Pneumatic clamp for single fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to a pneumatic clamp for a single fuel cell, which comprises a cathode end plate, an anode end plate and a gas cavity bottom plate which are connected through a screw mechanism. A control mechanism is arranged between the air cavity bottom plate and the anode end plate; a test area is formed between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate; the control mechanism can control the interval between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate; according to the pneumatic clamp disclosed by the utility model, through the arrangement of the control mechanism, the relative positions of the anode end plate and the cathode end plate can be changed, the compression force formed by the anode end plate and the cathode end plate can be controlled easily, and the subsequent corresponding performance test on the fuel cell based on different compression forces is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to a pneumatic clamp for a single cell of a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising and popular fuel cell technologies. It has many advantages such as no pollution, high energy conversion rate, short charging time, low operating temperature and low noise. It can be widely used in many fields such as transportation vehicles, cogeneration, fixed base stations, mobile portable devices, drones, military equipment, etc.

[0003] The membrane electrode is the heart of the proton exchange membrane. It is a seven-in-one structure consisting of carbon paper, proton exchange membrane, catalyst layer, and frame layer. Its performance directly affects the performance of the proton exchange membrane.

[0004] Fuel cell assembly has a significant impact on battery performance. The assembly pressure directly affects the compression rate of carbon paper, the contact and contact resistance between the microporous layer and the catalyst layer, and the fuel cell stack is in a repeated compression process during operation.

[0005] Therefore, the regulation of assembly pressure is very critical, and most of the existing single-cell clamps are locked by bolts and nuts, which makes it inconvenient to identify and regulate the assembly force.

[0006] The existing patent 202010611717.5 - A method for calculating the real-time assembly force of a fuel cell discloses a method for calculating the assembly force of a fuel cell; however, the measurement method is relatively cumbersome, not intuitive enough, and is prone to errors.

[0007] Therefore, in order to improve or solve at least one of the above problems, a fixture is needed to assist in the application and measurement of fuel cell assembly force. Utility Model Content

[0008] The utility model aims to provide a pneumatic clamp which can conveniently provide a set compression force for a fuel cell.

[0009] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0010] A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell single cell, comprising a cathode end plate, an anode end plate and an air cavity bottom plate, wherein the cathode end plate, the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate are connected by a screw mechanism;

[0011] A control mechanism is provided between the air cavity bottom plate and the anode end plate; a test area is formed between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate; and the control mechanism can control the interval between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate.

[0012] The screw mechanism comprises a plurality of screws, each of which is arranged to penetrate the cathode end plate, the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate; the cathode end plate and the anode end plate can move along the axial direction of the screw.

[0013] Each screw rod is fixedly connected to the air cavity bottom plate.

[0014] The control mechanism includes an air bag arranged between the air cavity bottom plate and the anode end plate.

[0015] An airbag air inlet and an airbag air outlet are provided on the air cavity bottom plate; the airbag air inlet is connected to the airbag air outlet through the airbag; and the airbag air inlet is connected to an air supply component.

[0016] The cathode end plate is provided with a cathode air inlet and a cathode air outlet; the anode end plate is provided with an anode air inlet and an anode air outlet.

[0017] The two ends of the air bag are respectively attached to the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate.

[0018] The advantages of the utility model are:

[0019] The utility model discloses a pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell single cell.

[0020] The pneumatic clamp disclosed in the utility model can achieve the change of the relative position of the anode end plate and the cathode end plate through the setting of the control mechanism, and can easily control the compression force formed by the anode end plate and the cathode end plate, so as to facilitate the subsequent corresponding performance testing of the fuel cell based on different compression forces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following is a brief description of the contents expressed in each of the drawings of the utility model specification and the marks in the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model.

[0023] The marks in the above figure are:

[0024] 1. Air cavity bottom plate, 2. Anode end plate, 3. End plate, 4. Air bag, 5. Cathode current collecting plate, 6. Anode current collecting plate, 7. Cathode graphite plate, 8. Anode graphite plate, 9. Screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The specific implementation methods of the present utility model will be further explained in detail below by describing the optimal embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] A pneumatic clamp 1-1 for a single fuel cell comprises a cathode end plate 3, an anode end plate 2 and an air cavity bottom plate 1, wherein the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1 are connected via a screw mechanism; a control mechanism is provided between the air cavity bottom plate 1 and the anode end plate 2; the pneumatic clamp 1-1 disclosed in the utility model can achieve a change in the relative position of the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3 through the setting of the control mechanism, and can easily control the compression force formed by the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3, so as to facilitate subsequent corresponding performance tests of the fuel cell based on different compression forces.

[0027] The pneumatic clamp 1-1 disclosed in the utility model mainly functions as a basic connecting piece, which is convenient for installing and placing the single battery or fuel cell to be tested, and the ultimate purpose is to facilitate subsequent testing operations.

[0028] In the utility model, the pneumatic clamp 1-1 disclosed in the utility model mainly includes a cathode end plate 3, an anode end plate 2 and an air cavity bottom plate 1. In the utility model, the main structures of the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1 are all rectangular plate structures, and the three are distributed in parallel at intervals. In addition, in the utility model, the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1 are connected by a screw mechanism; the screw mechanism plays a good connecting role, and also plays a good guiding and limiting role, which ensures the linearity of the movement of the anode end plate 2 and avoids the anode end when the airbag 4 is inflated. The plate 2 flips over and the battery to be tested is lost; in addition, more importantly, the screw mechanism can play a very good restraining and limiting role, ensuring the restraining force between the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1, forming a compression force of the fuel cell; at the same time, a control mechanism is provided between the air cavity bottom plate 1 and the anode end plate 2 in the utility model; the setting of the control mechanism is mainly used to change the interval between the cathode end plate 3 and the anode end plate 2, control the extrusion force applied to the single battery to be tested, so as to simulate the compression force, thereby facilitating subsequent measurement operations under the corresponding compression force working conditions.

[0029] In essence, the compression force mentioned above in the utility model is used to simulate the compression force that the fuel cell stack will be subjected to after assembly due to the operation of the stack itself. The compression force will change back and forth as the working conditions and gas flow rate change. The pneumatic clamp disclosed in the utility model is used to simulate the compression force that the stack is subjected to during operation. Therefore, the aging of the stack can be accelerated in actual use, which is convenient for subsequent corresponding detection operations.

[0030] In the utility model, a test area is formed between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3; the test area is actually an area for placing the single battery to be tested, which is located between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3, and the control mechanism can control the interval between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3; in subsequent use, under the action of the control mechanism, the anode end plate 2 can move toward the cathode end plate 3, thereby realizing a change in the extrusion force between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3, and then realizing a change in the simulated compression force; at the same time, in subsequent use, the change in the extrusion force between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3 will also cause a change in the compression force on the battery to be tested, thereby accelerating the aging of the battery to be tested; it is convenient for subsequent detection of the durability of the fuel cell or / and the battery stack caused by this reciprocating compression force.

[0031] Furthermore, in the present invention, the screw mechanism includes a plurality of screws 9, and the plurality of screws 9 cooperate with each other to limit the relative positions of the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1. In the present invention, each of the screws 9 is arranged to penetrate the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1; the cathode end plate 3 and the anode end plate 2 can be moved along the axial direction of the screw 9; in order to facilitate the actual movement operation, it is required to set a threaded section at the end of the screw 9, and no threaded section may be set in the middle area of ​​the screw 9. Such an arrangement facilitates the change of the position of the anode end plate 2; in addition, in the present invention, the screw mechanism is generally provided with four screws 9, and the four screws 9 are distributed at the four corners of the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1. Such an arrangement can not only realize the stable connection between the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1, but also avoid the screw 9 occupying the area between the cathode end plate 3, the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1, so as to avoid affecting the subsequent placement operation of the airbag 4 and the battery to be tested.

[0032] In addition, in the present invention, the air cavity bottom plate and each screw rod are connected to each other in a fixed manner. For example, the air cavity bottom plate can be connected to each screw rod through a threaded section, or the air cavity bottom plate can be fixed on each screw rod. The purpose of such a setting is to enable the air cavity bottom plate to play a calibration role, facilitate the control of the initial position of the airbag, ensure the accuracy of subsequent measurements, and avoid the shaking of the air cavity bottom plate affecting subsequent test data.

[0033] In addition, the four screws 9 of the utility model play a good guiding and limiting role, and have an obvious coordination effect with the anode end plate 2, which can ensure the linearity of the subsequent movement of the anode end plate 2 and avoid the deflection of the anode end plate 2 due to local force in the early stage.

[0034] Furthermore, the control mechanism in the present invention includes an airbag 4 arranged between the air cavity bottom plate 1 and the anode end plate 2; the airbag 4 of the present invention is an inflatable structure, which is subsequently connected to an air supply component 1-2, and the air supply component 1-2 supplies air to the airbag 4 to make it bulge. The airbag 4 expands and squeezes the air cavity bottom plate 1 and the anode end plate 2, thereby pushing the anode end plate 2 and forming a corresponding compression force.

[0035] In addition; in the present invention, the air cavity bottom plate 1, the anode end plate 2 and the airbag 4 can be designed as an integrated structure. In other words, the anode end plate 2 of the present invention is connected to the air cavity bottom plate 1 through the airbag 4. Such a setting ensures the integrity of the pneumatic clamp 1-1 to a certain extent, while simplifying the assembly process among the air cavity bottom plate 1, the anode end plate 2 and the airbag 4, facilitating subsequent detection operations, and ensuring the sealing of the connection between the three.

[0036] Furthermore, in the utility model, an airbag air inlet 11 and an airbag air outlet are provided on the air cavity bottom plate 1; the airbag air inlet 11 is connected to the airbag air outlet through the airbag 4; the airbag air inlet 11 is connected to an air supply part; the utility model facilitates the inflation operation of the airbag 4 through the arrangement of the airbag air inlet 11 and the airbag air outlet. At the same time, in the utility model, the airbag air inlet 11 and the airbag air outlet are arranged on the air cavity bottom plate 1, which facilitates the installation and arrangement of the airbag air inlet 11 and the airbag air outlet. In addition, in the utility model, the air supply part is mainly an air supply structure, which is mainly used to perform corresponding air supply operations on the airbag 4 to ensure the air supply operation of the airbag 4; the air supply part can be an external gas cylinder or other air supply structures.

[0037] Furthermore, in the utility model, the cathode end plate 3 is provided with a cathode air inlet 31 and a cathode air outlet; the anode end plate 2 is provided with an anode air inlet 21 and an anode air outlet; the cathode air inlet 31 and the anode air inlet 21 of the utility model are mainly used to supply the corresponding fuel to the single cell to be tested, so as to facilitate the simulation of the working conditions of the fuel cell to be tested.

[0038] Furthermore, in the utility model, the two ends of the airbag 4 are respectively attached to the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1; such a configuration ensures the fit between the two ends of the airbag 4 and the anode end plate 2 and the air cavity bottom plate 1, making it convenient for the airbag 4 to quickly push the anode end plate 2 when it is inflated during subsequent use.

[0039] specific:

[0040] The pneumatic clamp disclosed in the utility model can achieve the clamping and fixing of the fuel cell to be tested. At the same time, the pneumatic clamp disclosed in the utility model can provide a set compression force for the fuel cell. Moreover, the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3 disclosed in the utility model can provide fuel from both ends, so as to facilitate the corresponding detection operation when the fuel cell is working.

[0041] At the same time, the utility model is based on the pneumatic clamp; it can change the traditional fuel cell testing method, and the pneumatic clamp disclosed by the utility model can detect different working conditions of the fuel cell under different compression forces.

[0042] At the same time, the utility model can solve the problem that the assembly pressure cannot be directly measured by controlling the air cavity pressure and size; at the same time, the utility model can achieve accurate regulation of the compression force by controlling the air intake and air exhaust of the corresponding airbag 4.

[0043] The specific implementation plan is:

[0044] The pneumatic clamp disclosed in the utility model mainly comprises an air bag 4, an air cavity bottom plate 1, an anode end plate 2, and a cathode end plate 3.

[0045] The fuel cell to be tested is assembled between the anode end plate 2 and the cathode end plate 3, and then the fuel cell is maintained to set the assembly pressure, and the compression force of the pneumatic clamp is controlled by controlling the pressure of the airbag 4. Specifically, the battery compression force can be controlled by a test bench or an external gas cylinder.

[0046] In the present invention, the air cavity bottom plate 1, the sealed air cavity, the air bag air inlet 11, and the anode end plate 2 constitute the main structure of the air cavity. The gas enters the air bag 4 through the air bag air inlet 11 to ensure the single cell assembly pressure setting.

[0047] At the same time, in order to ensure the sealing effect, the utility model requires that rubber rings be provided between the anode end plate 2 and the air bag 4 and between the air bag 4 and the air cavity bottom plate 1 to ensure the sealing.

[0048] The pneumatic clamp disclosed by the utility model can provide a set compression force for the fuel cell to be tested, and can also conveniently control and adjust the size of the compression force according to needs.

[0049] In addition, the pneumatic clamp of the utility model basically does not require additional components to fix the battery to be tested, which simplifies the assembly of the battery, reduces the difficulty of assembly, and improves work efficiency;

[0050] Example:

[0051] The specific steps are as follows:

[0052] S1: The battery air cavity bottom plate 1 and the anode end plate 2 are integral, and the four extended screws 9 and the anode and cathode end plates 2 are not connected and movable; the air cavity bottom plate 1 is placed flat on the table, and the ventilation column, sealing rubber ring, anode current collector plate 6, anode graphite plate 8, anode sealing gasket, membrane electrode, cathode membrane electrode, anode sealing gasket, cathode graphite plate 7, cathode current collector plate 5, sealing rubber ring ventilation column, cathode end plate 3, and nut 91 are placed on it; and the nut 91 is tightened for a fixed number of turns to ensure the same position;

[0053] S2: Install cathode air inlet pipe, cathode air outlet pipe, anode air inlet pipe, anode air outlet pipe, and air cavity air pipe;

[0054] Place the battery vertically with the air inlet at the top and the air outlet at the bottom;

[0055] S2: Adjust the air cavity pressure to a suitable pressure; that is, the battery compression force can be ensured.

[0056] The battery compression force calculation formula is as follows:

[0057]

[0058] P 装配 : Assembly pressure

[0059] S 气腔面积 : Air cavity area

[0060] P 气胜压力 : Air cavity pressure

[0061] S 石墨板 : Graphite plate contact surface area

[0062] The battery compression force can be regulated by the above formula.

[0063] Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned methods. As long as various non-substantial improvements are made using the method concept and technical solution of the present invention, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell, characterized in that: It includes a cathode end plate, an anode end plate and an air cavity bottom plate, wherein the cathode end plate, the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate are connected by a screw mechanism; a control mechanism is provided between the air cavity bottom plate and the anode end plate; a test area is formed between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate; and the control mechanism can control the interval between the anode end plate and the cathode end plate.

2. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screw mechanism comprises a plurality of screws, each of which is arranged to penetrate the cathode end plate, the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate; the cathode end plate and the anode end plate can move along the axial direction of the screw.

3. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each screw rod is fixedly connected to the air cavity bottom plate.

4. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control mechanism includes an air bag arranged between the air cavity bottom plate and the anode end plate.

5. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: An airbag air inlet and an airbag air outlet are provided on the air cavity bottom plate; the airbag air inlet is connected to the airbag air outlet through the airbag; and the airbag air inlet is connected to an air supply component.

6. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cathode end plate is provided with a cathode air inlet and a cathode air outlet; the anode end plate is provided with an anode air inlet and an anode air outlet.

7. A pneumatic clamp for a fuel cell cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two ends of the air bag are respectively attached to the anode end plate and the air cavity bottom plate.

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