Airtight testing device for flow battery

Abstract

The utility model discloses an airtight testing device for a flow battery. The device comprises a box body; an airtightness detection mechanism; the air tightness detection mechanism comprises a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a third fixing plate and a fourth fixing plate, a second fixing plate; the moving plate is arranged between the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate and located on the other side of the feeding track, a plurality of pressurizing holes corresponding to liquid holes of the to-be-detected electric pile are formed in the moving plate, and the pressurizing holes are connected with an air tightness detection system and used for pressurizing the to-be-detected electric pile; the power source is fixedly arranged on the second fixing plate and used for driving the movable plate to move between the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate. By arranging the feeding mechanism, automatic feeding and automatic discharging of the galvanic pile before and after airtightness detection are achieved, replacement of the galvanic pile is facilitated, one end of a liquid hole of the galvanic pile is plugged and the other end of the liquid hole is pressurized by utilizing movement of the movable plate relative to the first fixed plate, and then the effects of rapid positioning and rapid detection are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to the field of battery testing, and more specifically to a flow battery air tightness testing device. Background Technology

[0002] The large-scale burning of non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, has not only led to an energy crisis but also damaged the Earth's ecological environment, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Therefore, the efficient utilization of renewable energy is urgently needed. To mitigate energy waste caused by the intermittency and instability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, the research and development of large-scale energy storage technologies is becoming increasingly urgent. As a novel electrochemical energy storage device, flow batteries are considered one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage technologies due to their advantages such as capacity-power phase separation, deep charge-discharge capability, long lifespan, safety, and environmental friendliness.

[0003] A flow battery stack is the core component of a flow battery system. It is the site where redox reactions occur in the battery system to achieve energy conversion and storage. The working principle of a flow battery is based on electrochemical reactions. Its main characteristic is that the energy storage medium (electrolyte solution) and the reactive active materials are stored separately and transported to the battery stack by a circulating pump to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0004] Flow batteries are typically composed of multiple flow battery stacks connected in series. A single stack consists of a negative electrode insulating plate, a negative electrode current collector, a negative electrode electrode, a negative electrode frame, an ion-conducting membrane, a positive electrode frame, a positive electrode, a positive electrode current collector, and a positive electrode insulating plate, all manually stacked and pressed together. During assembly, the ion-conducting membrane is fixed to the electrode frame, and hot melt adhesive is used to seal the ion exchange membrane and the electrode frame.

[0005] Since the electrolyte is a flowing liquid, flow batteries require a high degree of sealing. Currently, the airtightness testing of flow batteries mainly relies on manual labor, and the operation of airtight equipment is complex, requiring highly skilled operators. Furthermore, traditional testing methods, which depend on manual operation, suffer from low efficiency, poor sealing accuracy, and difficulty in locating leaks. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a flow battery airtightness testing device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A flow battery airtightness testing device, comprising:

[0009] The box has an opening on any one side of its circumference;

[0010] An airtightness testing mechanism is installed inside the box and has a testing position that corresponds to the opening.

[0011] A feeding track, connecting the detection position and the opening, and partially protruding from the outside of the housing, is used to transport the fuel cell stack under test from outside the housing to the detection position.

[0012] The airtightness testing mechanism includes:

[0013] A first fixing plate is set on one side of the feeding track, and the first fixing plate is provided with a number of sealing mechanisms corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack to be tested;

[0014] A second fixing plate is disposed on the other side of the feeding track, and the second fixing plate is disposed relative to the first fixing plate;

[0015] A movable plate is disposed between the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate and on the other side of the feeding track. The movable plate is provided with a number of pressurization holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack under test. The pressurization holes are connected to the airtightness detection system and are used to pressurize the fuel cell stack under test.

[0016] The power source is fixedly mounted on the second fixed plate and is used to drive the movable plate to move between the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate.

[0017] The feeding track includes:

[0018] A track base equipped with linear guide rails;

[0019] A tooling slide table that can be slidably mounted on the track seat is used to support the fuel cell stack under test;

[0020] A first power mechanism, arranged along the axis of the track seat, is used to drive the tooling slide to slide.

[0021] The tooling slide includes a U-shaped base and a slider disposed at the bottom of the U-shaped base.

[0022] The first fixing plate has several guide strips on the side near the stack under test.

[0023] The first fixing plate is provided with a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack to be tested, and a sealing mechanism is provided in the positioning holes.

[0024] The sealing mechanism includes a sealing component that can be slidably disposed in the positioning hole and a second power mechanism that drives the sealing component to move.

[0025] A plurality of guide rods are provided between the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate. The movable plate is slidably engaged with the guide rods through a guide sleeve, and the movable plate is linked with a power source provided on the second fixed base.

[0026] The pressurization port is equipped with a gas pipe connection assembly with a through hole.

[0027] The tracheal connection assembly includes a tracheal connector and a sealing element disposed at the front end of the tracheal connector.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by setting up a feeding mechanism, the fuel cell stack can be automatically fed and discharged before and after the airtightness test, which facilitates the replacement of the fuel cell stack. At the same time, by using the movement of the moving plate relative to the first fixed plate, one end of the liquid hole of the fuel cell stack can be blocked and the other end can be pressurized, thereby achieving the effect of rapid positioning and rapid detection. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airtightness testing mechanism and the feeding mechanism of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism of this utility model.

[0034] In the diagram, 100 is the housing; 110 is the opening; 200 is the airtightness testing mechanism; 210 is the first fixed plate; 211 is the guide bar; 220 is the second fixed plate; 230 is the moving plate; 240 is the power source; 250 is the guide rod; 260 is the guide sleeve; 300 is the feeding track; 310 is the track seat; 311 is the linear guide rail; 320 is the tooling slide; 321 is the U-shaped seat; 322 is the slider; 330 is the first power mechanism; 400 is the fuel cell stack under test; 500 is the sealing mechanism; 510 is the second power mechanism; 520 is the sealing assembly; 521 is the top rod; 522 is the sealing gasket; 600 is the air pipe connection assembly; 610 is the sealing element; 620 is the air pipe connector; and 630 is the through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a flow battery airtightness testing device, which includes a housing, an airtightness testing mechanism, an airtightness testing system, and a feeding mechanism housed within the housing. The housing is composed of a frame made of profiles, with panels on each side of the frame, forming a square housing. Some panels are connected by hinges or latches, enabling an openable design. Preferably, a human-machine interface panel is provided on the upper surface of the housing, integrating a touchscreen, function buttons, and an audible and visual alarm device. The audible and visual alarm device can use a buzzer, a light-emitting diode, or directly use buttons with light displays. The design of the human-machine interface panel facilitates the operator in setting pressure values ​​and performing operations.

[0038] The enclosure 100 has an opening 110 on any one side of its circumference. The size of the opening is larger than the width and height of the battery pack under test (BUT). Specifically, the Y-axis length of the opening is greater than the Y-axis length (width) of the BUT, and the Z-axis length of the opening is greater than the Z-axis length (height) of the BUT. This allows the BUT to be properly inserted into the enclosure. The X-axis length of the enclosure is greater than the X-axis length (length) of the BUT, ensuring that the entire BUT is inserted into the enclosure. This allows the airtightness test to be performed in a completely isolated space, avoiding any impact on the outside and improving the safety of the entire device.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the airtightness testing mechanism 200 is installed inside the housing 100 and has a testing position. The testing position is corresponding to the opening 110. When the battery pack under test enters the testing position, the airtightness testing mechanism 200 can accurately clamp the battery pack under test, ensuring that the liquid hole position of the battery pack under test is aligned with the sealing mechanism and pressurization hole of the airtightness testing mechanism, thereby performing airtightness testing on the battery pack under test.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the airtightness detection mechanism 200 includes:

[0041] A first fixing plate 210 is provided on one side of the feeding track 300, and the first fixing plate 210 is provided with a plurality of sealing mechanisms 500 corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack 400 to be tested.

[0042] A second fixing plate 220 is disposed on the other side of the feeding track 300, and the second fixing plate 220 is disposed relative to the first fixing plate 210;

[0043] The movable plate 230 is disposed between the first fixed plate 210 and the second fixed plate 220 and is located on the other side of the feeding track 300. The movable plate 230 is provided with a plurality of pressurizing holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack 400 to be tested. The pressurizing holes are connected to the airtightness detection system and are used to pressurize the fuel cell stack 400 to be tested.

[0044] The power source 240 is fixedly mounted on the second fixed plate 220 and is used to drive the moving plate 230 to move between the first fixed plate 210 and the second fixed plate 220. The power source 240 can be a servo motor or a cylinder, depending on the requirements. It is fixedly connected to the moving plate by a push rod, and the movement of the push rod drives the moving plate to move synchronously. When it moves, it can drive the moving plate to approach or move away from the first fixed plate. When it approaches, it presses the battery stack under test between the two. When it moves away, it releases the clamping of the battery stack under test, so that the battery stack under test can enter or leave the detection position.

[0045] A plurality of guide rods 250 are provided between the first fixed plate 210 and the second fixed plate 220. The movable plate 230 is slidably engaged with the guide rods 250 through a guide sleeve 260, and the movable plate 230 is linked with the power source 240 disposed on the second fixed base 220. The design of the guide rods effectively achieves the installation accuracy between the first fixed plate 210, the movable plate 230 and the fuel cell stack under test 400, ensuring that the sealing mechanism, the pressurization hole and the liquid hole of the fuel cell stack under test are precisely aligned and connected, while improving the installation efficiency of the fuel cell stack under test 400.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the feeding track 300 connects the detection position and the opening 110, and is partially exposed outside the housing 100. It is used to transport the battery stack 400 to be tested from outside the housing 100 to the detection position. The feeding track is set in the X direction and partially enters the housing. It can accurately deliver the battery stack to be tested to the detection position. To achieve this purpose, a limit switch can be set, and the tooling slide can be moved to the position to trigger the limit switch to achieve position positioning. Alternatively, the power output of the first power mechanism 330 can be set so that it has two positions, one is the feeding / discharging position and the other is the detection position.

[0047] The feeding track 300 includes a track base, a tooling slide, and a first power mechanism.

[0048] The track seat 310 is equipped with a linear guide rail 311. The track seat includes a base plate and side plates on both sides of the base plate. A space is formed between the two side plates to accommodate the first power mechanism. At the same time, linear guide rails are respectively provided on the two side plates to limit the movement direction of the tooling slide. The two side plates are located on the left and right sides of the X direction, respectively, and play a supporting role. At the same time, it also allows the guide rod of the airtightness detection mechanism to pass through.

[0049] A tooling slide 320, slidably mounted on the track seat 310, is used to support the fuel cell stack 400 under test. The tooling slide 320 includes a U-shaped base 321 and a slider 322 disposed at the bottom of the U-shaped base 321. The U-shaped base includes a base plate and side plates disposed at the front and rear ends of the base plate, forming a space between the two to accommodate the fuel cell stack 400 under test. The side plates are disposed on the front and rear sides in the X direction, so as not to affect the clamping of the fuel cell stack under test by the airtightness testing mechanism.

[0050] A first power mechanism 330 is arranged along the axis of the track seat 310 to drive the tooling slide 320 to slide. The first power mechanism can be a cylinder or a servo motor, which drives the tooling slide to perform corresponding actions by means of a screw drive.

[0051] The first fixing plate 210 has several guide strips 211 on the side near the test stack 400. The guide strips are arranged in the X direction to guide the test stack into the housing. One end of the guide strip extends to the outside of the housing, so that when the test stack is placed, one side of the guide strip contacts the guide strip. When the feeding mechanism is activated, the test stack can be smoothly sent into the detection position without interfering with the first fixing plate.

[0052] The first fixing plate 210 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack 400 under test. A sealing mechanism 500 is provided within each positioning hole. The positioning holes are located at the four ends of the first fixing plate and correspond to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack under test. To ensure the sealing performance of the liquid holes, the sealing mechanism is preferably movable. That is, the sealing mechanism 500 includes a sealing component 520 slidably disposed within the positioning holes and a second power mechanism 510 that drives the sealing component 520 to move. Figure 4 As shown, the second power mechanism uses a motor or cylinder. The sealing assembly includes a top rod 521 that is linked to the power transmission rod of the second power mechanism. One end of the top rod 521 is provided with a sealing gasket 522. In order to better fix the sealing gasket, one end of the top rod has a groove, and the sealing gasket is embedded in the groove to achieve a stable connection between the two. When entering the airtightness test, the second power mechanism drives the corresponding electrode stack 400 under test to move and press the sealing gasket 522 onto the surface of the electrode stack under test and seal the liquid hole on one side of the electrode stack under test. The sealing gasket is preferably larger than the diameter of the liquid hole. Furthermore, the sealing gasket is made of a soft sealing material, such as rubber.

[0053] The other side of the fuel cell stack under test is pressured by a moving plate. The four ends of the moving plate are respectively provided with pressure holes, which are set to correspond to liquid holes. That is, during airtightness testing, the sealing mechanism and the liquid hole (i.e., the oil filling hole) are on the same axis.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressurization port is equipped with a tracheal connection assembly 600 with a through hole 630. The tracheal connection assembly 600 includes a tracheal connector 620 and a sealing element 610 disposed at the front end of the tracheal connector 620. The tracheal connector is T-shaped, serving as a limit, and its rear end is used to connect to the tracheal tube of the airtightness testing system. Its front end is connected to the sealing element. Preferably, an installation groove is provided at the front end of the tracheal connector, and the sealing element is fixedly disposed in the installation groove. When the entire tracheal connection assembly 600 is fixedly disposed in the pressurization port, the sealing element at its front end will be exposed. When the moving plate presses on the electrode stack under test, the sealing element will be squeezed by both, thereby achieving a seal. Preferably, the sealing element has a through hole, and the through hole is correspondingly disposed with the through hole of the tracheal connector. Furthermore, the front diameter of the through hole of the tracheal connector is smaller than the rear diameter, and the two sections are smoothly transitioned to further increase the gas pressure. The sealing element is preferably made of a soft material, such as rubber.

[0055] The specific workflow of this device is as follows:

[0056] When the battery pack under test 400 is loaded into the tooling slide, the tooling slide, driven by the first power mechanism, sends the battery pack under test into the testing position. When the battery pack under test accurately reaches the testing position, the moving plate, driven by the power source, moves towards the battery pack under test, making the sealing element in close contact with the liquid hole of the battery pack under test. At the same time, the second power mechanism of the sealing mechanism drives the sealing gasket to move and seal the liquid hole on the other side of the battery pack under test. At this time, the air tightness detection system is activated to perform an air pressure test on the battery pack under test. After the air pressure test is completed, the pressure is automatically released. At the same time, the moving plate, driven by the power source, moves in the opposite direction. Simultaneously, the tooling slide moves the battery pack that has completed the test back to the initial position, completing the air tightness test. The test results can be output through indicator lights or text display on the human-machine interface.

[0057] This application mainly focuses on the hardware structure, and does not describe the airtightness testing system in detail. It can adopt a conventional airtightness testing system that can achieve positive or negative pressure output. That is, it can use pumps and valves to control and switch between positive and negative pressure, and perform corresponding airtightness testing on the clamped fuel cell stack under test.

[0058] At the same time, pressure can be monitored in real time by setting a pressure sensor. When overpressure occurs, the pressure can be automatically released by controlling the second power mechanism.

[0059] The embodiments should not be regarded as limitations on the present invention, but any improvements made based on the spirit of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow battery gas tightness testing device, characterized in that: It includes: The box (100) has an opening (110) on any one side of its circumference. An airtightness testing mechanism (200) is installed inside the housing (100) and has a testing position that corresponds to the opening (110); A feeding track (300) connects the detection position and the opening (110), and is partially exposed outside the housing (100). It is used to transport the fuel cell stack (400) under test from outside the housing (100) to the detection position. The airtightness testing mechanism (200) includes: A first fixing plate (210) is provided on one side of the feeding track (300), and the first fixing plate (210) is provided with a plurality of sealing mechanisms (500) corresponding to the liquid holes of the fuel cell stack (400) to be tested. A second fixing plate (220) is provided on the other side of the feeding track (300), and the second fixing plate (220) is provided relative to the first fixing plate (210); A movable plate (230) is disposed between the first fixed plate (210) and the second fixed plate (220) and is located on the other side of the feeding track (300). The movable plate (230) is provided with a plurality of pressurizing holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the battery stack (400) under test. The pressurizing holes are connected to the airtightness detection system and are used to pressurize the battery stack (400) under test. The power source (240) is fixedly mounted on the second fixed plate (220) and is used to drive the movable plate (230) to move between the first fixed plate (210) and the second fixed plate (220).

2. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding track (300) includes: A track seat (310) with a linear guide rail (311); A tooling slide (320) that can be slidably mounted on the track seat (310) is used to carry the fuel cell stack (400) under test. A first power mechanism (330) is provided along the axis of the track seat (310) to drive the tooling slide (320) to slide.

3. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tooling slide (320) includes a U-shaped seat (321) and a slider (322) disposed at the bottom of the U-shaped seat (321).

4. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fixing plate (210) has several guide strips (211) on the side near the stack under test (400).

5. A flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The first fixing plate (210) is provided with a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the liquid holes of the battery stack (400) under test, and a sealing mechanism (500) is provided in the positioning holes.

6. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism (500) includes a sealing component (520) that can be slidably disposed in the positioning hole and a second power mechanism (510) that drives the sealing component (520) to move.

7. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of guide rods (250) are provided between the first fixed plate (210) and the second fixed plate (220). The movable plate (230) is in sliding engagement with the guide rods (250) through the guide sleeve (260), and the movable plate (230) is linked with the power source (240) provided on the second fixed plate (220).

8. A flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: The pressurization hole is provided with a tracheal connection assembly (600) having a through hole (630).

9. The flow battery gas tightness testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tracheal connection assembly (600) includes a tracheal connector (620) and a sealing element (610) disposed at the front end of the tracheal connector (620).

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