is reached, such as 3 kg.

[0028] Through the above process, it is ensured that the fastening force of the electrolytic cell is precisely adjusted and stabilized within the optimal range under the simulated hot and cold alternating conditions of real working conditions, thereby fundamentally improving the assembly quality and reliability.

[0029] In another example, the assembly auxiliary system may further include: a seventh switching valve and an automatic hydrostatic testing system 7, the automatic hydrostatic testing system being connected to the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled via the seventh switching valve V7; the automatic control system 1 is also used to disconnect the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled from the heating system 4 and the cooling system 5, control the start and stop of the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7, and the on / off state of the seventh switching valve V7; wherein, after controlling the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled to undergo at least one cycle including a heating stage and a cooling stage, the automatic control system 1 is also used to disconnect... Connect the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled to the heating system 4 and the cooling system 5, turn on the seventh switch valve V7, and control the automatic water pressure test system 7 to perform at least one pressure adjustment and tightening process on the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled. During the pressure adjustment and tightening process, control the automatic water pressure test system 7 to apply pressure to the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled at least once, and obtain the real-time tightening force data of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled after the pressure is applied from the tightening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time tightening force data and the preset mapping relationship between the tightening force and the electrolytic cell pressure, determine the adjustment data of the tightening force.

[0030] Specifically, after adjusting the tightening force through hot and cold cycles, the pressure adjustment and tightening process is then performed. The automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 is integrated into the assembly auxiliary system of the electrolytic cell to realize the system's pressure boosting, pressure holding, and pressure reduction regulation and operation. Its power source can be a pneumatic pressure pump or a liquid pressure pump.

[0031] Specifically, the automatic control system 1 first stops the heating system 4 and the cooling system 5, and closes the valves related to the circulation pipeline (such as V1, V2, V3, V4, V5), thereby isolating the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled from the temperature control circulation system. Subsequently, the automatic control system 1 opens the seventh switch valve V7, connecting the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to the electrolytic cell 2, preparing for subsequent pressure testing, and entering the pressure adjustment and tightening process.

[0032] During the pressure adjustment and tightening process, the automatic control system 1 controls the automatic hydrostatic test system 7 to apply pressure to the inside of the electrolytic cell 2. The pressure is applied at least 3 times, and the applied pressure increases sequentially.

[0033] For example, the pressure is first applied to 1.6 MPa and held. During this period, the automatic control system 1 obtains real-time tightening force data from the tightening force monitoring system and compares it with the internally preset "tightening force-pressure" mapping relationship to calculate the adjustment amount, guiding the operator to tighten the bolt once. Subsequently, the automatic control system 1 controls the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to further increase the pressure to 2.2 MPa and hold it again. Similarly, the automatic control system 1 guides a second tightening adjustment based on the new real-time tightening force data. This graded pressure tightening process ensures that the bolt reaches the most reliable tightening state under progressively increasing loads.

[0034] In another example, the automatic control system 1 is also used to control the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to perform an automatic hydrostatic test after the pressure adjustment and tightening process is completed. The automatic hydrostatic test includes: controlling the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to sequentially apply a first test pressure, a second test pressure, and a third test pressure to the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled, and holding the pressure for a preset duration at each pressure level; and detecting whether the hydrostatic test is qualified based on whether the pressure drop during each pressure holding period is within the allowable range; the first test pressure, the second test pressure, and the third test pressure increase progressively.

[0035] In the above example, the automatic control system 1 isolates the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled from the temperature control circulation system by closing the valves related to the circulation pipeline (such as V1, V2, V3, V4, V5). In another example, the assembly auxiliary system for the electrolytic cell may also include an eighth switching valve V8, such as... Figure 2 As shown, an additional V8 is added between pipelines V6 and V7 to simplify valve control. By closing V1 and V8, the circulation pipeline can be shut down, isolating the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled from the temperature control circulation system.

[0036] In other words, after pressure adjustment and tightening, the automatic control system 1 controls the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to perform the final sealing verification. Specifically, a three-stage pressure increase and holding procedure can be adopted: the pressure is increased sequentially to 1.6 MPa, 2.2 MPa, and 3.3 MPa, and held for 30 minutes at each pressure stage. The automatic control system 1 monitors the pressure drop during the holding period in real time. If the pressure drop is within the allowable range (i.e., "no pressure drop") during the holding period of all pressure stages, the hydrostatic test is automatically judged to be qualified. This indicates that the assembly quality of the electrolytic cell, including sealing performance and structural integrity, meets the design requirements.

[0037] In this embodiment, the automatic control system 1 does not simply issue start and stop commands, but integrates isolated physical units, such as the heating system, cooling system, circulating pump, and switching valves, into an intelligent and collaborative organic whole through integrated closed-loop control. This replaces the traditional step-by-step operation model that relies on manual experience, automatically tightening and automatically conducting hydrostatic tests during assembly, reducing manual operation. According to a preset program, the automatic control system automatically and precisely controls the start, stop, and switching of the circulating pump, each switching valve, and the heating and cooling systems in sequence, flawlessly completing the complex hot and cold cycles and hydrostatic testing process, controlling assembly quality, ensuring uniform and consistent tightening force during electrolytic cell assembly, and guaranteeing operational consistency and repeatability.

[0038] The fastening force monitoring system continuously acquires real-time fastening force data reflecting the assembly status of the electrolytic cell. It doesn't simply display the data; instead, it compares and analyzes this data in real time with pre-set mappings such as "fastening force-temperature" and "fastening force-pressure," dynamically determining the adjustment data for the fastening force. This provides a precise and quantitative basis for optimizing assembly quality. Based on actual operating temperature simulations, the system solves the problem of bolt loosening caused by thermal expansion and contraction due to changes in ambient temperature through a hot-cold cycle fastening process.

[0039] Another embodiment of this application relates to an assembly assistance method for an electrolytic cell, applied to the aforementioned assembly assistance system for an electrolytic cell. In this embodiment, an automatic control system 1 controls the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled to undergo at least one cyclic process including a heating stage and a cooling stage by controlling the start-up, shutdown, and switching of the heating system 4 and the cooling system 5. During the cycle, real-time fastening force data is acquired from a fastening force monitoring system; based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature, adjustment data for the fastening force is determined.

[0040] A specific example is as follows Figure 3As shown, in step 310, the system is initialized and parameters are set: After the automatic control system 1 is powered on and performs a self-test, the operator sets key process parameters on the human-machine interface of the automatic control system 1, including: target temperature (hot tightening temperature, cold tightening temperature), heating / cooling rate, target fastening force, and number of hot and cold cycles N (e.g., N=3).

[0041] In step 320, the automatic control system 1 performs a hot-cold cycle tightening force adjustment: the automatic control system 1 opens the first switch valve V1, the second switch valve V2, and the fourth switch valve V4, closes the third switch valve V3 and the fifth switch valve V5, starts the circulation pump 3 and the heating system 4, and controls the heating system 4 to heat the circulating medium to the first preset temperature at a preset heating rate. After reaching the first preset temperature and maintaining a stable temperature, the real-time tightening force data of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled is obtained through the tightening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time tightening force data and the preset mapping relationship between tightening force and electrolytic cell temperature, the adjustment data of the tightening force is determined, prompting the operator to perform a first hot tightening of the bolts, thus completing the heating and first hot tightening. Next, the automatic control system 1 closes the heating system and related valves (the second switch valve V2 and the fourth switch valve V4), and opens the third switch valve V3 and the fifth switch valve V5. The circulation pump 3 and the cooling system 5 are started, while the heating system 4 is stopped, and the cooling system 5 is controlled to cool the circulating medium to the second preset temperature at a preset cooling rate. After cooling to the second preset temperature and maintaining a stable temperature, the real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled is obtained through the fastening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time fastening force data and the preset mapping relationship between fastening force and electrolytic cell temperature, the adjustment data of the fastening force is determined, prompting the operator to perform a cold tightening of the bolts. In one example, the preset heating rate can be 1-8℃ / min, the first preset temperature can be 80-95℃; the preset cooling rate can be 1-8℃ / min, and the second preset temperature can be 30-45℃.

[0042] In step 330, the automatic control system 1 determines whether the tightening force adjustment of the hot and cold cycle has reached the preset number of times. If the preset number of times has not been reached, it returns to step 320 and performs the tightening force adjustment of the hot and cold cycle again. If the preset number of times has been reached, it proceeds to step 340.

[0043] In step 340, a pressure adjustment and tightening process is performed: the automatic control system 1 controls the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 to apply pressure to the electrolytic cell to be assembled at least once, and obtains real-time tightening force data of the electrolytic cell 2 to be assembled after the pressure is applied from the tightening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time tightening force data and the preset mapping relationship between tightening force and electrolytic cell pressure, the adjustment data of the tightening force is determined. The pressure is applied at least three times, with the applied pressure increasing sequentially.

[0044] In step 350, the automatic hydrostatic testing system 7 is controlled to perform an automatic hydrostatic test. Specifically, the automatic hydrostatic testing system is controlled to sequentially apply a first test pressure, a second test pressure, and a third test pressure to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and maintain the pressure for a preset duration at each pressure level. The hydrostatic test is checked to see if the pressure drop during each pressure holding period is within the allowable range; the first test pressure, the second test pressure, and the third test pressure increase progressively.

[0045] This application's embodiments solve the problems of inconsistent assembly quality and excessive manual operation in electrolytic cells, enabling the electrolytic cell assembly platform to achieve full automation, saving labor costs, and eliminating the problem of electrolytic cell leakage caused by loosening of bolts due to thermal expansion and contraction. It provides a reliable technical guarantee for the assembly quality of electrolytic cells and effectively improves the durability and service life of electrolytic cells.

[0046] The steps described above are for clarity only. In practice, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be broken down into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the scope of protection of this patent. Adding insignificant modifications or introducing insignificant designs to the algorithm or process, but without changing the core design of the algorithm and process, are also within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0047] Furthermore, the examples mentioned in the above embodiments can be freely combined, and any combination can be understood as an embodiment. The terms "embodiment" or "example" appearing in various locations in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] It is not difficult to see that this embodiment is a device embodiment corresponding to the above method embodiments, and this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the above method embodiments. The relevant technical details mentioned in the above method embodiments are still valid in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here to reduce repetition. Accordingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied to the above method embodiments.

[0049] It is worth mentioning that all modules involved in this embodiment are logical modules. In practical applications, a logical unit can be a physical unit, a part of a physical unit, or a combination of multiple physical units. Furthermore, to highlight the innovative aspects of this application, this embodiment does not introduce units that are not closely related to solving the technical problems proposed in this application; however, this does not mean that other units are absent in this embodiment.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing this application, and in practical applications, various changes can be made to them in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cell assembly aid system for an electrolytic cell, characterized by, The electrolytic cell to be assembled, a heating system and a cooling system connected with the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and an automatic control system respectively connected in communication with the electrolytic cell to be assembled, the heating system and the cooling system; The electrolytic cell to be assembled is provided with a fastening force monitoring system for real-time monitoring of the fastening force; The heating system is used for heating the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and the cooling system is used for cooling the electrolytic cell to be assembled; The automatic control system is used for controlling the electrolytic cell to be assembled to experience at least one cycle process including a heating phase and a cooling phase by controlling the start-stop and switching of the heating system and the cooling system, and obtaining real-time fastening force data of the electrolytic cell to be assembled from the fastening force monitoring system in the cycle process, and determining adjustment data of the fastening force based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between the fastening force and the electrolytic cell temperature. The assembly auxiliary system further comprises a circulating pump and a plurality of on-off valves, including a first on-off valve, a second on-off valve, a third on-off valve, a fourth on-off valve and a fifth on-off valve; 2. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input end of the circulating pump is connected with the output end of the electrolytic cell to be assembled through the first on-off valve, the output end of the circulating pump is connected to the input end of the heating system through the second on-off valve, and the output end of the circulating pump is also connected to the input end of the cooling system through the third on-off valve; The output end of the heating system is connected with the input end of the electrolytic cell to be assembled through the fourth on-off valve; The output end of the cooling system is connected with the input end of the electrolytic cell to be assembled through the fifth on-off valve; The automatic control system is also used for controlling the start-stop of the circulating pump and the on-off state of the plurality of on-off valves; the control of the electrolytic cell to be assembled to experience at least one cycle process including a heating phase and a cooling phase by controlling the start-stop and switching of the heating system and the cooling system comprises: In the heating phase, the first on-off valve, the second on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve are opened, the third on-off valve and the fifth on-off valve are closed, and the circulating pump and the heating system are started; in the cooling phase, the first on-off valve, the third on-off valve and the fifth on-off valve are opened, the second on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve are closed, and the circulating pump and the cooling system are started, while the heating system is stopped. The starting of the circulating pump and the heating system comprises:

3. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Starting the circulating pump and controlling the heating system to heat the circulating medium to a first preset temperature at a preset heating rate; The starting of the circulating pump and the cooling system comprises: Starting the circulating pump and controlling the cooling system to cool the circulating medium to a second preset temperature at a preset cooling rate.

4. The assembly auxiliary system of the electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein The preset heating rate is 1-8℃ / min, and the first preset temperature is 80-95℃; The preset cooling rate is 1-8℃ / min, and the second preset temperature is 30-45℃. ​ 5. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The assembly auxiliary system further comprises a water replenishing system connected with the electrolytic cell to be assembled through a sixth switch valve, and a pressure detection device located on a connecting pipeline between the sixth switch valve and the electrolytic cell to be assembled. The automatic control system is further configured to control the start and stop of the water replenishing system and the on-off state of the sixth switch valve during the circulation process, and control the pressure in the circulation process to be a preset circulation pressure value.

6. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The assembly auxiliary system further comprises an automatic water pressure test system connected with the electrolytic cell to be assembled through a seventh switch valve. The automatic control system is further configured to control the start and stop of the automatic water pressure test system and the on-off state of the seventh switch valve. After the electrolytic cell to be assembled is controlled to undergo at least one circulation process including a heating phase and a cooling phase, the automatic control system is further configured to disconnect the electrolytic cell to be assembled from the heating system and the cooling system, open the seventh switch valve, and control the automatic water pressure test system to perform at least one pressure adjustment and tightening process on the electrolytic cell to be assembled. During the pressure adjustment and tightening process, the automatic water pressure test system is controlled to apply at least one pressure to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and real-time tightening force data of the electrolytic cell to be assembled after the pressure is applied is obtained from the tightening force monitoring system. Based on the real-time tightening force data and a preset mapping relationship between the tightening force and the electrolytic cell pressure, adjustment data of the tightening force is determined.

7. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure is applied at least three times, and the applied pressures are sequentially increased.

8. The assembly aid system of the electrolytic cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the pressure adjustment and tightening process is completed, the automatic control system is further configured to control the automatic water pressure test system to perform an automatic water pressure test. The automatic water pressure test includes controlling the automatic water pressure test system to sequentially apply a first test pressure, a second test pressure, and a third test pressure to the electrolytic cell to be assembled, and maintaining the pressure for a preset time period in each pressure segment. Based on whether the pressure drop during each pressure maintaining period is within an allowable range, it is detected whether the water pressure test is qualified. The first test pressure, the second test pressure, and the third test pressure are sequentially increased.

9. A method of assembling an electrolytic cell, characterized by, The method applied to the electrolytic cell assembly auxiliary system of any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: controlling the electrolytic cell to be assembled to undergo at least one circulation process including a heating phase and a cooling phase by controlling the start and stop and switching of the heating system and the cooling system; during the circulation process, obtaining real-time tightening force data from the tightening force monitoring system; based on the real-time tightening force data and a preset mapping relationship between the tightening force and the electrolytic cell temperature, determining adjustment data of the tightening force.

10. The assembly aid method of the electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized by, After the electrolytic cell to be assembled is controlled to undergo at least one circulation process including a heating phase and a cooling phase, the method further comprises: The automatic water pressure test system controls at least one pressure adjustment and fastening process to the to-be-assembled electrolytic cell, in which the automatic water pressure test system applies at least one pressure to the to-be-assembled electrolytic cell, and obtains real-time fastening force data of the to-be-assembled electrolytic cell after the pressure is applied from the fastening force monitoring system, and based on the real-time fastening force data and a preset mapping relationship between the fastening force and the electrolytic cell pressure, adjustment data of the fastening force is determined.

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