Electric pile voltage acquisition structure and flow battery

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric pile voltage acquisition structure and a flow battery, and belongs to the technical field of energy storage batteries. The stack voltage acquisition structure comprises an electrode frame, a bipolar plate and a voltage detection connector, the voltage detection connector comprises an electrode contact head and a conductive connector embedded in a voltage detection hole in the electrode frame, and the bipolar plate and the electrode contact head electrically contacted with the bipolar plate are arranged in the electrode frame. The electrode contact head is connected with one end, extending into the electrode frame, of the conductive connector, and the voltage signal acquisition terminal is connected with one end, extending out of the electrode frame, of the conductive connector, so that the voltage signal acquisition terminal can be electrically connected with the bipolar plate conveniently. Moreover, the bipolar plate and the electrode contact head are both arranged in the electrode frame, and the electrode frame is used for supporting and protecting the bipolar plate and the electrode contact head, so that the stability of contact between the electrode contact head and the bipolar plate can be enhanced, and poor contact between the voltage signal acquisition terminal and the bipolar plate is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of energy storage battery technology, and in particular, relates to a stack voltage acquisition structure and a flow battery. Background Technology

[0002] Flow batteries are a new type of energy storage battery. A flow battery stack typically consists of multiple individual cells connected in series. The voltage consistency of the individual cells within the stack is a crucial factor affecting the overall performance of the flow battery stack and system. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the voltage of each individual cell within the stack and transmit the voltage signal to the flow battery controller to understand the stack's operating status, monitor the individual cell voltages, and assess the overall voltage of the stack.

[0003] Currently, for voltage signal acquisition of individual cells within a fuel cell stack, the portion of the bipolar plate extending out of the stack is typically directly connected to the voltage signal acquisition terminal. A snap ring or bolts are then used to fix the voltage signal acquisition terminal to this portion. This method not only presents the problem of cumbersome installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal, but also, because the bipolar plate is thin and brittle, the connection between the bipolar plate and the voltage signal acquisition terminal is prone to breakage under impact and vibration, causing the voltage signal acquisition terminal to detach from the bipolar plate. This results in poor contact between the voltage signal acquisition terminal and the bipolar plate, and damage to the portion of the bipolar plate extending out of the stack. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a voltage acquisition structure for a fuel cell stack, so as to solve the problems in the prior art where the voltage signal acquisition terminal is fixed to the bipolar plate by using a snap ring or bolt, which makes the installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal cumbersome, and the voltage signal acquisition terminal is prone to poor contact with the bipolar plate and easy damage to the extension part of the bipolar plate when subjected to impact and vibration.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a battery stack voltage acquisition structure, comprising:

[0006] Electrode frame;

[0007] Bipolar plates are disposed inside the electrode frame; and

[0008] A voltage detection connector includes an electrode contact head that makes electrical contact with the bipolar plate, and a conductive connector that can electrically connect a voltage signal acquisition terminal to the electrode contact head; the electrode frame is provided with a voltage detection hole, the conductive connector is embedded in the voltage detection hole, one end of the conductive connector extending into the electrode frame is connected to the electrode contact head, and the other end of the conductive connector extending into the outside of the electrode frame is connected to the voltage signal acquisition terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, the conductive connector is a metal probe, which is attached to the voltage detection hole on the electrode frame by metal insert injection molding.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the conductive connector is provided with a groove, and the electrode frame is provided with a corresponding snap-fit ​​part that can engage with the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the groove is an annular sealing groove, and the snap-fit ​​part is an annular snap-fit ​​protrusion adapted to the annular sealing groove. The annular snap-fit ​​protrusion is formed in the annular sealing groove by injection molding.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of grooves is set to two or more, the number of snap-fit ​​parts is consistent with the number of grooves, and the snap-fit ​​parts are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the grooves.

[0013] Furthermore, the conductive connector is a metal probe made of titanium.

[0014] Furthermore, the side of the electrode contact head that contacts the bipolar plate is a plane.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery stack voltage acquisition structure also includes an elastic element capable of pressing the bipolar plate against the electrode contact head, or the battery stack voltage acquisition structure also includes an elastic element capable of pressing the electrode contact head against the bipolar plate, the elastic element being disposed on the electrode frame at a position corresponding to the electrode contact head.

[0016] Furthermore, the voltage detection connector also includes a voltage signal acquisition terminal, which has a socket for the conductive connector to be inserted into, and one end of the conductive connector extending outside the electrode frame is inserted into the socket.

[0017] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a flow battery that solves the problems in the prior art where using snap rings or bolts to fix the voltage signal acquisition terminal to the bipolar plate results in cumbersome installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal, and the voltage signal acquisition terminal is prone to poor contact with the bipolar plate when subjected to impact and vibration.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is to provide a flow battery, including the stack voltage acquisition structure provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model have at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The present invention discloses a voltage acquisition structure for a fuel cell stack and a flow battery. The voltage acquisition structure includes an electrode frame, a bipolar plate, and a voltage detection connector. The voltage detection connector includes an electrode contact head electrically contacting the bipolar plate and a conductive connector embedded in a voltage detection hole on the electrode frame. The bipolar plate and the electrode contact head electrically contacting the bipolar plate are built inside the electrode frame. The electrode contact head is connected to one end of the conductive connector extending into the electrode frame, and the voltage signal acquisition terminal is connected to one end of the conductive connector extending outside the electrode frame. This allows for convenient electrical connection between the voltage signal acquisition terminal and the bipolar plate without the need for a voltage acquisition wire, improving the ease of installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal. Furthermore, since both the bipolar plate and the electrode contact head are placed inside the electrode frame, the electrode frame can provide support and protection for the bipolar plate and the electrode contact head. This not only enhances the structural stability of the contact position between the electrode contact head and the bipolar plate, but also prevents the bipolar plate from being damaged by impacts. It effectively prevents the voltage signal acquisition terminal from detaching from the bipolar plate due to impacts and vibrations caused by damage to the extended part of the bipolar plate, thus avoiding poor contact. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the structure at point A.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the voltage acquisition structure of the fuel cell stack provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the structure at point B.

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode frame with a voltage detection hole provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the voltage detection connector provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7A partial cross-sectional view of a voltage acquisition structure for a fuel cell stack provided in another embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a voltage detection connector provided in another embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a voltage signal acquisition terminal provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0032] 1-Electrode frame; 2-Bipolar plate;

[0033] 3-Voltage detection connector; 31-Electrode contact head; 32-Conductive connector; 33-Voltage signal acquisition terminal; 34-Flat surface;

[0034] 4-Voltage detection hole; 5-Groove; 6-Snap-fit ​​part;

[0035] 7-Elastic element; 8-Socket. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0037] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other element. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Throughout this specification, reference to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," or "in some of these embodiments" appear in various places throughout the specification, and not all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 6 The voltage acquisition structure of the fuel cell stack provided in this embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Please refer to the following references. Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,and Figure 5The voltage acquisition structure of the electrode stack provided in this embodiment includes an electrode frame 1, a bipolar plate 2, and a voltage detection connector 3. The bipolar plate 2 is disposed inside the electrode frame 1, and the electrode frame 1 has a voltage detection hole 4. The voltage detection connector 3 includes an electrode contact head 31 and a conductive connector 32. The electrode contact head 31 is used for electrical contact with the bipolar plate 2, and the conductive connector 32 can electrically connect the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 and the electrode contact head 31. The conductive connector 32 is made of a conductive metal material and can be a cylindrical structure with a circular or elliptical cross-section, or a rod structure with a rectangular or rhomboid cross-section. The conductive connector 32 passes through the voltage detection hole 4 from inside the electrode frame 1 and extends to the outside of the electrode frame 1, and is embedded in the voltage detection hole 4. One end of the conductive connector 32 extending inside the electrode frame 1 is connected to the electrode contact head 31, and the other end extending outside the electrode frame 1 is connected to the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33. During battery charging and discharging, the bipolar plate 2 built into the electrode frame 1 and the electrode contact head 31 built into the electrode frame 1 always maintain electrical contact and will not be affected by external impact or collision, resulting in poor contact. Since the conductive connector 32 is embedded in the voltage detection hole 4 on the electrode frame 1, it is only necessary to connect the electrode contact head 31 to one end of the conductive connector 32 extending into the electrode frame 1, and connect the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 to one end of the conductive connector 32 extending into the electrode frame 1. This allows for convenient electrical connection between the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 and the bipolar plate 2. The voltage of the bipolar plate 2 in the stack structure can be conducted to the conductive connector 32 through the electrode contact head 31. The conductive connector 32 then conducts the voltage to the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 outside the electrode frame 1, thereby realizing the acquisition of the voltage of the individual cells inside the stack and transmitting the voltage signal to the controller of the flow battery, so as to understand the stack operation status, monitor the voltage of the individual cells inside the stack, and the overall voltage status of the stack. Furthermore, both the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31 are built into the electrode frame 1. The electrode frame 1 provides support for the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31, effectively enhancing the structural stability of the contact position between the electrode contact head 31 and the bipolar plate 2. In addition, by building the bipolar plate 2 into the electrode frame 1, the electrode frame 1 can also provide protection for the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31, effectively preventing damage to the bipolar plate 2 from impacts or contact.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the voltage acquisition structure of the fuel cell stack provided in this embodiment includes an electrode frame 1, a bipolar plate 2, and a voltage detection connector 3. The voltage detection connector 3 includes an electrode contact head 31 that is electrically in contact with the bipolar plate 2 and a conductive connector 32 embedded in a voltage detection hole 4 on the electrode frame 1. The bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31 that is electrically in contact with the bipolar plate 2 are built inside the electrode frame 1. The electrode contact head 31 is connected to one end of the conductive connector 32 that extends into the electrode frame 1, and the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 is connected to one end of the conductive connector 32 that extends into the electrode frame 1. The voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 can be conveniently connected to the bipolar plate 2 without the need for a voltage acquisition wire, which improves the ease of installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33. Furthermore, since both the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31 are built inside the electrode frame 1, the electrode frame 1 can provide support and protection for the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode contact head 31. This not only enhances the structural stability of the contact position between the electrode contact head 31 and the bipolar plate 2, but also prevents the bipolar plate 2 from being damaged by impact. It effectively prevents the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 from detaching from the bipolar plate 2 due to damage to the extended part of the bipolar plate 2, resulting in poor contact.

[0041] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the conductive connector 32 is a metal probe. The metal probe is attached to the voltage detection hole 4 on the electrode frame 1 by metal insert injection molding, so that the metal probe and the electrode frame 1 are integrated into a single structure by injection molding. This not only reduces the number of parts, reduces assembly difficulty and improves assembly efficiency, but also enhances the stability of the metal probe embedded in the voltage detection hole 4, preventing the end of the metal probe extending outside the electrode frame 1 from shifting when subjected to impact vibration, thus affecting the stability of the contact between the electrode contact head 31 and the bipolar plate 2.

[0042] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6In some embodiments, a groove 5 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive connector 32, and a corresponding engaging portion 6 is provided on the electrode frame 1 that can engage within the groove 5. When the engaging portion 6 on the electrode frame 1 engages with the groove 5 on the conductive connector 32, it can restrict the axial movement of the conductive connector 32, thereby further enhancing the stability of the metal probe embedded in the voltage detection hole 4, and effectively preventing the end of the metal probe extending outside the electrode frame 1 from axially shifting under impact and vibration, thus affecting the stability of the contact between the electrode contact head 31 and the bipolar plate 2. It should be noted that the groove 5 on the conductive connector 32 is located in the voltage detection hole 4, and the engaging portion 6 is formed on the inner wall of the voltage detection hole 4 on the electrode frame 1. When the engaging portion 6 is tightly engaged in the groove 5, it can also form a sealing structure, effectively preventing electrolyte leakage through the assembly gap between the metal probe and the voltage detection hole 4, thereby improving the overall sealing performance of the stack voltage acquisition structure. Furthermore, to achieve multiple seals and further improve sealing performance, multiple grooves 5 can be recessed on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive connector 32, with the multiple grooves 5 spaced apart along the axial direction of the conductive connector 32. Correspondingly, multiple locking parts 6 are provided on the inner wall of the voltage detection hole 4 on the electrode frame 1. The number of locking parts 6 can be consistent with the number of grooves 5, and the locking parts 6 and grooves 5 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0043] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, in order to further improve the sealing and stability between the conductive connector 32 and the voltage detection hole 4, the groove 5 on the electrical connector is an annular sealing groove, and the snap-fit ​​part 6 on the electrode frame 1 is an annular snap-fit ​​protrusion adapted to the annular sealing groove. The annular snap-fit ​​protrusion is formed in the annular sealing groove by injection molding.

[0044] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the conductive connector 32 is a metal probe made of titanium, which ensures that the metal probe has sufficient strength and toughness, increases its own resistance to damage, and also ensures good conductivity. It should be noted that the metal probe can be made of, but is not limited to, titanium, and can also be made of, but is not limited to, nickel, chromium, copper, titanium alloy, stainless steel, corrosion-resistant metals, etc.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the side of the electrode contact 31 that contacts the bipolar plate 2 is a flat surface 34. This increases the contact area between the electrode contact 31 and the bipolar plate 2 and prevents the electrode contact 31 from scratching the bipolar plate 2. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the side of the electrode contact 31 that contacts the bipolar plate 2 can also be an arc surface convex towards the bipolar plate, further preventing scratches. The electrode contact 31 can be integrally formed with the conductive connector 32 using the same material to enhance the stability of the connection between the electrode contact 31 and the conductive connector 32.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the battery stack voltage acquisition structure further includes an elastic element 7 capable of pressing the bipolar plate 2 against the electrode contact head 31. The elastic element 7 is disposed on the electrode frame 1 at a position corresponding to the electrode contact head 31, and the elastic element 7 and the electrode contact head 31 are located on different sides of the bipolar plate 2. By providing the elastic element 7 at the position corresponding to the electrode contact head 31 on the electrode frame 1, when the electrode contact head 31 presses against the side of the bipolar plate 2 away from the elastic element 7, the elastic element 7 can form an elastic abutment on the side of the bipolar plate 2 away from the electrode contact head 31. On the one hand, this can prevent the bipolar plate 2 from being excessively deformed by the pressing action of the electrode contact head 31. On the other hand, it can ensure that the bipolar plate 2 always maintains preload and contact with the electrode contact head 31, which helps to prevent the electrode contact head 31 from detaching from the bipolar plate 2 and causing poor contact. It should be noted that the number of elastic elements 7 can be more than two, and the elastic element 7 can be, but is not limited to, elastic elements such as rubber pads and springs.

[0047] Understandably, in some other embodiments, the stack voltage acquisition structure also includes an elastic element 7 that can press the electrode contact head 31 against the bipolar plate 2. The elastic element 7 is located on the electrode frame 1 at the position corresponding to the electrode contact head 31, and the elastic element 7 and the electrode contact head 31 are respectively located on the same side of the bipolar plate 2. The elastic force of the elastic element 7 presses the electrode contact head 31 against the bipolar plate 2, so that the electrode contact head 31 always maintains a preload and contacts the bipolar plate 2, which helps to prevent the electrode contact head 31 from separating from the bipolar plate 2 and causing poor contact.

[0048] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9In some other embodiments, the voltage detection connector 3 further includes a voltage signal acquisition terminal 33. The voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 has a socket 8 for inserting a conductive connector 32. One end of the conductive connector 32 extending outside the electrode frame 1 is inserted into the socket 8. In this embodiment, the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 and the conductive connector 32 are electrically connected by a plug-in connection, which eliminates the need for a voltage acquisition wire and allows for convenient electrical connection between the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33 and the bipolar plate 2, improving the ease of installation of the voltage signal acquisition terminal 33.

[0049] This utility model embodiment also provides a flow battery, which includes the stack voltage acquisition structure provided in any of the above embodiments. Since the flow battery possesses all the technical features of the stack voltage acquisition structure provided in any of the above embodiments, it has the same technical effects as the aforementioned stack voltage acquisition structure.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A voltage acquisition structure for a fuel cell stack, characterized in that, include: Electrode frame; A bipolar plate is disposed inside the electrode frame; as well as A voltage detection connector includes an electrode contact head that makes electrical contact with the bipolar plate, and a conductive connector that can electrically connect a voltage signal acquisition terminal to the electrode contact head; the electrode frame is provided with a voltage detection hole, the conductive connector is embedded in the voltage detection hole, one end of the conductive connector extending into the electrode frame is connected to the electrode contact head, and the other end of the conductive connector extending into the outside of the electrode frame is connected to the voltage signal acquisition terminal.

2. The fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive connector is a metal probe, which is attached to the voltage detection hole on the electrode frame by metal insert injection molding.

3. The stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the conductive connector is provided with a groove, and the electrode frame is provided with a corresponding snap-fit ​​part that can be engaged in the groove.

4. The fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The groove is an annular sealing groove, and the snap-fit ​​part is an annular snap-fit ​​protrusion adapted to the annular sealing groove. The annular snap-fit ​​protrusion is formed in the annular sealing groove by injection molding.

5. The fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The number of grooves is set to two or more, and the number of snap-fit ​​parts is consistent with the number of grooves. The snap-fit ​​parts are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the grooves.

6. The fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive connector is a metal probe made of titanium.

7. The fuel cell stack voltage acquisition structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the electrode contact head that contacts the bipolar plate is a flat surface.

8. The fuel cell voltage acquisition structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The voltage acquisition structure of the fuel cell stack also includes an elastic element that can press the bipolar plate against the electrode contact head, or the voltage acquisition structure of the fuel cell stack also includes an elastic element that can press the electrode contact head against the bipolar plate, and the elastic element is disposed on the electrode frame at a position corresponding to the electrode contact head.

9. The fuel cell voltage acquisition structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The voltage detection connector further includes a voltage signal acquisition terminal, which has a socket for the conductive connector to be inserted into. One end of the conductive connector extending outside the electrode frame is inserted into the socket.

10. A flow battery, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell voltage acquisition structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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