A flow battery electrode pre-disposing device and a pre-disposing method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a flow battery electrode preset device and a preset method thereof. In the process of preparing the stack assembly, the key materials and components in the battery are integrally preset in advance, and the plate frame or the membrane frame integrated part is pasted and preset together with the electrode, so that the number of components that need to be stacked during the stack assembly is reduced, the consistency of the stack assembly can be effectively improved, and the assembly efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a flow battery electrode pre-positioning device and method, belonging to the field of flow batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of vigorously advocating "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality," developing a new integrated power system encompassing "source, grid, load, and storage," and introducing renewable energy into the grid on a large scale, are effective means to reduce carbon emissions. Flow batteries, under normal conditions, exhibit capacity and power decoupling, allowing for separate design of capacity and power, making them highly suitable for medium- and long-term energy storage scenarios. Furthermore, they can be deeply charged and discharged, have a long cycle life, are environmentally friendly, and have a wide range of applications.

[0003] In recent years, flow batteries have gradually begun to be commercialized, but their industrialization also faces significant challenges. Especially under conditions of incomplete industrial support and immature stack technology, mass production can lead to problems such as poor product consistency and low production efficiency. A flow battery stack consists of multiple flow battery cells connected in series via bipolar plates. Each cell, in addition to the bipolar plates on both sides, consists of a positive electrode, a positive electrode frame, an ion-conducting membrane, a negative electrode frame, a negative electrode, and sealing gaskets between adjacent components, all stacked sequentially. The entire stack is then secured together by metal end plates on both sides with fasteners, forming a sealed internal cavity to prevent electrolyte leakage.

[0004] It is evident that there are many types and quantities of components in the fuel cell stack, which need to be stacked sequentially during assembly. After multiple layers of stacking, the material and component positioning deviations are large, resulting in low production efficiency, a large number of production line stations, long length, and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems in existing flow battery stack manufacturing processes, such as the large number of stack materials and components, significant positioning deviations of materials and components after multi-layer stacking, poor consistency of assembled stacks, low integration efficiency, and numerous, complex, and costly automated stacking equipment, according to one aspect of this application, a flow battery electrode pre-positioning device is provided, comprising a machine base, on which a basic frame and an auxiliary support are fixedly mounted.

[0006] An adhesive mechanism is fixedly installed on the auxiliary support;

[0007] The upper surface of the machine base is fixed with an integrated tooling assembly of plate frame or membrane frame;

[0008] The integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling assembly includes an integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate and a rotating shaft, a flipping motor, an integrated lifting rod, and an integrated lifting cylinder that are symmetrically arranged and fixedly connected to its left and right sides in sequence.

[0009] The integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate is provided with an integrated positioning claw to fix the integrated plate frame or membrane frame to the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate.

[0010] An electrode fixture assembly is fixedly installed directly below the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture assembly.

[0011] The electrode tooling assembly includes an electrode tooling plate fixed to the electrode and an electrode lifting cylinder assembly symmetrically arranged below it.

[0012] Optionally, the plate frame or membrane frame integral component includes an electrode frame and a bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane fixed thereon.

[0013] Optionally, the integrated positioning claw is provided with a positioning bar that is adapted to the positioning hole on the electrode frame, with a positioning accuracy of ≤0.1mm.

[0014] Optionally, the lifting force provided by the integrated lifting cylinder and the electrode lifting cylinder assembly is adjustable from 0.1 to 100 N.

[0015] Preferably, the lifting force is adjustable from 1 to 50 N.

[0016] Optionally, the lower end of the auxiliary support is also equipped with rubber rollers.

[0017] Optionally, the adhesive mechanism has a double-sided adhesive strip, the adhesive area of ​​which does not exceed 5% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane, and the adhesive accuracy is ≤2mm;

[0018] Preferably, the area of ​​the double-sided adhesive strip does not exceed 3% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane;

[0019] Preferably, the adhesion accuracy of the double-sided adhesive strip is ≤1mm;

[0020] Preferably, the number of double-sided adhesive strips is at least one.

[0021] It should be noted that the double-sided adhesive strips used should be resistant to acids and alkalis and strong oxidation, and should ideally maintain their adhesion for a long time so that the integrated prefabricated components can be assembled and used multiple times.

[0022] This application also provides a method for pre-setting using the above-described flow battery electrode pre-setting device, comprising the following steps:

[0023] S1: The integrated plate frame or membrane frame is placed on the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate by means of a robotic arm or other means, and is clamped and positioned by the integrated positioning claw to ensure that it remains fixed and does not shift or fall during the flipping process.

[0024] S2: Position the electrode by placing it in the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate using a needle-punching suction cup or other methods, and ensure that the electrode is directly below the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integrated component.

[0025] S3: The adhesive mechanism is mounted on the auxiliary support and can achieve vertical displacement through the auxiliary support;

[0026] The auxiliary support is displaced on the horizontal plane above the machine platform through the base frame, thereby controlling the adhesive mechanism to move into the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integrated component;

[0027] Remove the release paper from the double-sided adhesive strip on the adhesive mechanism, and then stick the double-sided adhesive strip to the designated position on the bipolar plate or ion conduction membrane.

[0028] S4: The plate frame or membrane frame assembly with the double-sided adhesive strip pasted on it is rotated 180° by the flipping motor and rotating shaft, so that the side with the double-sided adhesive strip is facing downwards.

[0029] S5: The electrode lifting cylinder assembly, together with the integrated lifting rod, attaches the electrode in the electrode tooling assembly to the electrode groove of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame, thus completing the pre-positioning of the electrode on this side.

[0030] S6: Then, the pre-set plate frame or membrane frame integral piece is rotated 180° by the flipping motor, so that the pre-set side is facing upward again, and is removed from the plate frame or membrane frame integral piece tooling assembly by a robotic arm or other means, rotated 180° and then fixed back on.

[0031] Repeat steps S1 to S5 to complete the presetting of the electrode on this side.

[0032] S7: After completing the pre-setting of the dual electrodes, remove the integrated pre-set component and place it in the assembly station of the automatic stacking machine or in the warehouse for standby.

[0033] Optionally, the electrode is selected from rectangular, square, circular, or irregularly shaped electrodes.

[0034] The electrodes in this application are not limited to regular shapes, but may include irregularly shaped electrodes, such as electrodes with machined grooves on their surfaces that need to maintain their shape.

[0035] Optionally, in step S2, the positioning accuracy of the electrode within the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate is ≤2mm;

[0036] Preferably, the positioning accuracy of the electrode within the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate is ≤1mm.

[0037] Optionally, step S3 further includes:

[0038] After applying the double-sided tape, use a rubber roller to press it down to ensure the double-sided tape is firmly transferred.

[0039] The beneficial effects that this application can produce include:

[0040] The present application provides a flow battery electrode pre-positioning device and method, which pre-positions key materials and components in the battery in an integrated manner during the preparation of the battery stack assembly, and attaches the plate frame or membrane frame integral part to the electrode in a pre-positioned manner, thereby reducing the number of components that need to be stacked during the assembly of the battery stack, and effectively improving the consistency of the battery stack assembly and improving the assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a flow battery pre-installation device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a front view of a flow battery pre-installation device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a top view of a flow battery pre-installation device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an assembly drawing of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate and the integrated plate frame or membrane frame provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 5 This application defines the assembly relationship between the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate and the integrated plate frame or membrane frame in one embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the electrode tooling plate and the electrode provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This describes the assembly relationship between the electrode tooling plate and the electrode in one embodiment of this application.

[0048] List of components and reference numerals:

[0049] 1. Machine base; 2. Basic frame; 3. Auxiliary support; 4. Adhesive mechanism; 5. Integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling assembly; 6. Tilting motor; 7. Electrode tooling assembly; 8. Electrode lifting cylinder; 9. Integrated lifting rod; 10. Rotary shaft; 11. Integrated lifting cylinder; 12. Integrated plate frame or membrane frame; 13. Integrated positioning gripper; 14. Electrode frame; 15. Bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane; 16. Electrode; 17. Electrode tooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present application is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments.

[0051] Example

[0052] like Figures 1-3 As shown, according to one embodiment of this application, a flow battery electrode pre-positioning device is provided, including a machine base 1, on which a basic frame 2 and an auxiliary support 3 are fixedly mounted;

[0053] An adhesive mechanism 4 is fixedly installed on the auxiliary support 3;

[0054] The upper surface of the machine base 1 is fixed with a plate frame or membrane frame integrated tooling assembly 5;

[0055] The integrated tooling assembly 5 of the plate frame or membrane frame includes an integrated tooling plate of the plate frame or membrane frame and a rotating shaft 10, a flipping motor 6, an integrated lifting rod 9, and an integrated lifting cylinder 11 that are symmetrically arranged and fixedly connected to its left and right sides.

[0056] The integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate is provided with an integrated positioning claw 13, which fixes the integrated plate frame or membrane frame 12 on the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate.

[0057] The integrated positioning claw 13 is fixed to the integrated tooling plate of the plate frame or membrane frame by positioning bolts;

[0058] An electrode fixture assembly 7 is fixedly disposed directly below the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture assembly 5.

[0059] The electrode tooling assembly 7 includes an electrode tooling plate 17 fixed to the electrode 16 and an electrode lifting cylinder 8 assembly symmetrically arranged below it.

[0060] The integrated plate and frame or membrane frame 12 includes an electrode frame 14 and a bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane 15 fixed thereon.

[0061] The integrated positioning claw 13 is equipped with a positioning rod that is compatible with the positioning hole on the electrode frame 14, and the positioning accuracy is ≤0.1mm.

[0062] The lifting force provided by the integrated lifting cylinder 11 and the electrode lifting cylinder 8 assembly is adjustable from 0.1 to 100 N.

[0063] Preferably, the lifting force is adjustable from 1 to 50 N.

[0064] The lower end of the auxiliary support 3 is also equipped with rubber rollers.

[0065] The adhesive mechanism 4 has double-sided adhesive strips, the adhesive area of ​​which does not exceed 5% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion conduction membrane 15, and the adhesive accuracy is ≤2mm.

[0066] Preferably, the area of ​​the double-sided adhesive strip does not exceed 3% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane 15;

[0067] Preferably, the adhesion accuracy of the double-sided adhesive strip is ≤1mm;

[0068] Preferably, the number of double-sided adhesive strips is at least one.

[0069] It should be noted that the double-sided adhesive strips used should be resistant to acids and alkalis and strong oxidation, and should ideally maintain their adhesion for a long time so that the integrated prefabricated components can be assembled and used multiple times.

[0070] The pre-setting process using the aforementioned flow battery electrode pre-setting device is as follows:

[0071] S1: The plate frame or membrane frame integrated component 12 is placed on the plate frame or membrane frame integrated component tooling plate by an external robotic arm, and is pressed and positioned by the integrated component positioning claw 13 with a positioning accuracy of 0.08mm, ensuring that it can remain fixed and not shift or fall during the flipping process.

[0072] Its assembly relationship is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the assembly drawing is as follows Figure 4 As shown;

[0073] In this embodiment, the integrated plate frame or membrane frame 12 has high rigidity and can automatically maintain a flat and attached surface to the tooling plate of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame.

[0074] After the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture plate is flipped over, if the unevenness of the frame surface of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame 12 is >2mm, it cannot be attached to the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture plate. A vacuum suction cup can be designed on the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture plate for auxiliary positioning.

[0075] S2: The electrode 16 is positioned in the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate 17 by the needle suction cup, with a positioning accuracy of 0.3mm, and the electrode 16 is located directly below the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integral part 12.

[0076] The assembly relationship between electrode 16 and electrode tooling plate 17 is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the assembly drawing is as follows Figure 6 As shown;

[0077] S3: The adhesive mechanism 4 is mounted on the auxiliary support 3 and can achieve vertical displacement through the auxiliary support 3;

[0078] The auxiliary support 3 is displaced on the horizontal plane above the machine base 1 through the base frame 2, thereby controlling the adhesive mechanism 4 to move into the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integral piece 12;

[0079] Remove the release paper from the double-sided adhesive strip on the adhesive mechanism 4, and then stick the double-sided adhesive strip to the designated position on the bipolar plate or ion conduction membrane 15.

[0080] In this embodiment, the double-sided adhesive strips are pasted at three equal points on the width of the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane 15, and the pasting direction is the length direction of the plate frame or membrane frame integral part 12; the above position can be set by the machine tool program, and the positioning accuracy of the double-sided adhesive strips is 0.8mm;

[0081] S4: The plate frame or membrane frame integral piece 12 with double-sided adhesive strips pasted on it is rotated 180° by the flipping motor 6 and the rotating shaft 10, so that the electrode tooling assembly 7 with the side with double-sided adhesive strips pasted on it faces downward.

[0082] S5: The electrode lifting cylinder 8 assembly, together with the integrated lifting rod 9, attaches the electrode 16 in the electrode tooling assembly 7 into the electrode groove of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame 12, thus completing the pre-positioning of the electrode 16 on this side.

[0083] In this embodiment, the lifting force is set to 15N;

[0084] S6: Then, the pre-set plate frame or membrane frame integral piece 12 is rotated 180° by the flipping motor 6, so that the pre-set side is facing upward again, and is removed from the plate frame or membrane frame integral piece tooling assembly 5 by a robotic arm or other means, rotated 180° and then fixed back on.

[0085] Repeat steps S1 to S5 to complete the pre-setting of the side electrode 16. At this time, the lifting force in step S5 during the pre-setting process is set to 18N.

[0086] S7: After completing the pre-setting of the dual electrodes 16, take out the integrated pre-set component and place it in the assembly station of the automatic stacking machine or in the warehouse for standby.

[0087] This application pre-positions key materials and components within the battery in an integrated manner during the preparation of fuel cell assembly components. The integrated plate frame or membrane frame 12 is bonded and pre-positioned with the electrode 16, which reduces the number of components that need to be stacked during fuel cell assembly, effectively improving the consistency of fuel cell assembly and improving assembly efficiency.

[0088] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application discloses preferred embodiments as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application using the disclosed technical content are equivalent to equivalent implementation cases and all fall within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A flow battery electrode pre-positioning device, characterized in that, Includes a machine base, on which a basic frame and auxiliary supports are fixedly mounted; An adhesive mechanism is fixedly installed on the auxiliary support; The upper surface of the machine base is fixed with an integrated tooling assembly of plate frame or membrane frame; The integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling assembly includes an integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate and a rotating shaft, a flipping motor, an integrated lifting rod, and an integrated lifting cylinder that are symmetrically arranged and fixedly connected to its left and right sides in sequence. The integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate is provided with an integrated positioning claw to fix the integrated plate frame or membrane frame to the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate. An electrode fixture assembly is fixedly installed directly below the integrated plate frame or membrane frame fixture assembly. The electrode tooling assembly includes an electrode tooling plate fixed to the electrode and an electrode lifting cylinder assembly symmetrically arranged below it.

2. The flow battery electrode pre-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated plate and frame or membrane frame includes an electrode frame and a bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane fixed thereon.

3. The flow battery electrode pre-positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated positioning claw is equipped with a positioning rod that is compatible with the positioning hole on the electrode frame, and the positioning accuracy is ≤0.1mm.

4. The flow battery electrode pre-positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting force provided by the integrated lifting cylinder and the electrode lifting cylinder assembly is adjustable from 0.1 to 100 N. Preferably, the lifting force is adjustable from 1 to 50 N.

5. The flow battery electrode pre-positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the auxiliary support is also equipped with rubber rollers.

6. The flow battery electrode pre-positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adhesive mechanism has double-sided adhesive strips, the adhesive area of ​​which does not exceed 5% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane, and the adhesive accuracy is ≤2mm. Preferably, the area of ​​the double-sided adhesive strip does not exceed 3% of the area of ​​the bipolar plate or ion-conducting membrane; Preferably, the adhesion accuracy of the double-sided adhesive strip is ≤1mm; Preferably, the number of double-sided adhesive strips is at least one.

7. A method for presetting electrodes using the flow battery electrode presetting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Place the integrated plate frame or membrane frame on the integrated plate frame or membrane frame tooling plate, and use the integrated positioning claw to press and position it to ensure that it remains fixed and does not shift or fall during the flipping process. S2: Position the electrode by placing it in the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate, and ensure that the electrode is directly below the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integral piece. S3: The adhesive mechanism is mounted on the auxiliary support and can achieve vertical displacement through the auxiliary support; The auxiliary support is displaced on the horizontal plane above the machine platform through the base frame, thereby controlling the adhesive mechanism to move into the electrode groove of the plate frame or membrane frame integrated component; Remove the release paper from the double-sided adhesive strip on the adhesive mechanism, and then stick the double-sided adhesive strip to the designated position on the bipolar plate or ion conduction membrane. S4: The plate frame or membrane frame assembly with the double-sided adhesive strip pasted on it is rotated 180° by the flipping motor and rotating shaft, so that the side with the double-sided adhesive strip is facing downwards. S5: The electrode lifting cylinder assembly, together with the integrated lifting rod, attaches the electrode in the electrode tooling assembly to the electrode groove of the integrated plate frame or membrane frame, thus completing the pre-positioning of the electrode on this side. S6: Then, the pre-set plate frame or membrane frame integral piece is rotated 180° by the flipping motor, so that the pre-set side is facing upward again, and it is removed from the plate frame or membrane frame integral piece tooling assembly, rotated 180° and then fixed back on. Repeat steps S1 to S5 to complete the presetting of the electrode on this side. S7: After completing the pre-setting of the dual electrodes, remove the integrated pre-set component and place it in the assembly station of the automatic stacking machine or in the warehouse for standby.

8. The preset method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrode is selected from one of the following: rectangular, square, circular, or irregularly shaped electrodes.

9. The preset method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S2, the positioning accuracy of the electrode within the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate is ≤2mm; Preferably, the positioning accuracy of the electrode within the electrode groove of the electrode tooling plate is ≤1mm.

10. The preset method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step S3 further includes: After applying the double-sided tape, use a rubber roller to press it down.

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