A batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of batch leak detection system of fuel cell membrane electrode. The batch leak detection system includes press, sealing assembly being arranged in the press, gas pipeline system being connected with the sealing assembly, wherein: the sealing assembly includes upper die plate, lower die plate and multiple independent detection stations being arranged between the upper die plate and the lower die plate, each the independent detection station is respectively used to carry a piece of membrane electrode and is equipped with independent sealing detection cavity;The gas pipeline system includes main air inlet path and main exhaust path, wherein, the main air inlet path is connected with multiple parallel independent gas branch, each independent gas branch is communicated with the sealing detection cavity of one independent detection station, thus through the batch leak detection system can carry out batch leak detection to multiple membrane electrodes, to improve the leak detection efficiency of membrane electrode, to solve the problems in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and specifically to a batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells are clean energy devices that directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. With their high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and zero carbon emissions, they have broad application prospects in fields such as new energy vehicles and distributed power generation.

[0003] Among the many components of a hydrogen fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the core site of electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell, and therefore undoubtedly a key factor determining its performance ceiling and lifespan. The MEA typically employs a three-layer structure, with a proton exchange membrane in the middle, flanked by an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer. This allows for the catalysis of hydrogen oxidation at the anode and oxygen reduction at the cathode, thereby achieving the direct conversion of hydrogen energy into electrical energy through a series of precise electrochemical reactions, providing a fundamental guarantee for the stable output of the fuel cell.

[0004] Because the MEA (Mechanical Engineering Assembly) comes into contact with hydrogen and oxygen-containing air on its two sides during hydrogen fuel cell operation, and is located in the core environment of the electrochemical reaction, preventing MEA leakage is a critical technical requirement that must be met. To prevent potentially leaking MEA from flowing into subsequent assembly processes and thus affecting the operating performance and lifespan of the hydrogen fuel cell, leak detection of the MEA is necessary before and after hydrogen fuel cell assembly.

[0005] In the prior art, patent 202122467041.X (rapid visible membrane electrode leak detection device) discloses a leak detection device, which can be used to detect leaks in MEAs; in addition, patent 202010625159.8 (membrane electrode leakage measurement device and measurement method) also discloses a method and device for detecting MEA leakage.

[0006] However, the existing MEA leak detection technologies mainly target individual MEAs, which can only detect leaks or leakage amounts in a single MEA, resulting in low detection efficiency and failing to meet the actual needs for efficient leak detection of MEAs in the industrial production of hydrogen fuel cells. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes, which aims to solve the technical problems in the related technology to a certain extent.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] This application provides a batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies, including a compressor, a sealing assembly disposed on the compressor, and a gas pipeline system connected to the sealing assembly, wherein:

[0010] The sealing assembly includes an upper template, a lower template, and multiple independent testing stations disposed between the upper template and the lower template. Each of the independent testing stations is used to support a membrane electrode and is provided with an independent sealing testing cavity.

[0011] The gas pipeline system includes a main intake path and a main exhaust path. The main intake path is connected to multiple parallel independent gas branches, and each independent gas branch is connected to a sealed detection chamber of an independent detection station.

[0012] Preferably, the main intake path is provided with a second control valve and a second pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor being located downstream of the second control valve.

[0013] Preferably, each independent gas branch is provided with a first control valve and a first pressure sensor, and the first pressure sensor on each independent gas branch is located downstream of the first control valve.

[0014] Preferably, the main exhaust path is equipped with a third control valve.

[0015] Preferably, the independent testing station includes a testing plate, the upper or lower surface of which is provided with a groove to form the sealed testing cavity; and,

[0016] A sealing ring groove is provided around the periphery of the groove.

[0017] Preferably, the lower surface of the upper template is provided with a sealing ring groove; and,

[0018] The upper surface of the lower template is provided with a sealing ring groove.

[0019] Preferably, each independent testing station is stacked between the upper template and the lower template.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: The batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes provided in the embodiments of this application includes a compressor, a sealing assembly disposed on the compressor, and a gas pipeline system connected to the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes an upper template, a lower template, and multiple independent detection stations disposed between the upper and lower templates. Each independent detection station is used to support a membrane electrode and has an independent sealing detection chamber. The gas pipeline system includes a main inlet path and a main exhaust path. The main inlet path is connected to multiple parallel independent gas branches. Each independent gas branch is connected to the sealing detection chamber of an independent detection station. Therefore, this batch leak detection system can perform batch leak detection on multiple membrane electrodes, thereby improving the leak detection efficiency of the membrane electrodes and solving the problems in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the specific structure of the independent gas branch in the fuel cell system of the batch leak detection system provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the specific structure of the independent testing station in the batch leak detection system provided in this application.

[0024] In the above diagram: 1-compressor; 2-sealing assembly; 3-gas pipeline system; 21-upper template; 22-lower template; 23-independent testing station; 231-test plate; 232-groove; 233-sealing ring groove; 31-main air inlet; 311-second control valve; 312-second pressure sensor; 32-main exhaust; 321-third control valve; 33-independent gas branch; 331-first control valve; 332-first pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0028] As mentioned earlier, the existing MEA leak detection technologies mainly target individual MEAs, which can only detect leaks or leakage amounts in a single MEA, resulting in low leak detection efficiency and failing to meet the actual needs for efficient leak detection of MEAs in the industrial production scenario of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0029] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrodes, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows the specific structure of the batch leak detection system, which includes a compressor 1, a sealing assembly 2, and a gas pipeline system 3.

[0030] The sealing component 2 is installed on the press 1, so that the press 1 can compress the sealing component 2. The gas pipeline system 3 is connected to the sealing component 2, so that when leak testing is performed, air can be introduced into the sealing component 2 through the gas pipeline system 3 and the press 1 can compress the sealing component 2, thereby creating testing conditions for batch leak testing of MEA. The specific structure of each component will be further explained later.

[0031] The sealing assembly 2 includes an upper template 21, a lower template 22, and multiple independent testing stations 23 disposed between the upper template 21 and the lower template 22. Each independent testing station 23 is used to support a membrane electrode and has an independent sealing testing chamber. The gas pipeline system 3 includes a main air inlet 31 and a main air outlet 32. The main air inlet 31 is connected to multiple parallel independent gas branches 33, and each independent gas branch 33 is connected to the sealing testing chamber of an independent testing station 23.

[0032] This allows multiple membrane electrodes to be placed in an independent testing station 23 for independent testing. Specifically, multiple membrane electrodes can be placed in an independent testing station 23, and air can be injected into the sealed testing chamber of each independent testing station 23 through the main air inlet 31 and each independent gas branch 33 in the gas pipeline system 3. The air leakage can then be detected to determine whether there is a leak in the multiple membrane electrodes. For example, if there is no air leakage, then there is no leak in the multiple membrane electrodes; or if there is an air leakage, then at least one of the multiple membrane electrodes is leaking. In this way, membrane electrodes can be batch leak-tested.

[0033] In practical applications, after air is injected into the sealed detection chambers of each independent detection station 23, it is necessary to detect the air leakage to determine whether there is a leak in the multi-film electrode. Since it is not necessary to detect the specific amount and rate of air leakage, but only whether there is an air leak, there are multiple ways to achieve this. For example, soapy water can be applied to the outer surface of each independent detection station 23, and the presence of air leakage can be determined by observing whether the soapy water foams. If the soapy water foams, it indicates that there is an air leak.

[0034] Of course, another method can be used in the embodiment to detect the presence of air leakage. Specifically, it can be based on pressure holding to detect air leakage, such as combining... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first control valve 331 and a first pressure sensor 332 can be installed on each independent gas branch 33. The first pressure sensor 332 on each independent gas branch 33 is located downstream of the first control valve 331. After opening the first control valve 331 and injecting air into the sealed detection chamber of the independent detection station 23 through the independent gas branch 33, the first control valve 331 can be closed to maintain pressure, and the pressure values ​​of each first pressure sensor 332 can be observed simultaneously. If the pressure value of a certain first pressure sensor 332 continuously decreases, it indicates that there is a leak in the MEA of the corresponding independent gas branch 33. Conversely, if the pressure value of a certain first pressure sensor 332 remains unchanged or basically unchanged (meaning that the decrease meets the engineering requirements), it indicates that there is no air leak in the MEA of the corresponding independent gas branch 33.

[0035] The aforementioned pressure-holding method requires a first control valve 331 and a first pressure sensor 332 to be installed on each independent gas branch 33. Since the first pressure sensor 332 is relatively expensive, this can easily lead to high costs. Based on the same pressure-holding principle, another method can be provided to detect air leaks. In this case, a second control valve 311 and a second pressure sensor 312 can be installed on the main intake duct 31, with the second pressure sensor 312 located downstream of the second control valve 311. When it is necessary to detect whether there is an air leak, the second control valve 311 can be closed, and all first control valves 331 can be kept in the open state (with the first control valves 331 installed). Then, pressure holding is performed, and the pressure value of the second pressure sensor 312 is monitored simultaneously. If the pressure value of the second pressure sensor 312 continuously decreases, it indicates that there is an air leak; conversely, if the pressure value of the second pressure sensor 312 remains unchanged or essentially unchanged (the decrease meets engineering requirements), it indicates that there is no air leak. This method of pressure holding and air leakage detection is relatively low in cost, but it is difficult to locate the specific MEA that is leaking at once. In practical applications, if a leak occurs, the opening and closing of each first control valve 331 can be controlled separately to detect each MEA in sequence or to detect multiple MEAs in groups, thereby ultimately locating the specific MEA that is leaking.

[0036] In addition, after the leak detection is completed, each of the first control valves 331 can be opened to make each one open, and then the main exhaust passage 32 can be used to release pressure and exhaust air. The main exhaust passage 32 can be equipped with a third control valve 321 to control the opening or closing of the main exhaust passage 32.

[0037] The structure of the independent testing station 23 provided in the embodiments of this application can be further described in detail here, such as... Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the independent testing station 23, which includes a testing plate 231. The upper or lower surface of the testing plate 231 is provided with a groove 232 to form a sealed testing cavity. Since the MEA is covered in the sealed testing cavity and pressurized (air is introduced) to detect MEA leakage, it is necessary to further increase the sealing between the MEA and the testing plate 231 and reduce lateral leakage. Therefore, a sealing ring groove 233 can be provided around the groove 232, and a plastic sealing ring can be placed in the sealing ring groove 233 to increase the sealing between the MEA and the testing plate 231.

[0038] Similarly, the lower surface of the upper template 21 can also be provided with the sealing ring groove 233, and the upper surface of the lower template 22 can also be provided with the sealing ring groove 233. In practical applications, plastic sealing rings can be set in these sealing ring grooves 233, and then pressurized by the press 1 to avoid air leakage from the side, thereby increasing the accuracy of the test results.

[0039] In addition, each independent testing station 23 in this embodiment can be stacked between the upper template 21 and the lower template 22 to increase space utilization.

[0040] The batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies provided in this application includes a compressor 1, a sealing assembly 2 disposed on the compressor 1, and a gas pipeline system 3 connected to the sealing assembly 2. The sealing assembly 2 includes an upper template 21, a lower template 22, and multiple independent detection stations 23 disposed between the upper template 21 and the lower template 22. Each independent detection station 23 is used to support a membrane electrode and has an independent sealing detection chamber. The gas pipeline system 3 includes a main air inlet 31 and a main air outlet 32. The main air inlet 31 is connected to multiple parallel independent gas branches 33. Each independent gas branch 33 is connected to the sealing detection chamber of an independent detection station 23. Therefore, this batch leak detection system can perform batch leak detection on multiple membrane electrodes, thereby improving the leak detection efficiency of the membrane electrodes and solving the problems in the prior art.

[0041] This utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of this utility model. Contents not described in detail in this specification are prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A batch leak detection system for fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies, characterized in that, Includes a compressor (1), a sealing assembly (2) disposed on the compressor (1), and a gas pipeline system (3) connected to the sealing assembly (2), wherein: The sealing assembly (2) includes an upper template (21), a lower template (22), and multiple independent testing stations (23) disposed between the upper template (21) and the lower template (22). Each of the independent testing stations (23) is used to support a membrane electrode and is provided with an independent sealing testing cavity. The gas pipeline system (3) includes a main air intake path (31) and a main exhaust path (32). The main air intake path (31) is connected to multiple parallel independent gas branches (33), and each independent gas branch (33) is connected to the sealed detection chamber of an independent detection station (23).

2. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main intake path (31) is provided with a second control valve (311) and a second pressure sensor (312), the second pressure sensor (312) being located downstream of the second control valve (311).

3. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each independent gas branch (33) is provided with a first control valve (331) and a first pressure sensor (332), and the first pressure sensor (332) on each independent gas branch (33) is located downstream of the first control valve (331).

4. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main exhaust passage (32) is equipped with a third control valve (321).

5. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The independent testing station (23) includes a testing plate (231), the upper or lower surface of which is provided with a groove (232) to form the sealed testing cavity; and, A sealing ring groove (233) is provided around the groove (232).

6. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface of the upper template (21) is provided with a sealing ring groove (233); and, The upper surface of the lower template (22) is provided with a sealing ring groove (233).

7. The batch leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each independent testing station (23) is stacked between the upper template (21) and the lower template (22).

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