A SOFC stack compression mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of solid oxide fuel cell, specifically disclose a SOFC electric pile pressing mechanism, including upper end plate, lower end plate, a plurality of pull rod components and locking nut, the pull rod component is through upper end plate and lower end plate and is fixed through locking nut with lower end plate, still include detachable connection on the high temperature displacement sensor of upper end plate and lower end plate, the pull rod component is slidably connected with pressure self -adaptation component on the top of upper end plate, pressure self -adaptation component and high temperature displacement sensor electricity is connected, the pressure self -adaptation component includes the base and sets up pressure mechanism on the base, and pressure mechanism and upper end plate contact and with the contact position of upper end plate is provided with high temperature film pressure sensor, and the device solves the problem that traditional SOFC electric pile pressing mechanism cannot compensate pressure along with the deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cell technology, and specifically discloses an SOFC stack clamping mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] SOFC is a solid oxide fuel cell. It is a high-tech power generation device that converts fuel directly into electricity without burning fire or rotating impeller. Its structure is like a layered cake, with a layer of power generation plate, a layer of conductive plate and a layer of sealing gasket, stacked one after another. When there are many stacks, it is called SOFC stack.

[0003] It operates at high temperatures, ranging from 600℃ to 850℃, classifying it as a high-temperature power generation system. The reason for the need for an OFC stack clamping mechanism is that the contact between the generator plates and the conductive plates must be tight, preventing hydrogen or air from flowing freely between them. Therefore, the OFC stack requires a clamping mechanism, which serves the following functions: clamping the stack layer by layer to ensure good contact, smooth power generation, and sealing to prevent gas leakage, ensuring safety and high efficiency; at high temperatures, the stack will expand and deform, and the clamping mechanism must adapt accordingly, neither loosening nor bursting; and it must remain stable for long-term use, ensuring the stack can last for thousands or tens of thousands of hours.

[0004] Existing clamping structures suffer from the following problems: mismatch between thermal expansion and contraction, and poor stability during thermal cycling. As is well known, fuel cell stacks expand when heated and contract when cooled. The expansion coefficients of the metal frame and tie rods in the clamping structure are completely different from those of the SOFC fuel cell stack. Either the clamping is too tight and cracks the battery, or it is too loose and leaks air. Currently, existing clamping structures are purely rigid and lack self-adaptive capabilities, failing to compensate for pressure with deformation. This leads to the clamping structure inevitably loosening after multiple thermal cycles of the SOFC fuel cell stack, resulting in damage to the SOFC fuel cell stack. In view of this, this utility model provides an SOFC fuel cell stack clamping mechanism to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that traditional SOFC stack clamping mechanisms cannot compensate for pressure with deformation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following basic solution:

[0007] An SOFC stack clamping mechanism includes an upper end plate, a lower end plate, several tie rod assemblies, and a locking nut. The tie rod assemblies pass through the upper end plate and the lower end plate, and the lower end plate is fixed by the locking nut. The mechanism also includes a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor detachably connected to the upper end plate and the lower end plate. A pressure adaptive component is slidably connected to the tie rod assembly located above the upper end plate. The pressure adaptive component is electrically connected to the high-temperature resistant displacement sensor.

[0008] The pressure adaptive component includes a base and a pressure mechanism mounted on the base. The pressure mechanism contacts the upper end plate, and a high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is provided at the contact position with the upper end plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the pull rod assembly includes, from bottom to top, a threaded rod, a first sliding rod, and a second sliding rod. The threaded rod, the first sliding rod, and the second sliding rod are integrally formed. The threaded rod is threadedly connected to the locking nut. The upper end plate is slidably connected to the first sliding rod. The pressure mechanism is slidably connected to the second sliding rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower end plate has a groove at the end near the upper end plate for placing the SOFC stack.

[0011] Furthermore, the high-temperature resistant displacement sensor includes a high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter and a high-temperature resistant displacement receiver target, which are respectively installed at the bottom of the upper end plate and the top of the lower end plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the bottom of the upper end plate and the top of the lower end plate are respectively provided with several mounting slots on the outside of the pull rod assembly. The high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver target are connected to the mounting slots. A first connecting slot and a second connecting slot are respectively provided on the outside of the mounting slots. The assembly also includes a first transparent protective shell and a second transparent protective shell. The first transparent protective shell and the second transparent protective shell are threadedly connected to the first connecting slot and the second connecting slot.

[0013] Furthermore, the pressure mechanism includes a cylinder and a force-applying block connected to the cylinder. Several force-equalizing rods are fixed to the free end of the force-equalizing block, and pressure blocks are fixed to the free ends of the force-equalizing rods. A pressure groove is opened at the end of the upper end plate away from the lower end plate. The size of the pressure groove is equal to the size of the pressure block. The high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is installed in the pressure groove.

[0014] Furthermore, connecting screws are provided at both ends of the base, and the base is connected to the second sliding rod by the connecting screws.

[0015] Furthermore, the pressure adaptive assembly also includes a controller for controlling the cylinder, the controller being electrically connected to a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor, the force-bearing end of the high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor facing the upper and lower end plates.

[0016] Furthermore, when the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver is shortened, the cylinder is activated to replenish pressure; when the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver is lengthened, the cylinder is reset and depressurized.

[0017] The principle and effect of this solution are as follows:

[0018] 1. Compared with existing technologies, this device has a simple structure and ingenious design. It monitors the deformation and displacement of the fuel cell stack under high-temperature conditions in real time through a high-temperature displacement sensor. In conjunction with the controller, it automatically controls the cylinder to replenish or reduce pressure, solving the problem of unbalanced clamping force caused by thermal expansion and contraction and material creep of the fuel cell stack. This ensures the long-term stable operation of the fuel cell stack. A high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is set at the contact point between the upper end plate and the pressure mechanism. It can collect the actual clamping force data in real time and realize closed-loop control of displacement and pressure parameters. This avoids damage to the fuel cell stack due to excessive pressure or poor contact and reduced airtightness due to insufficient pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 This application illustrates an embodiment of an SOFC stack clamping mechanism. Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B;

[0022] Figure 3 This application illustrates an embodiment of an SOFC stack clamping mechanism. Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0024] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: SOFC stack 1, threaded rod 2, locking nut 3, lower end plate 4, groove 5, upper end plate 6, first transparent protective shell 7, second transparent protective shell 8, first sliding rod 9, second sliding rod 10, force application block 11, force equalizing rod 12, cylinder 13, base 14, connecting screw 15, pressure block 16, pressure groove 17, first connecting groove 18, high-temperature displacement transmitter 19, second connecting groove 20, and high-temperature displacement receiving target 21.

[0025] Implementation, for example Figures 1-3 As shown:

[0026] An SOFC stack clamping mechanism includes an upper end plate 6, a lower end plate 4, several tie rod assemblies, and a locking nut 3. The tie rod assemblies pass through the upper end plate 6 and the lower end plate 4, and the lower end plate 4 is fixed by the locking nut 3. The mechanism also includes a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor detachably connected to the upper end plate 6 and the lower end plate 4. A pressure adaptive component is slidably connected to the tie rod assembly located above the upper end plate 6. The pressure adaptive component is electrically connected to the high-temperature resistant displacement sensor. The pressure adaptive component includes a base 14 and a pressure mechanism disposed on the base 14. The pressure mechanism contacts the upper end plate 6, and a high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is disposed at the contact position with the upper end plate 6.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the pull rod assembly includes, from bottom to top, a threaded rod 2, a first sliding rod 9, and a second sliding rod 10. The threaded rod 2, the first sliding rod 9, and the second sliding rod 10 are integrally formed. The threaded rod 2 is threadedly connected to the locking nut 3. The upper end plate 6 is slidably connected to the first sliding rod 9. The pressure mechanism is slidably connected to the second sliding rod 10.

[0028] Specifically: The tie rod assembly is used first, and then the upper end plate 6 and the lower end plate 4 are installed based on the tie rod assembly. Then the locking nut 3 is used. The locking nut 3 is screwed in from the bottom of the threaded rod 2. The position where it stops screwing in is the fixed position of the lower end plate 4. At this time, the lower end plate 4 is fixed to the threaded rod 2 by the locking nut 3.

[0029] Next, a groove 5 for placing the SOFC stack 1 is opened at the end of the lower end plate 4 near the upper end plate 6. The purpose of the groove 5 is to limit the SOFC stack 1 to the left and right, so as to prevent the SOFC stack 1 from swaying left and right.

[0030] Next, a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor is installed. The high-temperature resistant displacement sensor includes a high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and a high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21, which are respectively installed at the bottom of the upper end plate 6 and the top of the lower end plate 4.

[0031] First, install the high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21. Several mounting slots are respectively opened on the bottom of the upper end plate 6 and the top of the lower end plate 4 on the outside of the tie rod assembly. The high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21 are connected to the mounting slots. The specific connection method is threaded connection. Therefore, the model of the high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21 is OPTCCD, which has the characteristic of being resistant to ultra-high temperature.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, multiple high-temperature resistant displacement transmitters 19 and high-temperature resistant displacement receivers 21 are selected. The data generated by the multiple high-temperature resistant displacement transmitters 19 and high-temperature resistant displacement receivers 21 are averaged through a multi-channel high-temperature displacement signal acquisition module. The model of the multi-channel high-temperature displacement signal acquisition module is Advantech ADAM-3016 multi-channel displacement signal conditioning module.

[0033] After the high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21 are installed, the corresponding high-temperature resistant protective shell is then installed, specifically as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first connecting groove 18 and a second connecting groove 20 are respectively opened on the outside of the mounting groove, and a first transparent protective shell 7 and a second transparent protective shell 8 are also included. The first transparent protective shell 7 and the second transparent protective shell 8 are threadedly connected to the first connecting groove 18 and the second connecting groove 20. The first transparent protective shell 7 and the second transparent protective shell 8 can be used to protect the corresponding high-temperature displacement transmitter 19 and high-temperature displacement receiver target 21.

[0034] Then, connecting screws 15 are provided at both ends of the base 14. The base 14 is connected to the second sliding rod 10 by the connecting screws 15. Then, the pressure mechanism is installed. The pressure mechanism includes a cylinder 13 and a force-applying block 11 connected to the cylinder 13. The cylinder 13 is fixed on the base 14. Several force-equalizing rods 12 are fixedly connected to the free end of the force-equalizing rod 11. Pressure blocks 16 are fixedly connected to the free end of the force-equalizing rod 12. A pressure groove 17 is opened at the end of the upper end plate 6 away from the lower end plate 4. The size of the pressure groove 17 is equal to the size of the pressure block 16. The high-temperature resistant thin film pressure sensor is installed in the pressure groove 17.

[0035] The pressure generated by cylinder 13 is applied to force equalizing rod 12 through force applying block 11, and then to pressure block 16 through force equalizing rod 12. Finally, the force on pressure block 16 is applied to pressure groove 17.

[0036] The pressure adaptive assembly also includes a controller for controlling cylinder 13, which is electrically connected to a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor, the force-receiving end of which faces the upper end plate 6 and the lower end plate 4. Specifically: when the distance between the high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21 shortens, cylinder 13 starts to compensate for pressure; when the distance between the high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature resistant displacement receiver 21 lengthens, cylinder 13 resets and depressurizes.

[0037] Specific implementation process:

[0038] The first step is to install the device by placing the SOFC stack 1 in the groove 5. At this time, the bottom of the SOFC stack 1 is in contact with the lower end plate 4, and the top of the SOFC stack 1 is in contact with the upper end plate 6. Then, the cylinder 13 is activated, and the cylinder 13 generates a force that acts on the upper end plate 6 and then on the SOFC stack 1 to press the SOFC stack 1. At this time, the controller is electrically connected to the cylinder 13 and the high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor. The controller feeds back the value of the force generated by the cylinder 13 to the monitoring system through the high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor, and the monitoring system records this data.

[0039] The second step involves the SOFC stack 1 undergoing deformation during operation, including expansion and contraction. In the case of contraction, the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature displacement receiver 21 shortens, and the lower end plate 4 moves downward. Since the force-bearing end of the high-temperature thin-film pressure sensor faces the upper end plate 6 and the lower end plate 4, the pressure value of the high-temperature thin-film pressure sensor disappears. At this time, the shortening of the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature displacement receiver 21 serves as the start signal for the controller, causing the cylinder 13 to continue extending, thus causing the pressure value of the high-temperature thin-film pressure sensor to reappear until it is the same as the initial value of the high-temperature thin-film pressure sensor. Then, the cylinder 13 stops extending.

[0040] Third, if it is expansion, the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature displacement receiver 21 will increase, causing the value of the high-temperature thin film pressure sensor to increase. At this time, the increased distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter 19 and the high-temperature displacement receiver 21 serves as the start signal for the controller, causing the cylinder 13 to retract, thus reducing the pressure value of the high-temperature thin film pressure sensor to the initial value, ensuring that the pressure decreases.

[0041] By implementing adaptive clamping pressure of SOFC stack 1 through the second and third steps, this device solves the problem that the traditional SOFC stack 1 clamping mechanism cannot compensate for pressure with deformation.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A SOFC stack clamping mechanism, comprising an upper end plate, a lower end plate, a plurality of tie rod assemblies, and a locking nut, wherein the tie rod assemblies pass through the upper end plate and the lower end plate, and the lower end plate is fixed by the locking nut, characterized in that, It also includes a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor that is detachably connected to the upper end plate and the lower end plate, and a pressure adaptive component is slidably connected to the pull rod assembly located above the upper end plate. The pressure adaptive component is electrically connected to the high-temperature resistant displacement sensor. The pressure adaptive component includes a base and a pressure mechanism mounted on the base. The pressure mechanism contacts the upper end plate, and a high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is provided at the contact position with the upper end plate.

2. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull rod assembly includes, from bottom to top, a threaded rod, a first sliding rod, and a second sliding rod. The threaded rod, the first sliding rod, and the second sliding rod are integrally formed. The threaded rod is threadedly connected to a locking nut. The upper end plate is slidably connected to the first sliding rod. The pressure mechanism is slidably connected to the second sliding rod.

3. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end plate has a groove at the end near the upper end plate for placing the SOFC stack.

4. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The high-temperature resistant displacement sensor includes a high-temperature resistant displacement transmitter and a high-temperature resistant displacement receiver, which are respectively installed at the bottom of the upper end plate and the top of the lower end plate.

5. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the upper end plate and the top of the lower end plate are respectively provided with several mounting slots on the outside of the tie rod assembly. The high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver target are connected to the mounting slots. A first connecting slot and a second connecting slot are respectively provided on the outside of the mounting slots. The assembly also includes a first transparent protective shell and a second transparent protective shell. The first transparent protective shell and the second transparent protective shell are threadedly connected to the first connecting slot and the second connecting slot.

6. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure mechanism includes a cylinder and a force-applying block connected to the cylinder. Several force-equalizing rods are fixed to the free end of the force-equalizing block, and pressure blocks are fixed to the free ends of the force-equalizing rods. A pressure groove is opened at the end of the upper end plate away from the lower end plate. The size of the pressure groove is equal to the size of the pressure block. The high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor is installed in the pressure groove.

7. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base is provided with connecting screws at both ends, and the base is connected to the second sliding rod by the connecting screws.

8. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure adaptive assembly also includes a controller for controlling the cylinder, the controller being electrically connected to a high-temperature resistant displacement sensor, the force-bearing end of the high-temperature resistant thin-film pressure sensor facing the upper and lower end plates.

9. The SOFC stack clamping mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver is shortened, the cylinder is activated to replenish pressure; when the distance between the high-temperature displacement transmitter and the high-temperature displacement receiver is lengthened, the cylinder is reset and depressurized.

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