Bipolar plate air-tightness test device

Abstract

A bipolar plate air-tightness test device (100), comprising a fixing assembly (1) and a liquid placement plate (2), wherein the fixing assembly (1) comprises a bottom plate (11) and a cover plate (12); the bottom plate (11) and the cover plate (12) are arranged opposite each other, and a test space capable of accommodating a bipolar plate is provided between the bottom plate (11) and the cover plate (12); the bottom plate (1) or the cover plate (12) is provided with an air inlet (110) for air to enter the test space; the liquid placement plate (2) is arranged in the test space and is configured to be stacked on the plate surface of the bipolar plate facing away from the air inlet (110); the liquid placement plate (2) is provided with a plurality of liquid placement slots (20) capable of containing a liquid; and the liquid placement slots (20) penetrate the plate surfaces of the liquid placement plate (2) opposite each other.

Description

A bipolar plate air tightness testing device Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a bipolar plate testing technology, and more specifically, to a bipolar plate air tightness testing device. Background Art

[0002] Bipolar plates are a key component of a vanadium flow battery stack. A stack is made up of multiple cells, each composed of two sheets of carbon felt, a proton exchange membrane, and bipolar plates. Bipolar plates connect the individual cells in the stack in series, allowing them to be electrically interconnected.

[0003] Since the working principle of the vanadium battery stack is to fix multiple single-piece batteries inside the stack shell by squeezing them, the compressive strength of the bipolar plate is an important test indicator before assembling the vanadium flow battery.

[0004] In addition, since there is a large amount of electrolyte flowing in the vanadium liquid flow battery stack, if the bipolar plate is not airtight enough and there are leaks on the plate surface, it will cause electrolyte overflow and cross-linking, resulting in battery damage and collapse of the entire liquid flow energy storage system.

[0005] Currently, most flow battery manufacturers in the industry conduct their own hardness testing of bipolar plates before purchasing them. However, due to the differences in installation methods and processes among manufacturers, the standardized pressure specifications of bipolar plate suppliers are difficult to adapt to diverse installation methods.

[0006] Utility Model Content

[0007] The embodiment of the utility model provides a bipolar plate air tightness testing device, which can accurately determine the location of bubbles, thereby determining the location of air leakage in the bipolar plate.

[0008] The present invention provides a bipolar plate air tightness testing device, comprising:

[0009] A fixing assembly, comprising a base plate and a cover plate, the base plate and the cover plate being arranged opposite to each other, and a test space capable of accommodating a bipolar plate is formed between the base plate and the cover plate, and the base plate or the cover plate is provided with an air inlet for allowing gas to enter the test space;

[0010] The liquid plate is arranged in the test space and is arranged to be stacked on the plate surface of the bipolar plate away from the air inlet. The liquid plate is provided with a plurality of liquid troughs capable of containing liquid, and the liquid troughs pass through the opposite plate surfaces of the liquid plate.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of liquid-receiving grooves are evenly arranged on the surface of the liquid-receiving plate.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of the liquid reservoirs is greater than or equal to 100.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate includes a plate body, the plate body is provided with a transparent observation portion, and the transparent observation portion is arranged opposite to the liquid receiving plate.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom plate includes a base plate and a first fixed frame protruding from a plate surface of the base plate facing the cover plate toward the cover plate, and the first fixed frame is configured to form a positioning groove capable of positioning the bipolar plate.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate also includes a second fixed frame protruding from the plate surface of the plate body facing the base plate toward the base plate, and the second fixed frame is arranged on the outside of the first fixed frame, so that the cover plate and the base plate enclose a closed test space.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate body is made of glass; the first fixed frame and the second fixed frame are both made of metal or plastic, and the plate body and the second fixed frame are assembled separately.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the bipolar plate air tightness testing device further includes a pressing device configured to press the fixing assembly;

[0018] The pressing device includes a base and a top seat that cooperates with and covers the base, the fixing assembly is clamped between the base and the top seat, the base abuts against the bottom plate, and the top seat abuts against the cover plate.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the air inlet is provided on the bottom plate, and the base is provided with an air vent corresponding to and communicating with the air inlet, and the air vent is configured to be connected to an air intake device.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the top seat is provided with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion is provided with a rib abutting against the cover plate.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the bipolar plate air tightness testing device further includes a support column supporting the base, and the support column is detachably connected to the base.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the base and the top seat are made of metal and are connected by hinges; and / or the cover plate, the bottom plate, and the base are fastened together by fasteners.

[0023] The bipolar plate airtightness testing device of this embodiment utilizes a liquid plate installed on the surface of the bipolar plate facing away from the air inlet. During testing, the location of bubbles generated is observed through multiple liquid grooves on the liquid plate, allowing the precise location of any leaks in the bipolar plate to be determined. Furthermore, the liquid grooves confine the liquid, preventing excessive gas pressure from causing bubbles to disrupt the liquid flow and deviate from their origin.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be achieved and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solution of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of the present invention.

[0026] FIG1 is a perspective exploded view of a bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG2 is a three-dimensional view of a liquid tank of a bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG3 is a three-dimensional view of the bottom plate of the bipolar plate air tightness testing device of the present invention;

[0029] FIG4 is a three-dimensional view of the top seat of the bipolar plate air tightness testing device of the present invention;

[0030] FIG5 is a top view of the bipolar plate air tightness testing device of the present invention;

[0031] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction of FIG5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other in any way.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a bipolar plate airtightness testing device 100 for testing the airtightness of a bipolar plate A (see FIG. 6 ).

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 , a bipolar plate airtightness testing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed assembly 1 and a liquid receiving plate 2 . The fixed assembly 1 includes a base plate 11 and a cover plate 12 , which are positioned opposite each other to form a test space between the base plate 11 and the cover plate 12 , capable of accommodating a bipolar plate A (see Figure 6 ). An air inlet 110 is provided on either the base plate 11 or the cover plate 12 for admitting gas into the test space.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a liquid plate 2 is positioned within the test space and positioned to overlap the surface of the bipolar plate A facing away from the air inlet 110. The surface of the liquid plate 2 is provided with multiple liquid reservoirs 20 capable of holding liquid. The reservoirs 20 extend through the opposing surfaces of the liquid plate 2. The multiple reservoirs 20 are evenly distributed across the surface of the liquid plate 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, a plurality of liquid-receiving grooves 20 are evenly distributed in an array on the surface of the liquid-receiving plate 2. Generally, the number of liquid-receiving grooves 20 is greater than or equal to 100. Generally, a greater number of liquid-receiving grooves 20 results in higher positioning accuracy, but this also reduces the water capacity, making it more difficult to see bubbles. Therefore, the number of liquid-receiving grooves 20 should be neither too many nor too few. The specific number can be set based on actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the bottom plate 11 includes a base plate 111 and a first fixed frame 112 protruding from the plate surface of the base plate 111 facing the cover plate 12 toward the cover plate 12. The first fixed frame 112 is formed into a positioning groove 113 for positioning the bipolar plate A.

[0038] As shown in FIG1 , the cover plate 12 includes a plate body 121 having a transparent viewing portion disposed opposite the liquid receiving plate 2, thereby allowing the tester to observe the liquid receiving plate 2. The cover plate 12 also includes a second fixed frame 122 that protrudes from the surface of the plate body 121 facing the base plate 11 toward the base plate 11.

[0039] In this embodiment, the plate 121 is made of glass and the entire plate 121 is an observation portion. In other embodiments, the plate 121 may be partially provided with an observation portion, which is not limited here.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first fixed frame 112 and the second fixed frame 122 are both made of metal. Of course, in other embodiments, the first fixed frame 112 and the second fixed frame 122 can also be made of other materials such as plastic.

[0041] When the fixing assembly 1 of this embodiment is assembled, the second fixing frame 122 is sleeved on the outside of the first fixing frame 112 , so that the cover plate 12 and the bottom plate 11 enclose a closed test space for testing the bipolar plate A.

[0042] In this embodiment, the plate body 121 and the second fixed frame 122 are connected by a split assembly method. In other embodiments, the plate body 121 and the second fixed frame 122 can also be integrally formed, which is not limited here.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 - FIG. 5 , the bipolar plate air tightness testing device 100 further includes a pressing device 3 , which is configured to press the fixing assembly 1 .

[0044] The clamping device 3 includes a base 31 and a top seat 32 that fits over the base 31. The fixing assembly 1 is sandwiched between the base 31 and the top seat 32. The base 31 abuts against the bottom plate 11, and the top seat 32 abuts against the cover plate 12. The base 31 and the top seat 32 are connected by a hinge 33 to facilitate opening and closing of the base 31 and the top seat 32. In this embodiment, the base 31 and the top seat 32 are both made of metal, but other materials such as plastic can also be used.

[0045] In this embodiment, the air inlet 110 is provided on the bottom plate 11, and the base 31 is provided with a vent hole 310 corresponding to and communicating with the air inlet 110. The vent hole 310 is provided to be connected to an air intake device (not shown) through a vent pipe 311.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the top seat 32 is provided with a hollow portion 320 , and the hollow portion 320 is provided with a pressing rib 3201 that abuts against the cover plate 12 to provide a uniform pressing force.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the bipolar plate airtightness testing device 100 further includes a support column 4 supporting a base 31, and the support column 4 is detachably connected to the base 31. The support column 4 has a threaded end, and the base 31 has a threaded hole 312 that is screwed to the threaded end.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the cover plate 12, bottom plate 11, and base 31 are fastened together using fasteners (not shown), which can be screws, studs, etc. The body 111 of the bottom plate 11, the second fixed frame 121, and the cover plate 12 are each provided with a plurality of through-holes 101 for the fasteners to pass through. The base 31 is provided with locking holes 313 corresponding to the through-holes 101 and for the fasteners to lock.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing device 3 includes a base (not shown) for placing the fixing component 1 and a hydraulic rod (not shown) for depressing the fixing component 1. The specific structure can be referred to the prior art and will not be described here.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the bipolar plate air tightness testing device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is as follows when testing the bipolar plate A: first, the bipolar plate A is placed in the positioning groove 113 of the bottom plate 11, and then the liquid plate 2 is stacked on the plate surface of the bipolar plate A. Liquid is poured into the liquid plate 2 so that each liquid groove 20 contains liquid. The liquid can be water or other types of liquid. The cover plate 12 is assembled with the bottom plate 11, and the second fixed frame 122 is sleeved on the outside of the first fixed frame 112 so that the cover plate 12 and the bottom plate 11 enclose a closed test space. Cover the base 31 and the top seat 32, and then use fasteners to lock and fix the assembly 1 and the clamping device 3. Finally, the gas is input into the plate surface of the bipolar plate A facing the air inlet 120 through the vent 310 and the air inlet 120 for testing. During the test, observe the liquid plate 2. If bubbles appear in one or more of the liquid grooves 20 of the liquid plate 2, it is determined that the bipolar plate A has a leak. Otherwise, there is no leak. If there is a leak, the location of the leak in the liquid groove 20 is determined to be the location of the leak in the bipolar plate A.

[0051] The bipolar plate air tightness testing device 100 of the present embodiment employs a liquid plate 2 disposed on the bipolar plate surface facing away from the air inlet 120. During testing, the location of bubbles is observed through the multiple liquid grooves 20 on the liquid plate 2, allowing the precise location of leaks in the bipolar plate A to be determined. Furthermore, the provision of the liquid grooves 20 confines the liquid, preventing bubbles from disturbing the liquid flow due to excessive gas pressure, potentially causing them to deviate from their origin.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "one side", "the other side", "one end", "the other end", "side", "relative", "four corners", "periphery", ""mouth"-shaped structure", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure referred to has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connection," "direct connection," "indirect connection," "fixed connection," "installation," and "assembly" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. The terms "installation," "connection," and "fixed connection" may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0054] While the embodiments disclosed herein are as described above, the foregoing description is provided solely to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make any modifications and variations in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, the scope of patent protection for the present invention shall remain subject to the definition of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate air tightness testing device, characterized in that: include: A fixing assembly, comprising a bottom plate and a cover plate, wherein the bottom plate and the cover plate are arranged opposite to each other, and a test space capable of accommodating a bipolar plate is formed between the bottom plate and the cover plate, and the bottom plate or the cover plate is provided with an air inlet for gas to enter the test space; The liquid placing plate is arranged in the test space and is arranged to be stacked on the plate surface of the bipolar plate away from the air inlet. The liquid placing plate is provided with a plurality of liquid placing grooves capable of containing liquid, and the liquid placing grooves penetrate the opposite plate surface of the liquid placing plate.

2. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of liquid placement grooves are evenly arranged on the plate surface of the liquid placement plate.

3. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the liquid placing tanks is greater than or equal to 100.

4. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The cover plate comprises a plate body, the plate body is provided with a transparent observation portion, and the transparent observation portion is arranged opposite to the liquid placement plate.

5. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom plate includes a base plate and a first fixed frame protruding from a plate surface of the base plate facing the cover plate toward the cover plate, and the first fixed frame is configured to form a positioning groove capable of positioning the bipolar plate.

6. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cover plate also includes a second fixed frame protruding from the plate surface of the plate body facing the bottom plate toward the bottom plate, and the second fixed frame is sleeved on the outside of the first fixed frame so that the cover plate and the bottom plate enclose a closed test space.

7. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plate body is made of glass; the first fixed frame and the second fixed frame are both made of metal or plastic, and the plate body and the second fixed frame are assembled in a split manner.

8. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a pressing device, which is configured to press the fixing assembly; The clamping device includes a base and a top seat that cooperates with and covers the base, the fixing assembly is clamped between the base and the top seat, the base abuts against the bottom plate, and the top seat abuts against the cover plate.

9. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air inlet is arranged on the bottom plate, and the base is provided with an air vent corresponding to and connected with the air inlet, and the air vent is arranged to be connected with the air intake device.

10. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top seat is provided with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion is provided with a pressure rib abutting against the cover plate.

11. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a support column for supporting the base, and the support column is detachably connected to the base.

12. The bipolar plate air tightness testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base and the top are made of metal and are connected by hinges; and / or The cover plate, the bottom plate and the base are fastened and connected by fasteners.

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