A flow assembly apparatus and method for a modular electrolytic cell

Abstract

This invention discloses a modular electrolytic cell assembly line equipment and method, comprising: a conveyor module equipped with a conveyor belt and standardized trays, the standardized trays being used to carry workpieces on the assembly line; an intelligent storage module for storing accessories, finished products, and the electrolytic cell components of different specifications; an assembly module for pre-assembly, sealing connection, and electrode docking; a detection module for online detection of assembly accuracy, sealing performance, and electrical connection reliability using lidar, an airtightness tester, and a multimeter; and a central control module, which is signal-connected to the conveyor module, intelligent storage module, assembly module, and detection module, and is used to generate assembly process paths after receiving order data. This invention achieves multi-indicator production on the same production line through modular electrolytic cell component combinations, and enables product customization on the production line through combinations of electrolytic cells of different specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial production technology, and in particular to a modular electrolytic cell assembly line equipment and method. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of energy transition, alkaline electrolyzers, as key equipment for hydrogen production through water electrolysis, play a crucial role. They electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrochemical reactions, providing clean and efficient hydrogen energy for numerous fields. Compared to other hydrogen production methods, alkaline electrolyzers have advantages such as relatively low cost and mature technology, and are widely used in renewable energy consumption, distributed energy storage, and industrial hydrogen applications.

[0003] Existing alkaline electrolyzer manufacturing processes typically involve assembling components such as electrode plates and diaphragms on a specific assembly platform after a series of processing steps. Taking a well-known company's production line as an example, this line includes various specialized equipment. A hydraulic lifting assembly platform is used for component positioning and assembly. The unit is equipped with a high-definition monitoring system that can collect, bind, and save data on electrolyzer components, enabling traceability of the assembly process and detailed information. During this process, each component must be installed strictly according to a predetermined sequence and process requirements to ensure the performance and quality of the electrolyzer.

[0004] Current manufacturing processes have certain limitations. On the one hand, the products produced by assembly lines are relatively homogeneous, often only capable of large-scale production of alkaline electrolyzers of specific specifications and models. If market demand changes, requiring the production of electrolyzers with different specifications (such as different hydrogen production rates, operating pressures, and current density requirements), existing production lines struggle to adapt quickly. On the other hand, because the equipment and process parameters at each production stage are mostly designed for a single product, producing multi-specification electrolyzers on the same production line presents challenges such as difficult equipment modifications and complex process switching. This not only increases production costs but also reduces production efficiency, failing to meet the growing market demand for diversified and customized electrolyzer products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a modular electrolytic cell assembly line equipment and method to address the problems in the prior art where the products produced by assembly lines are relatively simple, can only be mass-produced for alkaline electrolytic cells of specific specifications and models, and are difficult to adjust quickly. The equipment and process parameters of each production link are mostly designed for a single product. When producing electrolytic cells with multiple indicators on the same production line, there are problems such as the difficulty of equipment modification and the complexity of process switching.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a modular electrolytic cell assembly line, comprising: A conveyor module, which is equipped with a conveyor belt and a standardized tray, the standardized tray being used to carry workpieces on the assembly line; The intelligent warehousing module is used to store accessories, finished products and electrolysis chamber components of different specifications. The electrolysis chamber components are equipped with anti-metal RFID tags and QR code labels, which are used to store module specifications, production batches and inventory status. An assembly module is used for pre-assembly, sealing connection and electrode docking. The assembly module assembles the electrolysis chamber components to obtain a modular electrolytic cell using an automated robotic arm. The detection module is used to detect the assembly accuracy, sealing performance, and electrical connection reliability of the modular electrolytic cell online using lidar, an airtightness tester, and a multimeter. A central control module is connected to the conveyor module, intelligent warehousing module, assembly module, and detection module. The central control module is used to generate the assembly process path of the modular electrolytic cell based on order data.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the intelligent warehousing module is equipped with electronic tags for shelf partitioning, which display in real time the specifications of components that can be stored in the shelf partition.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the intelligent storage module sets the same data information for the QR code identifier of the electrolysis chamber component as the anti-metal RFID tag, and the QR code identifier is used for manual re-inspection.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the anti-metal RFID tag is made of a ceramic substrate or ferrite layer material and is fixed to an unshielded position on the outside of the electrolysis chamber assembly by adhesive or screws.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the anti-metal RFID tag is communicatively connected to the smart warehousing module and the central control module, and the smart warehousing module automatically allocates the electrolysis chamber component to the shelf partition of the smart warehousing module according to the read and write data of the anti-metal RFID tag.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the conveyor module adopts a "U-shaped" layout; The standardized tray is equipped with a weight sensor and a positioning chip. The weight sensor is used to verify the weight and specifications of the electrolysis chamber assembly, and the positioning chip is used to record the position of the electrolysis chamber assembly on the standardized tray.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the central control module includes a manufacturing execution unit, which receives order data and analyzes the combination scheme of the electrolysis chamber components of the modular electrolyzer to generate a process path.

[0013] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for the continuous assembly of a modular electrolyzer, comprising: The central control module parses the order data received by the manufacturing execution unit to obtain the required parameters for the modular electrolyzer; The manufacturing execution unit calculates the process path based on the required parameters of the modular electrolytic cell; The assembly module retrieves multiple electrolysis chamber components with different performance from the intelligent warehousing module according to the process path to form the modular electrolysis cell; The electrolysis chamber assembly and the modular electrolytic cell are moved via a conveyor module; The modular electrolytic cell is tested for assembly accuracy, sealing, and electrical connection reliability using a testing module.

[0014] The modular electrolytic cell assembly equipment and method of the present invention have the following advantages: (1) Multi-indicator production can be achieved on the same production line by combining modular electrolysis chamber components.

[0015] (2) Product customization on the production line can be achieved by combining electrolysis chambers of different specifications. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a modular electrolytic cell assembly line provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a modular electrolytic cell assembly method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modular electrolytic cell assembly line provided by an embodiment of the present invention; the embodiment of the present invention provides a modular electrolytic cell assembly line, comprising: A conveyor module, which is equipped with a conveyor belt and a standardized tray, the standardized tray being used to carry workpieces on the assembly line; The intelligent warehousing module is used to store accessories, finished products and electrolysis chamber components of different specifications. The electrolysis chamber components are equipped with anti-metal RFID tags and QR code labels, which are used to store module specifications, production batches and inventory status. An assembly module is used for pre-assembly, sealing connection and electrode docking. The assembly module assembles the electrolysis chamber components to obtain a modular electrolytic cell using an automated robotic arm. The detection module is used to detect the assembly accuracy, sealing performance, and electrical connection reliability of the modular electrolytic cell online using lidar, an airtightness tester, and a multimeter. A central control module is connected to the conveyor module, intelligent warehousing module, assembly module, and detection module. The central control module is used to generate the assembly process path of the modular electrolytic cell based on order data.

[0020] The intelligent warehousing module is equipped with electronic tags for shelf partitioning, and the electronic tags display the specifications of components that can be stored in the shelf partition in real time.

[0021] The intelligent warehousing module sets the same data information for the QR code identifier of the electrolysis chamber component as the anti-metal RFID tag, and the QR code identifier is used for manual re-inspection.

[0022] The anti-metal RFID tag is made of ceramic substrate or ferrite layer material and is fixed to the unshielded position on the outside of the electrolysis chamber assembly by adhesive or screws.

[0023] The anti-metal RFID tag is communicatively connected to the intelligent warehousing module and the central control module. The intelligent warehousing module automatically allocates the electrolysis chamber component to the shelf partition of the intelligent warehousing module according to the read and write data of the anti-metal RFID tag.

[0024] The conveyor module adopts a "U-shaped" layout; The standardized tray is equipped with a weight sensor and a positioning chip. The weight sensor is used to verify the weight and specifications of the electrolysis chamber assembly, and the positioning chip is used to record the position of the electrolysis chamber assembly on the standardized tray.

[0025] The central control module is equipped with a manufacturing execution unit, which is used to receive order data and to analyze the combination scheme of the electrolysis chamber components of the modular electrolyzer to generate a process path.

[0026] For example, the manufacturing execution unit of the central control module obtains the required parameters of the modular electrolyzer according to the order, and retrieves the corresponding specifications of the electrolysis chamber components from the intelligent warehousing module according to the required parameters of the modular electrolyzer. The external dimensions and mounting holes of the electrolysis chamber components of various specifications are the same. The difference between the electrolysis chamber components of different specifications lies in the internal electrolysis chamber size and the number of flow channels. The intelligent warehousing module identifies the module specifications, production batch and inventory status information of the electrolysis chamber components based on the anti-metal RFID tags of the electrolysis chamber components. Then, the required electrolysis chamber components and accessories of different specifications are transported to the assembly module through the conveyor belt and standardized pallets of the conveyor line module. The automated robotic arm of the assembly module performs pre-assembly, sealing connection and electrode docking to form the finished modular electrolyzer. Finally, the assembly accuracy, sealing and electrical connection reliability are tested by the lidar, airtightness tester and multimeter of the detection module.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the conveyor module is used to carry the dynamic transfer of electrolysis chamber components, supports mixed production of multiple specifications of modules, adopts a "U-shaped" assembly line to shorten the logistics path, facilitate process return and material replenishment, the main conveyor of the conveyor module is a double-speed chain (the line speed is adjustable from 0.5 to 2 m / min), and the standardized pallet is made of aluminum alloy (lightweight and high strength), and its size is compatible with mainstream electrolysis chamber modules; The conveyor module has a built-in weight sensor (accuracy ±0.5kg), which collects the module's weight W in real time. 实际 The standard weight W preset by the system 标准 Compare and verify specification matching: Weight deviation rate =

[0028] If the deviation rate is greater than 5%, an alarm will be triggered and the system will be returned to the intelligent warehousing module for re-inspection.

[0029] Positioning chip (UWB positioning, accuracy ±2mm): Records the module's coordinates (X,Y) on the tray to ensure positioning accuracy during assembly.

[0030] The intelligent warehousing module stores electrolysis chamber components of different specifications (length L1 / L2, electrode type E1 / E2, etc.), accessories (sealing rings, electrode sheets), and finished products, supporting rapid sorting and precise management. The intelligent warehousing module is equipped with anti-metal ceramic substrate tags, also known as anti-metal RFID tags (working frequency 915MHz, reading distance 3~8m), for electrolysis chamber components of different specifications. The tags store module specifications (e.g., "EC-L1-E1"), production batch (e.g., "20250520-001"), and inventory status (available / pending inspection / scrapped). The intelligent warehousing module also has QR codes for electrolysis chamber components of different specifications: attached to the outside of the electrolysis chamber components (300DPI printing), with content consistent with the RFID tags, for manual verification.

[0031] The intelligent warehousing module manages shelves through zoned storage, dividing the warehouse into A / B / C zones according to module specifications (e.g., zone A stores L1 modules, zone B stores L2 modules). Each shelf level in each zone is equipped with an electronic tag (LED screen) displaying "Permitted Specification: EC-L1-E1". Location coding uses a four-level coding system: "Area-Shelf Number-Layer Number-Column Number" (e.g., A-02-03-05 represents shelf number 2, layer 3, column 5 in zone A).

[0032] The intelligent warehousing module is configured with components through sorting equipment. The inbound end uses a UHF access gate (reader power 30dBm, antenna coverage width 1.5m), capable of reading 20 tags per second. The storage end uses a stacker crane (lifting speed 0.5m / s, horizontal movement speed 1m / s), equipped with adaptive grippers (grip spacing adjustable from 150 to 250mm). The AGV-mounted reader is integrated on top of the AGV (reading angle ±45°), supporting dynamic recognition while moving (reading rate ≥99% at speeds ≤5km / h).

[0033] The storage location allocation algorithm of the intelligent warehousing module aims to maximize space utilization η, prioritizing the allocation of storage locations that match the module size. Calculation formula:

[0034] in, V 模块 The module volume (length × width × height). V 货位 This refers to the remaining volume of the storage space. The intelligent warehousing module calculates the storage space in real time through 3D modeling and selects... η Largest storage space (target) η ≥80%).

[0035] The manufacturing execution unit of the central control module obtains the required parameters for the electrolytic cells through order parsing. Order parsing involves receiving order parameters (such as the total length of the electrolytic cell L_total and the number of electrodes N), calling the module specification library (such as module L1 length l1=500mm, module L2 length l2=800mm), and solving for module combinations using integer programming, as shown in the following formula:

[0036] Where x i Let l be the number of modules of type i. i For the corresponding length. For example, if L total = 2100mm, you can choose x1 = 3 (L1 module, 3 × 500 = 1500mm) + x2 = 2 (L2 module, 2 × 800 = 1600mm), but you need to adjust it to match the total length (if 3 × 500 + 1 × 800 = 2300mm is not met, the system will automatically recommend the suboptimal solution).

[0037] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for the continuous assembly of a modular electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the continuous assembly of a modular electrolytic cell, comprising: The central control module parses the order data received by the manufacturing execution unit to obtain the required parameters for the modular electrolyzer; The manufacturing execution unit calculates the process path based on the required parameters of the modular electrolytic cell; The assembly module retrieves multiple electrolysis chamber components with different performance from the intelligent warehousing module according to the process path to form the modular electrolysis cell; The electrolysis chamber assembly and the modular electrolytic cell are moved via a conveyor module; The modular electrolytic cell is tested for assembly accuracy, sealing, and electrical connection reliability using a testing module.

[0038] For example, based on the above-mentioned equipment, the assembly method steps are as follows: Order Receiving and Parsing: The central control module receives orders through MES, calls the component specification library, and calculates the combination of electrolysis chamber components (e.g., 4 L1 modules, 4×500=2000mm).

[0039] Process path generation: Based on the electrolysis chamber component combination, define the assembly sequence (e.g., "L1→L2→L1") and assign assembly parameters (e.g., torque value, welding power) to each module. Generate the assembly path ("L1-001→L1-002→L1-003→L1-004") and send material requisition instructions to the intelligent warehousing module (4 EC-L1-E1 modules).

[0040] Intelligent warehousing and sorting: WMS (Smart Warehouse Management System) uses a storage location allocation algorithm to lock four L1 modules on the third floor and fifth column of shelf number 2 in area A. The stacker crane's gripping module delivers the standardized pallet (verified by weight sensor W) to the conveyor module via an AGV. 实际 =100kg±0.5kg, positioning chip records coordinates (X=100mm, Y=150mm)).

[0041] Assembly execution: Pre-assembly station: The robotic arm grasps the module, visually scans the QR code to confirm the specifications (or identifies it through the label), and completes cleaning and gluing; Sealing connection station: Servo press preload (30kN), torque wrench to tighten bolts (torque); Electrode docking station: Laser welding machine welds electrodes (power 1000W, speed 5mm / s).

[0042] Online testing: Total length measured by lidar: L 测量 =2000.05mm (deviation ΔL=0.05mm≤0.1mm); Leakage rate detected by airtightness tester: R = 0.3% / min ≤ 0.5% / min; Multimeter for measuring resistance: R 实际 =0.102Ω (deviation rate 2%), all are qualified.

[0043] Finished product warehousing: Electrolytic cells that pass inspection are sent to the finished product area of ​​the intelligent warehousing module via a conveyor line, and the WMS updates the inventory status to "completed".

[0044] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0045] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A modular electrolytic cell assembly line, characterized in that, include: A conveyor module, which is equipped with a conveyor belt and a standardized tray, the standardized tray being used to carry workpieces on the assembly line; The intelligent warehousing module is used to store accessories, finished products and electrolysis chamber components of different specifications. The electrolysis chamber components are equipped with anti-metal RFID tags and QR code labels, which are used to store module specifications, production batches and inventory status. An assembly module is used for pre-assembly, sealing connection and electrode docking. The assembly module assembles the electrolysis chamber components to obtain a modular electrolytic cell using an automated robotic arm. The detection module is used to detect the assembly accuracy, sealing performance, and electrical connection reliability of the modular electrolytic cell online using lidar, an airtightness tester, and a multimeter. A central control module is connected to the conveyor module, intelligent warehousing module, assembly module, and detection module. The central control module is used to generate the assembly process path of the modular electrolytic cell based on order data.

2. The modular electrolytic cell assembly line equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent warehousing module is equipped with electronic tags for shelf partitioning, and the electronic tags display the specifications of components that can be stored in the shelf partition in real time.

3. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent warehousing module sets the same data information for the QR code identifier of the electrolysis chamber component as the anti-metal RFID tag, and the QR code identifier is used for manual re-inspection.

4. A process according to claim 3, wherein the process comprises the steps of: The anti-metal RFID tag is made of ceramic substrate or ferrite layer material and is fixed to the unshielded position on the outside of the electrolysis chamber assembly by adhesive or screws.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The anti-metal RFID tag is communicatively connected to the intelligent warehousing module and the central control module. The intelligent warehousing module automatically allocates the electrolysis chamber component to the shelf partition of the intelligent warehousing module according to the read and write data of the anti-metal RFID tag.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The conveyor module adopts a "U-shaped" layout; The standardized tray is equipped with a weight sensor and a positioning chip. The weight sensor is used to verify the weight and specifications of the electrolysis chamber assembly, and the positioning chip is used to record the position of the electrolysis chamber assembly on the standardized tray.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The central control module is equipped with a manufacturing execution unit, which is used to receive order data and to analyze the combination scheme of the electrolysis chamber components of the modular electrolyzer to generate a process path.

8. A method of flowline assembly of a modular electrolytic cell, characterised by, include: The central control module parses the order data received by the manufacturing execution unit to obtain the required parameters for the modular electrolyzer; The manufacturing execution unit calculates the process path based on the required parameters of the modular electrolytic cell; The assembly module retrieves multiple electrolysis chamber components with different performance from the intelligent warehousing module according to the process path to form the modular electrolysis cell; The electrolysis chamber assembly and the modular electrolytic cell are moved via a conveyor module; The modular electrolytic cell is tested for assembly accuracy, sealing, and electrical connection reliability using a testing module.

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