Flat plate type solid oxide fuel cell stack assembling and clamping device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a flat plate type solid oxide fuel cell stack assembling and clamping device and method. The device comprises a base, a top plate, a supporting assembly, a supporting table, an electric push rod, a lead screw and a clamping plate. The supporting assembly is vertically arranged between the base and the top plate; the lead screws on the two supporting assemblies are installed through bearings, opposite ends are in threaded connection with clamping plates, and the clamping plates move along the rails. The electric push rod is vertically installed on the top plate corresponding to the supporting table. During use, the clamping plates firstly align and clamp the periphery of the electric pile, the electric push rod applies pressure to enable the electric pile to reach a theoretical height, and the fixing bolts are tightened after a high-temperature sealant is solidified. The device ensures that the periphery of the galvanic pile is uniformly stressed, avoids incomplete filling of a sealant and poor contact of each layer, and improves the yield and the production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high-temperature fuel cells, named for their use of solid oxide electrolytes. SOFCs can directly convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy at high temperatures.

[0003] Because SOFC stacks operate at high temperatures, high-temperature sealants such as glass and ceramics are typically used for sealing. After being heated and cooled, these sealants can cause the individual cells of the SOFC stack to bond together, forming a single unit. This makes repairs difficult if problems arise. Current assembly methods often involve inserting bolts and disc springs around the stack and tightening them for sealing. This can lead to uneven stress around the stack, incomplete filling of the high-temperature sealant, and poor contact between the cells, current collector, and bipolar plates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problem in existing technologies where bolts and disc springs are inserted around the stack and tightened for sealing, resulting in uneven force distribution around the stack, this invention provides a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device and method.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device includes a base, a top plate, and support components. Two support components are vertically and parallelly installed between the base and the top plate. A support platform is installed on the base between the two support components. An electric push rod is vertically installed on the top plate corresponding to the support platform, with the telescopic end of the electric push rod vertically downward through the top plate. Both support components are equipped with lead screws via bearings. The two lead screws are located on the same horizontal straight line and are perpendicular to the vertical plane of the corresponding support component. A clamping plate is installed at the external thread of the opposite ends of the two lead screws. Tracks are provided on the top plate and the base along the moving direction of the clamping plates, with both the upper and lower ends of the clamping plates located within the tracks.

[0006] Furthermore, the support assembly includes a support column and a fixing plate. The upper and lower ends of the support column are respectively installed on the top plate and the base. The fixing plate is installed on the support column on the same side. The lead screw is rotatably installed on the fixing plate through a bearing.

[0007] Furthermore, the opposite ends of the two lead screws are respectively fixedly connected to a turntable, and a rocker arm is installed on the turntable.

[0008] Furthermore, the telescopic end of the electric push rod is connected to a flat plate pressure sensor via bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, a controller is installed on the top plate. The controller is used to receive signals from the flat plate pressure sensor and control the pressure output by the electric push rod according to the signals.

[0010] Furthermore, the support platform is either frustum or cube in shape.

[0011] A method for assembling and clamping a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack includes the following steps: Place the pre-assembled fuel cell stack on the support platform of the base; Rotating the lead screw causes the two clamping plates to move relative to each other, clamping and aligning a pair of opposite sides of the fuel cell stack. Loosen the clamping plates, rotate the fuel cell stack 90°, and rotate the lead screw again to move the two clamping plates relative to each other, clamping and aligning the other pair of opposite sides of the fuel cell stack. After all four sides of the fuel cell stack are aligned, the opposite sides of the fuel cell stack are clamped by clamping plates, and the extension and retraction ends of the electric push rod are controlled by the controller to press the fuel cell stack downward in the vertical direction. When the pressure measured by the flat plate pressure sensor reaches the preset value, the telescopic end of the electric push rod stops moving. Once the high-temperature sealant in the fuel cell stack no longer overflows, calculate the height of the fuel cell stack based on the extension length of the telescopic end of the electric push rod. If the fuel cell stack height reaches the theoretical value, turn off the power. The extension end of the electric push rod remains stationary. After the high-temperature sealant on the fuel cell stack has completely solidified, tighten the fixing bolts around the fuel cell stack to complete the assembly and remove the fuel cell stack. If the fuel cell stack height does not reach the theoretical value, repeat the above steps until the fuel cell stack height reaches the theoretical value.

[0012] Furthermore, the moving speed of the telescopic end of the electric push rod is 1 mm / min.

[0013] Furthermore, the maximum thrust of the electric actuator is set to 2000N.

[0014] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack is assembled from multiple electrode plates and battery cells, and an uncured filler is provided between the electrode plates and battery cells. The filler has a thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm and is a high-temperature sealant.

[0015] Advantages and positive effects of the present invention.

[0016] In this invention, the battery stack is placed on a support platform, and clamps are used to align and clamp the stack around its perimeter. Then, pressure is applied to the stack using an electric push rod to bring it to the theoretical height. Once the high-temperature sealant stops overflowing and solidifies, the bolts around the stack are tightened to complete the assembly. The stack is then removed. During this process, the stack is subjected to uniform force, preventing situations where the high-temperature sealant is not fully filled or where the cells, current collector, and bipolar plates are not in close contact. This improves the product yield and production efficiency.

[0017] In this invention, the battery stack is assembled on an operating table, with the plates and cells stacked sequentially. The sealing grooves between the plates and cells are filled with uncured filler, i.e., high-temperature sealant. This high-temperature sealant is semi-solid and has fluidity under certain pressure. During pre-clamping and alignment, the fluid high-temperature sealant acts as a "cushion" and lubricant, preventing friction and wear between the plates and cells during alignment. After assembly, the stack is placed on a device for alignment and pressurization. When the battery stack is pressurized, the high-temperature sealant overflows along the gaps between the plates, forming a cushion of a certain thickness, which serves to insulate the edges of the plates and prevent oxidation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the upper part of a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device provided by the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates a method for assembling and clamping a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack, as provided by this invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Support column; 3. Top plate; 4. Clamping plate; 5. Hand crank screw; 6. Track; 7. Stepper motor; 8. Flat plate pressure sensor; 9. Controller; 10. Turntable; 11. Rocker arm; 12. Fixing plate; 13. Support platform; 14. Bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] This invention provides a flat-plate solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, it includes a base 1, a top plate 3, and support components. Two support components are vertically and parallelly installed between the base 1 and the top plate 3. A frustum-shaped or cubic support platform 13 is installed on the base 1 between the two support components. An electric push rod 7 is vertically installed on the top plate 3 corresponding to the support platform 13. The telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 passes vertically downward through the top plate 3. The telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 is connected to a flat plate pressure sensor 8 by bolts 14.

[0025] Both support components are equipped with lead screws 5 via bearings. Each support component includes a support column 2 and a fixing plate 12. The upper and lower ends of the support column 2 are respectively mounted on the top plate 3 and the base 1. The fixing plate 12 is mounted on the support column 2 on the same side. The lead screws 5 are rotatably mounted on the fixing plate 12 via bearings. The two lead screws 5 are located on the same horizontal straight line, and both lead screws 5 are perpendicular to the vertical plane of the corresponding support components. A clamping plate 4 is threadedly mounted at the external threads of the opposite ends of the two lead screws 5. The top plate 3 and the base 1 are provided with rails 6 along the moving direction of the clamping plates 4, and the upper and lower ends of the clamping plates 4 are located within the rails 6.

[0026] The two lead screws 5 are fixedly connected to the turntable 10 at opposite ends, and a rocker arm 11 is installed on the turntable 10.

[0027] A controller 9 is installed on the top plate 3. The controller 9 is used to receive the signal from the flat plate pressure sensor 8 and control the pressure output by the electric push rod 7 according to the signal.

[0028] Working principle and usage method, such as Figure 3 As shown: The pre-assembled square fuel cell stack is placed on the support platform 13 of the base 1. The screw 5 is rotated by the rocker arm 11 and the turntable 10, so that the two clamping plates 4 move relative to each other and clamp and align one pair of opposite sides of the fuel cell stack. After alignment, the clamping plates 4 are released, the fuel cell stack is rotated 90°, and the process of moving the clamping plates 4 is repeated to clamp and align the other pair of opposite sides of the fuel cell stack.

[0029] The fuel cell stack is assembled from multiple plates and solar cells. Uncured filler, 0.2-0.5mm thick, is placed between the plates and cells; this filler is a high-temperature sealant. After aligning all four sides of the stack, clamping plates 4 are used to clamp a pair of opposite sides of the stack. Maintaining this clamping position, the controller 9 slowly moves the telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 at a speed of 1mm / min. A flat pressure sensor 8 applies downward pressure to the entire stack, and the pressure parameters displayed on the controller 9 panel are observed. When the pressure reaches 2000N, the electric push rod 7 is closed, and the high-temperature sealant overflows. Once the sealant stops overflowing, the extension length and pressure parameters of the electric push rod 7 are observed on the control panel to calculate whether the stack height has reached the theoretical value. If not, the clamping, electric push rod pressurization, and height detection steps are repeated until the stack height reaches the theoretical value. Then, the power is turned off; the telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 will continue to press against the stack. After the high-temperature sealant has completely solidified, tighten the fixing bolts around the fuel cell stack to complete the assembly and remove the fuel cell stack.

[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device, characterized by, The application relates to a kind of electric pile assembling device, including base (1), top plate (3) and support assembly, two support assemblies are vertically parallelly installed between base (1) and top plate (3), support platform (13) is installed between the two support assemblies on base (1), electric push rod (7) is vertically installed on top plate (3) corresponding support platform (13), and the telescopic end of electric push rod (7) vertically penetrates top plate (3); two support assemblies are all installed screw rod (5) by bearing, two screw rods (5) are located on the same horizontal straight line, and two screw rods (5) are all perpendicular to the vertical plane where corresponding support assembly is located, and the outer thread of the opposite end of two screw rods (5) is respectively installed one clamping plate (4) corresponding thread, and the upper and lower ends of clamping plate (4) are all located in track (6).

2. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device according to claim 1, characterised in that, The support assembly includes support column (2) and fixed plate (12), the upper and lower ends of support column (2) are respectively installed on top plate (3) and base (1), and fixed plate (12) is installed on the support column (2) of the same side, and screw rod (5) is rotatably installed on fixed plate (12) by bearing.

3. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device according to claim 1, wherein, The opposite ends of the two screw rods (5) are respectively fixedly connected with rotating disc (10), and rotating disc (10) is installed with rocker (11).

4. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The telescopic end of electric push rod (7) is connected with flat plate type pressure sensor (8) through bolt (14).

5. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamp according to claim 4, wherein, Top plate (3) is installed with controller (9), and controller (9) is used for receiving the signal of flat plate type pressure sensor (8) and controlling the pressure output by electric push rod (7) according to the signal.

6. A planar solid oxide fuel cell stack assembly clamping device according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of support platform (13) is circular truncated cone shape or cubic shape.

7. A method of assembling and clamping a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The application further discloses a kind of electric pile assembling method, including the following steps: Place preassembled electric pile on support platform (13) of base (1); Rotate screw rod (5) to make two clamping plates (4) relatively move, and clamp and align one pair of opposite sides of electric pile; Loosen clamping plate (4), rotate electric pile by 90 degrees, rotate screw rod (5) again, make two clamping plates (4) relatively move, and clamp and align the other pair of opposite sides of electric pile; After four sides of electric pile are all aligned, clamp one pair of opposite sides of electric pile by clamping plate (4), and control the telescopic end of electric push rod (7) to press electric pile in vertical direction by controller (9); When the pressure measured by flat plate type pressure sensor (8) reaches preset value, the telescopic end of electric push rod (7) stops moving; When high-temperature sealant of electric pile does not overflow, calculate the height of electric pile according to the extension length of the telescopic end of electric push rod (7); If the height of electric pile reaches theoretical value, then turn off power supply, the telescopic end of electric push rod (7) remains stationary, after high-temperature sealant of electric pile completely solidifies, tighten the fixing bolts around electric pile, complete assembling, and remove electric pile; if the height of electric pile does not reach theoretical value, then repeat the above steps until the height of electric pile reaches theoretical value.

8. A method of stacking and clamping a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack according to claim 7, characterized by, The moving speed of the telescopic end of electric push rod (7) is 1mm / min.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: The maximum thrust of electric push rod (7) is set to 2000N.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: The electric pile is assembled by a plurality of polar plates and battery pieces, and the polar plates and the battery pieces are provided with uncured fillers, and the thickness of the fillers is 0.2-0.5mm.

Images