Performance test device of a fuel cell

Abstract

Performance test device (100) of a fuel cell, comprising: a moving body (30) which is designed to accommodate at least one cell unit and is arranged to be movable along a predetermined transport path on a frame (10); a pressurization unit (50) arranged on the frame (10) designed to press the cell unit onto the moving body (30) which is moved from an initial stage side of the transport track, and to supply the cell unit with a reaction fluid; and a connecting section (70) which is arranged on the pressurization unit side of the frame (10) and which connects a terminal (71) to the cell unit to output a voltage from the cell unit, where the pressurization unit (50) comprises a pressing body (53) which is arranged on a press frame (51) on the frame (10) to be movable in a vertical direction and which is designed to press the cell unit which is stacked on the moving body (30).

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a performance test device for a fuel cell and in particular to a performance test device for a fuel cell which enables verification of performance while maintaining an activation state of the fuel cell. (b) State of the art

[0002] In general, a fuel cell comprises an electrode for generating an electrochemical reaction with a fuel and an oxidant, a polymer electrolyte membrane for transferring protons generated by the reaction, and a separator (also called a "divider plate") to support the electrode and the polymer electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell consists of a unit cell, a single, individual component, to achieve a high potential; the unit cells can be stacked according to the required potential.

[0003] Furthermore, in a manufacturing process for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an electrode and a polymer electrode film of the fuel cell, defect detection of the membrane electrode assembly is limited to a visual surface inspection. Therefore, a performance verification procedure for the cell units is incomplete before stacking them into the complete stack. To verify the performance of the cell units, a reaction fluid is supplied to the cell unit, and it is necessary to maintain cell unit activation. In the prior art, after the stack has been assembled by stacking the cell units, the activation state of the cells is maintained, and the performance verification is performed.

[0004] Maintaining the activation state and evaluating the performance of the fuel cell are carried out using different methods in each fuel cell manufacturing process; however, the present method involves operating the cell units at a predetermined voltage for a substantial period of time. Additionally, according to the prior art, maintaining the activation state and evaluating the performance of the fuel cell includes supplying the reaction fluid (fuel) and an oxidizer to the cell units of the stack and applying electrical energy generated in the cell units to an electrical load after the stack has been manufactured, in which the numerous cell units have been stacked and are interacting with one another.However, since the process of maintaining the activation state and evaluating the performance of the fuel cells is carried out after the cells have been assembled into the complete stack, this process is inefficient in terms of cost and time.

[0005] The information disclosed in this section is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not part of the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art in this country. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the independent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a performance test device for a fuel cell that evaluates the performance of a membrane electrode assembly while maintaining the activation of the cell unit, which has been tested in each of the manufacturing processes of the fuel cell before the stack is assembled.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides a performance test device for a fuel cell which obtains a membrane electrode arrangement quality test reference during the manufacturing process of the fuel cell by analyzing the cell unit in conjunction with surface defect information of the membrane electrode arrangement obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process.

[0009] A performance test apparatus of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise a moving body stacking at least one cell unit and arranged to be movable along a transport path on a frame; a pressurization unit arranged on the frame configured to press the cell unit against the moving body moving away from an initial stage side of the transport path and configured to supply a reaction fluid to the cell unit; and a terminal connection section arranged on the pressurization unit side of the frame, connecting a terminal to a cell unit to output a voltage from the cell unit.

[0010] The test device may further include a control unit configured to monitor the output voltage of the cell unit, which is supplied through the terminal section, and to evaluate the performance of the cell unit. The control unit may be configured to supply the cell unit with a reaction fluid using the pressurization unit when the cell unit is pressurized by the pressurization unit for a predetermined duration. The test device may further include a reaction fluid supply section arranged to be connected to the pressurization unit and configured to supply the fuel cell's reaction fluid via the pressurization unit.

[0011] The fuel cell performance test apparatus may further include a cooling medium supply section arranged to be connected to the moving body and configured to supply a cooling medium to the cell unit via the moving body.Based on the transport path, the frame can be divided into a stacking section, as an area where the cell unit is stacked on the moving body at the initial stage side of the transport path; a pressurizing section, as an area where the cell unit, which is moved away from the stacking section on the moving body, is pressed by the pressurizing unit; and an extraction section (e.g., a pull-out section), as an area where the cell unit, which is moved on the moving body to an end stage side of the transport path starting from the pressurizing section, is extracted (e.g., pulled out).

[0012] The frame can comprise a first motion rail arranged from the starting stage of the transport track to the final stage, and a second motion rail connected to the first motion rail at the starting stage side of the transport track to intersect the first motion rail. The moving body can be arranged to be movable along the first and second motion rails by means of the first drive section. According to the invention, the pressure-applying unit comprises a pressing body arranged on the frame to be movable in vertical directions and configured to press or exert pressure on the cell unit stacked on the moving body.

[0013] The pressing body can be provided with a reaction fluid supply section configured to supply the cell unit's reaction fluid for connection. The pressing body can be provided as an upper end plate connected to the reaction fluid supply section and can include a distributor configured to supply and expel the cell unit's reaction fluid. The moving body can include a support plate configured to support the cell unit. The support plate can be provided with a cooling medium supply section configured to supply the cell unit's cooling medium for connection. The support plate can be provided as a lower end plate connected to the cooling medium supply section and can include a distributor.: manifold) which is designed to supply and expel the cooling medium for the cell unit.

[0014] The pressing body can be arranged to be connected to an actuating rod of a push cylinder provided in the push frame. The push frame can be provided with a plurality of guide rods designed to support the pressing body and guide it in the vertical direction. The connecting section can be arranged to be moved back and forth by the second drive section in the direction that crosses the transport track.

[0015] Furthermore, a fuel cell performance test device, which maintains activation of a cell unit that has been tested in each batch of a fuel cell manufacturing process and performs the evaluation of cell unit performance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may include a moving body configured to stack at least one cell unit and arranged to be movable along a predetermined path of movement on a frame; a pressurizing unit arranged on the frame configured to press the cell unit against the moving body, which has been moved from an initial stage side of the transport path, and to provide a reaction fluid to the cell unit;The system comprises a connection section located on the pressurization side of the frame, which connects a terminal for outputting a voltage from the cell unit to the cell unit, and a control unit configured to monitor an output voltage from the cell unit supplied via the connection section and to evaluate the cell unit's performance. The control unit may be configured to store cell unit performance evaluation information and surface defect information from a membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process, in order to analyze the cell unit's performance based on this information and to feed the analysis result back to the fuel cell manufacturing process.

[0016] The fuel cell performance test device can stack at least one cell unit onto the moving body of the initial stage side of the transport track, move the cell unit to the pressurization unit side of the moving body, pressurize the cell unit, supply the cell unit with the reaction fluid, and connect a voltage output terminal to the cell unit using the connection section. The fuel cell performance test device can further apply the cell unit's output voltage to the electrical load using the voltage output terminal and can monitor the cell unit's output voltage applied to the electrical load using the control unit.The fuel cell performance test device can also release / discharge the pressure of the cell unit of the pressurization unit and can move the cell unit to the final stage side of the transport track using the moving body.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, before configuring the membrane electrode arrangement, which is produced as the cell unit 1 in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process, and before assembling the cell unit as the stack, since the performance of the membrane electrode arrangement is checked and tested, the time aspect and the cost aspect are more efficient and time and costs can be reduced.

[0018] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the performance of the cell unit can be analyzed in conjunction with the surface defect information of the membrane electrode arrangement obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process, and the analysis result can be fed back into the fuel cell manufacturing process, and consequently the quality of the testing of the membrane electrode arrangement during the fuel cell manufacturing process can be maintained and improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a performance test device of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram from the front of a performance test device of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a moving body used in a performance test apparatus of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a pressing body used in a performance test apparatus of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a connection section used in a performance test apparatus of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 6 is a control concept view of a control unit used in a performance test device of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It must be understood that the term "vehicle" or "car" or a similar term, as used here, encompasses motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and also includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (for example, fuels derived from raw materials other than petroleum). As understood here, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that incorporates two or more power sources, for example, a vehicle powered by both electricity and gasoline.

[0021] Although an exemplary embodiment using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary operation is described, it must be understood that the exemplary operation can also be performed by one or more modules. It must be understood that the term control unit refers to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes, which are described below. Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be configured as a non-volatile, computer-readable medium comprising executable program instructions on a computer-readable medium, which are executed by a processor, control unit, or the like.Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, CDs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash memory, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. Computer-readable media can also be distributed across a network of interconnected computer systems, allowing for distributed storage and execution, for example, through a telematics server or a CAN bus network.

[0022] The terminology used herein serves solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It must also be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprehensive," when used in this description, specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more of the mentioned items.

[0023] Unless otherwise clearly evident from the context, as used here, the term "approximately" is understood to mean within a range of normal tolerance in the prior art, for example, within two standard deviations of the average. "Approximately" can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clearly evident from the context, all numerical values ​​provided here are marked with the term "approximately".

[0024] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways.

[0025] To specify the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and identical elements or equivalents are designated with the same reference numerals throughout the description. The size and thickness of each element are shown by way of example in the drawings; however, the present invention is not limited to these, and the thickness of layers, films, panels, areas, etc., is exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. The designation of components as "first," "second," etc., in the following description, to refer to the same relationship between components, is not intended to be restrictive. Furthermore, the terms "unit," "mechanism," "section," "element," etc., used herein, mean the unit comprising components that perform at least one or more functions or operations.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a performance test device of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic front view diagram of a performance test device for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A performance test device 100 of the fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can maintain an activation of a cell unit 1 and can comprise a membrane electrode arrangement (MEA) and a separation device arranged according to the membrane electrode arrangement to evaluate the performance of the cell unit 1.

[0027] The fuel cell performance test device 100 can test the performance of the membrane electrode assembly located within the cell unit by means of a method in which a fuel and an oxidant (hereinafter referred to as a "reaction fluid") are supplied to the cell unit and in which a predetermined voltage output by the cell unit 1 is applied to an electrical load. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cell unit 1 can be configured as the membrane electrode assembly produced in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process, and the cell unit 1 can be randomly sampled and tested by the performance test device 100 in this case, with a test series of the test procedure being carried out separately from the fuel cell manufacturing process.

[0028] In particular, the membrane electrode assembly produced in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process can have a unique identification number (ID) and a barcode that identifies the ID. The barcode contains surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process. The fuel cell performance test device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can maintain the activation of the cell unit 1, which was produced in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process prior to stack assembly, and can evaluate the performance of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0029] Additionally, the fuel cell performance test device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can be configured to analyze the performance of the cell unit 1 in conjunction with the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process, in order to obtain a membrane electrode assembly quality test reference for the fuel cell manufacturing process. Accordingly, the fuel cell performance test device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a frame 10, a moving body 30, a pressurization unit 50, a connection section 70, and a control unit 90.

[0030] The frame 10 can be configured to support various forming elements, which will be described later, and can comprise one frame or two or more sub-frames. The frame 10 can include various auxiliary components for supporting the forming elements, such as a clamp, a rod, a plate, a housing, a formwork, or a block. However, since the various auxiliary components are used to arrange the various forming elements on the frame, the various auxiliary components can be collectively referred to as the frame 10, except in an exceptional case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one cell unit 1 can be stacked on the moving body 30, for example 1 to 10 cell units 1, and the moving body 30 is arranged to be movable along a predetermined transport path on the frame 10. The cell unit 1 can be stacked manually on the moving body 30 or can be stacked automatically on the moving body 30 using a gripping device 30.

[0032] Furthermore, to move or drive the moving body 30 along the transport track, the frame 10 can comprise a first moving rail 11, which extends from an initial stage of the track to an end stage of the transport track along the longitudinal direction of the frame 10, and a second moving rail 12, which is arranged at the beginning stage of the transport track in the intersecting direction with the first moving rail 11. In particular, the moving body 30 can be arranged to be moved to the first and second moving rails 11 and 12 by means of the first drive section 31. The first drive section 31 can comprise a linear motor, which is well known in the prior art.

[0033] The moving body 30 can be moved by the first drive section 31 in the direction that crosses the first rail 11 along the second moving rail 12 at the start-stage side of the transport track. The cell unit 1 can be stacked on the moving body 30 of the start-stage of the transport track. If the cell unit 1 is additionally stacked, the moving body 30 can be moved by the first drive section 31 in the direction that crosses the first moving rail 11, along the second moving rail 12, and can be moved to the side of the pressure unit 50, which is described in detail, and the end-stage side of the transport track along the first moving rail 11.

[0034] Based on the transport path of the moving body 30, the frame 10 can be divided into a stacking section 13, a pressure section 15, and an extraction section 17 (for example, an extraction section 17). The stacking section 13 can be defined as a region where the cell unit 1 is stacked onto the moving body 30 at the start-stage end of the transport path. The pressure section 15 can be defined as a region where the cell unit 1, which is moved by the stacking section 13 on the moving body 30, is pressed by the pressure unit 50, as described later. The extraction section 17 can be defined as a region where the cell unit 1, which has been moved by the pressure unit 50 to the end-stage end of the transport path on the moving body 30, is extracted.

[0035] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving body 30 can be, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows a support plate 33 configured to support the cell unit 1. The support plate 33 can be provided with a coolant supply section 40 configured to supply, for example, coolant to the cell unit 1, which has been pressurized by the pressurization unit 50 to be connected. The support plate 33 can form a first distributor 35 connected to the coolant supply section 40 and configured to supply and discharge the coolant to the cell unit. In other words, the support plate 33 can include the first distributor 35 and can be provided as a lower end plate 37 configured to support the lower section of the cell unit 1.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing unit 50 can be configured to exert pressure on the cell unit 1, i.e., to press it, which has been moved from the stacking section 13 of the frame 10 towards the pressurizing section 15 on the moving body 30 at a predetermined pressure, and can supply a reaction fluid to the cell unit 1. The pressurizing unit 50 can be arranged on the pressurizing section 15 of the frame 10 and can comprise a pressing body 53, which is arranged to move back and forth in the vertical direction on the pressing frame 51 on the frame 10.

[0037] In particular, the pressing frame 51 can be arranged on the pressurizing section 15 of the frame 10. The pressing frame 51 can comprise a lower plate with a square shape, arranged on the upper surface of the pressurizing section 15 of the frame 10, a guide rod 55, arranged perpendicularly in each corner of the lower plate in the vertical direction, and an upper plate with a square shape, fixedly arranged on the upper section of the guide rod 55. The guide rod 55 can be configured to support the pressing body 53 and to guide the pressing body 53 in the vertical direction. The lower section can be coupled to each corner section of the lower plate of the pressing frame 51, and the upper section can be coupled to each corner section of the upper plate of the pressing frame 51.

[0038] The pressing body 53 can be configured to essentially press the cell unit 1, which has been moved from the stacking section 13 of the frame 10 to the pressurizing section 15 on the moving body 30, and can be inserted into the guide rod 55 to press the frame 51. It can also be arranged to move vertically along the guide rod 55 by a forward and backward movement of the pressing cylinder 57. The pressing cylinder 57 can be located on the upper plate of the pressing frame 51 and can include an actuating rod 59, which is actuated forward and backward in the vertical direction by penetrating the upper plate. The pressing body 53 can be connected to a front end (lower end) of the actuating rod 59.

[0039] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing body 53 can be, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows a reaction fluid supply section 60 connected to provide reaction fluid to the cell unit 1, which is pressed by the pressing body 53. The reaction fluid supply section 60 can be configured to supply humidified hydrogen and air as the reaction fluid to the cell unit 1 using the pressing body 53. The pressing body 53 can form a second distributor 61 connected to the reaction fluid supply section 60 and configured to supply and discharge the reaction fluid to the cell unit 1. In other words, the pressing body 53 can include the second distributor 61 and can be configured as the upper end plate 63, which is configured to support the upper section of the cell unit 1.

[0040] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the cell unit 1 is pressed against the moving body 30 by the pressing body 53, the reaction fluid supplied by the reaction fluid supply section 60 can be supplied to the cell unit 1 through the second distributor 61 of the pressing body 53. Accordingly, electrical energy can be generated in the cell unit 1 by an electrochemical reaction of the reaction fluid, and the specified voltage can be output via the connection section 70, which will be described later.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting section 70 can have an output terminal 71 (see Fig. 5) Connect to the output voltage of cell unit 1. The output terminal 71 can be electrically connected to an electrical load 73 with a cable. The connection section 70 can be located on the pressurization unit side 50 in the pressurization section 15 of the frame 10. The connection section 70, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the output port 71, which is connected to the cell unit 1, can include the output port 71 and can be arranged to move back and forth in the direction that the first moving rail 11, as described above, crosses through the second drive section 75. The second drive section 75 can include an actuating cylinder, known in the prior art, to move the connection section 70 back and forth in the direction that the first moving rail 11 of the connection section 70 crosses, so as not to interfere with the moving body 30.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 can be configured to perform the entire operation of the performance test device 100 of the fuel cell. For example, the control unit 90 can be configured to operate the moving body 30, the pressurization unit 50, the connection section 70, the coolant supply of the coolant supply section 40 for the cell unit 1, and the reaction fluid supply of the reaction fluid supply section 60.

[0043] When the cell unit 1 is pressed against the moving body 30 by the pressing body 53 of the pressurization unit 50 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 1 to 3 hours), the control unit 90 can be configured to adjust the reaction fluid supplied by the reaction fluid supply section 60 to be supplied to the cell unit 1 via the pressing body 53, and to supply the coolant supplied by the coolant supply section 40 to the cell unit 1 via the moving body 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 90 can be configured to apply the output voltage of the cell unit 1 to the electrical load 73 using the connection section 70, can be configured to detect a fault occurring in the cell unit 1 based on the current-voltage curve while the output voltage of the cell unit 1 applied to the electrical load 73 is being checked, and can be configured to evaluate the performance of the cell unit 1. The control unit 90, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that it can further be configured to store the performance evaluation information of the cell unit and the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained from the cell manufacturing process, to analyze the performance of cell unit 1 based on this information, and to return the results to the cell manufacturing process.

[0045] Furthermore, the operation of the fuel cell performance test device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, configured as above, is described in detail with reference to the present drawings. First, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cell unit 1 can be configured as a template of the membrane electrode assembly produced in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process, and the cell unit can be configured to be stacked manually or automatically onto the moving body 30 in the stacking section 13 of the frame 10.

[0046] In particular, the membrane electrode assembly of cell unit 1 can have a predefined individual ID based on the barcode, and the control unit 90 can be configured to recognize the barcode in order to store the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process. Additionally, the moving body 30 can be in the state where it is moved by the first drive section 31 in the direction that the first moving rail 11 crosses along the second moving rail 12 at the initial stage side of the transport track.

[0047] As described above, after stacking the cell unit 1 onto the moving body 30 in the stacking section 13 of the frame 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving body 30 can be moved by the first drive section 31 in the direction that intersects the first moving rail 11 along the second moving rail 12 and can be moved along the side of the pressurizing section of the frame 10 along the first moving rail 11. The movement of the moving body 30 can be stopped in the pressurizing section 15, and the moving body can be positioned under the pressing body 53 of the pressurizing unit 50.

[0048] In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the push rod 59 of the pressing cylinder 57 can be moved forward, and the pressing body 53 of the pressurizing unit 50 can be moved downward. Accordingly, the pressing body 53 can be moved downward along the guide rod 55 of the pressing frame 51. Consequently, the pressing body 53 can be configured to press the cell unit 1 onto the moving body 30. The cell unit 1 is thus positioned by the pressing body 53 between the pressing body 53 and the support plate 33 of the moving body 30.

[0049] Consequently, when the cell unit 1 is pressed by the pressing body 53 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting section 70 can be moved by the second drive section 75 in the direction that crosses the first moving rail 11, and the output connecting section 71 of the connecting section 70 can be connected to the cell unit 1. Furthermore, the reaction fluid supplied by the reaction fluid supply section 60 can be supplied to the cell unit 1 by the distributor 61 of the pressing body 53. Accordingly, the electrochemical reaction of the reaction fluid can proceed in the cell unit 1 due to the activation of the membrane electrode arrangement, and heat and electrical energy can be generated.Accordingly, the coolant supplied by the cooling medium supply section 40 can be supplied to the cell unit 1 through the first distributor 35 of the support plate 33 of the moving body 30 to cool the cell unit 1.

[0050] As described above, when the activation state of cell 1 is maintained and electrical energy is generated, the output voltage of cell unit 1 can be applied to the electrical load 73 via the connecting section 70. Accordingly, while monitoring the output voltage of cell unit 1 applied to the electrical load 73, the control unit 90 can be configured to detect abnormalities in cell unit 1 based on the current-voltage curve and to evaluate the performance of cell unit 1.

[0051] If, in addition, the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly is stored, the control unit 90 can be configured to store the performance evaluation information of the cell unit 1. Accordingly, the control unit 90 can be configured to analyze the performance of the cell unit 1 based on the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly and to return the analysis result to the fuel cell manufacturing process. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the performance evaluation information of the cell unit 1 can be compared with the predetermined reference power based on the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process in order to analyze the performance of the cell unit 1.

[0052] For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the performance evaluation information of cell unit 1 meets the reference performance based on the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly, the performance analysis result of cell unit 1 is accordingly fed back to the fuel cell manufacturing process. In particular, a subsequent process (batch assembly process) of the membrane electrode assembly produced in the fuel cell manufacturing process can be continued.

[0053] Furthermore, if the performance evaluation information of the cell unit does not meet the reference power requirement based on the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly, the performance analysis result of cell unit 1 can be returned to the fuel cell manufacturing process. In particular, the subsequent process (the stacking process) cannot reuse the membrane electrode assembly produced in the fuel cell manufacturing process, and the membrane electrode assembly can be disposed of.

[0054] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reference value determination for the defect in the membrane electrode assembly during the fuel cell manufacturing process can be derived as the performance analysis result of the cell unit 1 based on the surface defect information of the membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process and the performance evaluation information of the cell unit 1. Furthermore, following the procedure described above, the supply of the reaction fluid and the coolant to the cell unit 1 can be blocked, and the pressing body 53, the pressurizing unit 50, and the connecting section 70 can be moved to their original positions. In particular, the moving body 30 can be moved by the first drive section 31 to the pull-out section 17 of the frame 10 along the first moving rail 11.Consequently, cell unit 1 can be extracted or pulled out of the moving body manually or automatically using the extraction section 17.

[0055] According to the performance test device 100 of the fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, before configuring the membrane electrode arrangement, which is produced in each batch of the fuel cell manufacturing process, as the cell unit 1 and before assembling the cell unit 1 as a stack, since the performance of the membrane electrode arrangement is checked and tested, the time aspect and the cost aspect are more efficient and the duration and costs can be reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the performance of the cell unit 1 in conjunction with the surface defect information of the membrane electrode arrangement obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process can be analyzed, and the analysis result can be fed back to the fuel cell manufacturing process, so that excellent quality of the test reference of the membrane electrode arrangement can be obtained in the fuel cell manufacturing process. Reference symbol list 1 cell unit 10 frames 11 first, moving rail 12 second, moving rail 13 Stack section 15 Pressurization section 17 Pull-out section 30 moving bodies 31 first drive section 33 Support plate 35 first distributor 37 lower end plate 40 Coolant supply section 50 pressure application units 51 push frames 53 pressing body 55 Guide rod 57 pressure cylinders 59 Confirmation bar 60 Reaction fluid spreading section 61 second distributor 63 upper end plate 70 Connection section 71 Output port 73 electrical consumers 75 second drive section 90 Control unit

Claims

[1] Performance test apparatus (100) of a fuel cell, comprising: a moving body (30) which is designed to accommodate at least one cell unit and is arranged to be movable along a predetermined transport path on a frame (10); a pressurization unit (50) arranged on the frame (10) designed to press the cell unit onto the moving body (30) which is moved from an initial stage side of the transport track, and to supply the cell unit with a reaction fluid; and a connecting section (70) which is arranged on the pressurization unit side of the frame (10) and which connects a terminal (71) to the cell unit to output a voltage from the cell unit, where the pressurization unit (50) comprises a pressing body (53) which is arranged on a press frame (51) on the frame (10) to be movable in a vertical direction and which is designed to press the cell unit which is stacked on the moving body (30). [2] Performance test device (100) of a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit (90) designed to monitor an output voltage of the cell unit supplied by the connecting section (70) and to evaluate the performance of the cell unit. [3] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to provide a reaction fluid to the cell unit using the pressurization unit (50) when the cell unit is pressed by the pressurization unit (50) for a predetermined period of time. [4] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a reaction fluid supply section (60) which is arranged to be connected to the pressurization unit (50) and which is configured to supply the reaction fluid of the cell unit to the pressurization unit (50). [5] Performance test device of the fuel cell according to claim 4, further comprising: a coolant supply section (40) which is arranged to be connected to the moving body (30) and which is configured to supply a coolant to the cell unit via the moving body (30). [6] Performance test apparatus of the fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (10) is subdivided based on the transport track into: a stacking section (13) as an area where the cell unit is stacked onto the moving body (30) at the initial stage side of the transport track, a pressurization section (50) as an area where the cell unit on the moving body (30), which is moved away from the stacking section (13), is pressed by the pressurization unit (50), and a withdrawal section (17) as an area where the cell unit is extracted from the moving body (30) which is moved to the final stage side of the transport path starting from the pressurization section (50). [7] Performance test apparatus (100) of the fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (10) comprises: a first moving rail (11) which is arranged from the initial stage of the transport track to the final stage, and a second moving rail (12) which is connected to the first moving rail (11) at the initial stage side of the transport track in order to run transversely to it. [8] Performance test device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the moving body (30) is arranged to be movable along the first and second moving rails (11, 12) with a first drive section (31). [9] Performance test apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing body (53) is provided with a reaction fluid supply section (60) configured to supply the reaction fluid to the cell unit and to be connected thereto. [10] Performance test apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pressing body (53) is provided as an upper end plate (63) connected to the reaction fluid supply section (60) and comprises a distributor (35, 61) configured to supply and discharge the reaction fluid to the cell unit. [11] Performance test apparatus (100) of the fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the moving body (30) comprises a support plate (33) configured to support the cell unit and wherein the support plate (33) is provided with a coolant supply section (40) configured to supply a coolant to the cell unit. [12] Performance test apparatus (100) of the fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the support plate (33) is provided as a lower end plate (37) which is connected to the coolant supply section (40) and includes a distributor configured to supply and discharge the coolant to the cell unit. [13] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing body (53) is arranged to be connected to an actuating rod (59) of a pressure cylinder (57) provided in the pressure frame (51). [14] Performance test apparatus (100) of the fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein the push frame (51) is provided with a plurality of guide rods (55) designed to support the pushing body (53) in order to be guided in the vertical direction. [15] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (70) is arranged to be moved with a second drive section (75) in the direction which crosses the transport path. [16] Fuel cell performance test device (100) that maintains activation of a cell unit produced in each batch of a fuel cell manufacturing process and that evaluates the performance of the cell unit, comprising: a moving body (30) which is designed to accommodate at least one cell unit and is arranged to be movable along a predetermined transport path on a frame (10); a pressurization unit (15) arranged on the frame (10) is designed to press the cell unit onto the moving body (30) which has been moved from the initial stage side of the transport track and to provide a reaction fluid to the cell unit; a connecting section (70) arranged on the pressurised side of the frame (10) and connecting a terminal (71) to the cell unit for outputting a voltage; and a control unit (90) designed to monitor an output voltage of the cell unit with the connecting section (70) and to evaluate the performance of the cell unit, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to store performance evaluation information of the cell unit and to store surface defect information of a membrane electrode assembly obtained during the fuel cell manufacturing process, in order to analyze the performance of the cell unit based on the information and to return the analysis result to the fuel cell manufacturing process, where the pressurization unit (50) comprises a pressing body (53) which is arranged on the press frame (51) on the frame (10) to be movable in a vertical direction and which is designed to press the cell unit which is stacked on the moving body (30). [17] Fuel cell performance test device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the fuel cell performance test device (100) is configured to to stack at least one cell unit on the moving body (30) at the starting stage side of the transport path; to move the cell unit of the pressurization unit side using the moving body (30); to pressurize the cell unit using the pressurization unit (15) and to supply the reaction fluid to the cell unit; and to connect a voltage output terminal to the cell unit using the connection section (70). [18] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the performance test device (100) of the fuel cell is configured to to apply the output voltage of the cell unit to the electrical load (73) via the voltage output terminal (71); and to monitor the output voltage of the cell unit, which is applied to the electrical consumer (73), with the control unit (90). [19] Performance test device (100) of the fuel cell according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the performance test device (100) of the fuel cell is configured to release the pressure of the cell unit of the pressurization unit (15) and to move the cell unit to the final stage side of the transport track using the moving body (30).

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