EP3991230A1

EP3991230A1 - Device for creating a stack of fuel-cell plates

Info

Publication number: EP3991230A1
Application number: EP20747036.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yannick Godard
Original assignee: Symbio SAS
Current assignee: Symbio SAS
Priority date: 2019-06-25
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: FR3098023A1; WO2020260827A1; US20220320562A1; CN114175330A

Abstract

Device for creating a stack of plates, comprising tooling and at least one plate, the tooling comprising a base bearing at least one parallel rectilinear rod, these being distant one from the next by at least one inter-axis distance and having a first substantially circular section (S1), and said at least one plate being superposable and comprising at least as many holes (7) as there are rods (6), these being distant by the same at least one inter-axis distance, having a second substantially circular section (S2) able to contain the first section (S1), wherein the first section (S1) and the second section (S2) can turn relative to one another reciprocally between a first orientation (α1) in which the first section (S1) and the second section (S2) are an exact fit and a second orientation in which the first section (S1) and the second section (S2) are a free fit.

Description

DEVICE FOR MAKING A STACK OF FUEL CELL PLATES

DESCRIPTION

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of stacking and assembling plates. It finds a particular application in the manufacture of fuel cells.

Prior art

A hydrogen cell or fuel cell of the proton exchange membrane type or in English: “Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell” or PEMFC makes it possible, in a known manner, to produce electrical energy, by producing by means of an assembly membrane electrode, comprising an electrolyte surrounded by two layers of catalyst, a chemical synthesis reaction of water. Hydrogen H2 is brought to the level of an anode, placed on one side of the membrane. It decomposes, by oxidation: 2 H2 -> 4 H ⁺ + 4 e, into two protons hydrogen H ⁺ and two electrons e. The two H ⁺ protons migrate through the membrane electrode assembly to a cathode, located on the other side of the membrane electrode assembly. Oxygen O2 is supplied, advantageously in the form of air, at the cathode. If an electrical circuit is established between the anode and the cathode, allowing circulation of the electrons e, the latter join the cathode. There, they allow a reduction of oxygen O2 into two oxygen ions O2: O2 + 4 e -> 2 O2-. The hydrogen protons and the oxygen ions combine at the cathode to form water: 4 H ⁺ + 2 O2 -> 2 H2O. This reaction is strongly exothermic. The circulation of electrons e- creates electrical energy.

It is known to make a fuel cell cell to superimpose an anode, advantageously metallic, a membrane electrode assembly and a cathode, advantageously metallic, advantageously in the form of thin layers.

Since a cell individually produces only low electrical energy, it is still known to superimpose several tens or hundreds of such cells in a stack. Each anode, respectively cathode, of a cell is then in electrical contact with the cathode, respectively anode, of the next, respectively previous cell. The cells are connected in series. The electrical circuit then connects the first anode / cathode with the last cathode / anode of the stack.

An anode, respectively cathode, respectively membrane electrode assembly, is integrated in an anode plate, respectively a cathode plate, respectively a membrane plate. A plate comprises its element: anode, cathode or membrane electrode assembly, completed by assembly elements, as well as pipes allowing the supply of reactive gases or the outlet of reaction products.

Thus, all types of plate: anode, cathode, bipolar (described later) or membrane, have a similar or at least superimposable shape in order to be able to be stacked. All the plates are pierced with at least one superimposed and facing slot so as to form at least one pipe transporting hydrogen so as to supply this gas to the anodes. All the plates are also pierced with at least one superimposed and facing lumen so as to form at least one pipe carrying air so as to supply oxygen to the cathodes and to extract the water produced by the chemical reaction. All the plates are also pierced with at least one superimposed and facing slot so as to form at least one pipe in which a cooling fluid circulates making it possible to remove the significant heat produced by the chemical reaction.

It is also known practice to pre-assemble back to back an anode plate and a cathode plate, to obtain a bipolar plate. A stack can then be assembled by periodically stacking a bipolar plate and a membrane plate. If all the bipolar plates are arranged in the same direction, we find the periodic succession: anode, membrane electrode assembly, cathode, anode, etc ... Only the two ends of the cell differ in that they have a single anode or extremal cathode as well as terminals, making it possible to connect the fuel cell to the various streams of reactive gases and of cooling fluid.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a fuel cell P can be produced by stacking in order: a first terminal T1, an end anode plate EA, a plurality of membrane plates ME, a bipolar plate B1 being interposed between each two successive membrane plates ME, an extremal cathode plate EK and a second terminal T2.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in order to store the plates 3 (EA, ME, Bl, EK) during the manufacture of a stack 2, it is conventionally used a tool 4 comprising a base 5 carrying at least two rods 6 rectilinear, parallel, spaced two by two by at least one center distance e 'and having a first circular section SI. The plates 3 to be stacked are superimposable and include at least as many holes 7 as the tool 4 comprises rods 6, spaced from the same (e = e ') at least one center distance e and having a second circular section S2 and able to contain the first section SI. The second section S2 can be introduced into the first section S1. Thus by engaging the holes 7 of the plates 3 on the rods 6 it is possible to stack the superimposed plates 3 in the final configuration: in a stack 2. So that the relative positioning of the stacked plates 3 is sufficiently precise, the respective sections SI and S2 have a precise fit, for example sliding.

The problem which then appears, with circular sections S1, S2 of the prior art, is that the removal of the assembly 2 of plates 3, when the plates 3 are numerous, possibly up to several hundred, becomes problematic, from the possible arching, leading to a risk of deformation of the plates 3 and / or the rods 6.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve this problem, the invention proposes to modify the tooling 4 / plate 3 interface by modifying the respective sections SI, S2 of the rods 6 and of the plates 3 in order to offer two configurations: a working configuration where the two sections SI, S2 provide precise guidance relative to each other like the prior art, but also a release configuration where the two sections SI, S2 are more distant and offer greater freedom of movement.

For this, the invention relates to a device for producing a stack of plates, comprising a tool and at least one plate, the tool comprising a base carrying at least one rectilinear rod, parallel, if necessary spaced two apart. with two at least one center distance and having a first substantially circular section and said at least one plate being superimposable and comprising at least as many holes as there are rods, where appropriate spaced from the same at least one center distance, having a second substantially circular section and able to contain the first section, where the first section and the second section can turn relative to the 'Another reciprocally between a first orientation where the first section and the second section are precisely adjusted and a second orientation where the first section and the second section are freely adjusted.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are:

- The first section is a circle of first radius comprising at least two recesses leaving as many protuberances of first radius, angular widths and given angular distances and the second section is a circle of second radius, substantially equal to the first radius, comprising as many recesses, of angular widths respectively at least equal to the angular widths of the protuberances of the first section and of angular distances respectively equal to the angular distances of the protrusions of the first section,

- the first radius is substantially equal to the second radius to within a tolerance ensuring a precise adjustment, preferably sliding,

- the first section comprises n protuberances of the same angular width, angularly equidistant, and the angular distance between the second orientation and the first orientation is equal to l / 2n turn, with n integer, between 2 and 10, preferably equal to 3 or 4,

- all the first sections of the rods are identical and all the second sections of the holes are identical,

- the device also comprises a means of alternating and simultaneous actuation of all the rods, at the same angle,

- the rods are adapted to be oriented in a default working orientation where the rods are in the first orientation relative to the holes, in order to allow plates to be stacked on the rods and are adapted to be selectively oriented in a release orientation where the rods are in the second orientation relative to the holes, to allow the stack of plates to be removed from the rods and tooling. In a second aspect, the invention relates to such tooling.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to such a plate.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a stack of plates by means of such a device, comprising the following steps: configuring the tooling in a default working orientation where the rods are in the first orientation relative to the holes, stacking the plates on the rods, assembling the plates to form the stack, setting the tooling in a release orientation where the rods are in the second orientation relative to the holes, and removing the stack plates out of rods and tooling.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given purely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1, already described, illustrates in perspective view a fuel cell,

FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view a plate stacking tool, both for the prior art and for the invention,

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a cut section view, an embodiment of the sections S1, S2 in working orientation,

FIG. 4 illustrates in cut section view the same sections S1, S2, in release orientation,

FIG. 5 illustrates in cut section view a preferred embodiment of the sections S1, S2 in working orientation,

FIG. 6 illustrates in sectional view the same sections S1, S2, in release orientation,

FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view the same sections S1, S2, in working orientation.

Description of embodiments

Referring to Figure 2, a device 1 according to the invention for producing a stack 2 of plates 3, comprises a tool 4 and at least one plate 3. The tool 4 comprising a base 5, advantageously planar, suitable for being disposed parallel to the plates 3 to be stacked, advantageously planar. Said base 5 comprises a means for positioning the plates capable of imposing the orientation of each plate in its plane. The positioning means comprises at least one rod 6 capable of being engaged in at least as many holes 7 made in the plates 3. The positioning means may also comprise at least one external stop capable of coming into contact with a peripheral edge of the plates. . Two rods 6 make it possible to impose the orientation of the plates 3. A single rod 6 does not make it possible on its own to guarantee the orientation and is advantageously completed with at least one external stop. A larger number of rods 6, preferably three or four, makes it possible to improve the guidance of the plates 3 and / or to add at least one keying. Too many rods 6 increase the risk of hyperstatism. The rods 6 are rectilinear, advantageously perpendicular to the base 5. Where appropriate, when the rods 6 are at least two, the rods 6 are mutually parallel and are spaced two by two by at least one center distance e '. A center distance e 'is defined between each pair of rods 6 two by two, ie three centers for three rods 6 and six centers for four rods 6. A rod 6 has a first substantially circular section SI. A plate 3 is stackable and comprises at least as many holes 7 as the tool 4 has rods 6. There may be additional holes 7. Said at least one hole 7 corresponding to rods 6 is arranged in a plane similar to the plane of said at least one rod 6 so that a plate 3 can be stacked by engaging its at least one hole 7 each in a rod 6. The where appropriate, when the holes 7 are at least two, they are two by two apart from centers e respectively equal to the corresponding centers e '. A hole 7 has a second substantially circular section S2 capable of containing the corresponding first section SI, in order to allow the engagement of a hole 7 on a rod 6.

According to an interesting characteristic of the invention, the first section S1 and the second section S2 can rotate relative to each other alternately. This rotation makes it possible to pass from a working configuration characterized by a first orientation a1 relative to the section SI with respect to the section S2 to a release configuration characterized by a second orientation a2 relative to the section SI with respect to the section S2 and reciprocally. In the first orientation a1, the first section S1 and the second section S2 are such that at least partially, their respective circumference is in contact, in order to achieve a precise fit between a rod 6 and a hole 7. On the contrary, in the second orientation a1 , the first section S1 and the second section S2 are such that no part of their respective circumference is in contact, leaving sufficient space between them in order to achieve a free adjustment between a rod 6 and a hole 7.

An example of the relative conformation of the sections S1, S2 making it possible to obtain this characteristic is more particularly illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The first section SI of a rod 6 is constructed from a circle of first radius RI in which are made at least two recesses 10. These at least two recesses 10 thus form as many protuberances 11 having said first radius RI. Each protuberance 11 has an angular width b or occupied angular sector b which is specific to it. Each pair of protuberances 11 is further characterized by an angular distance y measured between the axes of said two protuberances 11. There are thus as many angular widths b and as many angular distances y as there are protrusions 11. The section SI has a radius RI to the right. of each protuberance 11 over its angular width b and a radius smaller than the radius RI to the right of each recess 10 present between two protuberances 11. Here a recess 10 removes material in a solid rod 6 and thus decreases the radius RI.

The second section S2 of a hole 7 is constructed from a circle of second radius R2, substantially equal to the first radius RI, in which as many recesses 12 are made as there are recesses 10 present in the first section SI, or what is equivalent to protuberances 11, present in the first section SI. The recesses 12 of the second section S2 are angularly spaced two by two apart by angular distances y 'taken respectively equal to the angular distances y of the protuberances 11 of the first section SI.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4 showing a relative release orientation a1, a protuberance 11 of the first section SI is located opposite a recess 12 of the second section SI and vice versa. In addition, each respective recess 12 of the second section S2 has an angular width b 'at least equal to the angular width b of the corresponding protuberance 11 (opposite) of the first section SI. Each angular width b 'is preferably greater than the corresponding angular width b. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a comfortable space is provided between the first section S1 and the second section S2 in orientation a1, making it possible to avoid any contact and therefore any arching during the removal of the stack 2 of plates. 3. Here a recess removes material in a hollow hole 7 and thus increases the second radius R2.

On the contrary, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the working orientation al, the protuberances 11 of the first section SI, having a first radius RI, are located opposite a part of the second section S2 not exhibiting any recess and having a second radius R2 substantially equal to the first radius R1 and therefore substantially in contact.

The reciprocal passage from orientation al to orientation al is obtained by a relative rotation of an angle +/- Da. Knowing that it is difficult to rotate a hole 7 because of its inclusion in a plate 3, this relative rotation is advantageously applied to the rods 6 which then rotate around their axis.

It has been seen that the first radius RI is substantially equal to the second radius R2. It should be understood here substantially equal as having a tolerance allowing a precise adjustment to be made. A precise adjustment is understood here as a function of the desired stacking precision, in order to allow the positioning of the plates 3 on the rods 6. By way of illustration, a precise adjustment can be a sliding adjustment.

It emerges from Figures 3 and 4 that the angular distances there can be any. However, the corresponding angular distances y 'should be adapted between the first section S1 and the second section S2. Likewise, the angular width b of a protuberance 11 can be independent of that of another protuberance 11, as long as this angular width b corresponds to the angular width b 'of the recess 12 opposite.

According to another characteristic, the first section S1 and the second section S2 have regular star profiles. Also the first section SI comprises n angularly equidistant protuberances 11, with n integer. It then goes without saying that the second section S2 comprises as many, ie n, angularly equidistant recesses 12. Advantageously, the n protuberances 11 have the same angular width b. It then goes without saying that the n recesses 12 of the second section S2 have the same angular width b 'equal to or advantageously greater. It can be deduced from this that the angular distance Da between the second orientation a1 and the first orientation a1, Da = a2 - a1, is equal to 1 / 2n of a turn.

The number n of branches of the star is at least two, n cannot increase too much at the risk of reducing too much the angle Da of rotation between the working configuration and the release configuration. Also n = 10 seems a maximum value. The case n = 2 branches can be subject to jamming in rotation. Also n is preferably equal to 3 or 4.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate such an embodiment with n = 4. An angle of rotation Da of 1/8 of a turn or 45 ° is observed.

Each rod 6 / hole 7 pair can independently adopt a pair of its own sections S1, S2. Likewise, the relative angles between the first section S1 and second section S2 of such a pair should be respected, but it is not necessary to orient two rods 6 relatively to each other.

According to another characteristic, all the first sections S1 of the rods 6 are identical to each other and all the second sections S2 of the holes 7 are identical to each other.

According to another characteristic, the device 1, and advantageously more particularly the tool 4, also comprises a means of alternating and simultaneous actuation (not shown) of all the rods 6, at the same angle Da. Such an actuating means thus advantageously makes it possible to simultaneously pass all the rods 6 from a working configuration a1 to a release configuration a1 and vice versa, in a single maneuver.

According to another characteristic, the device 1 orients the rods 6 by default in a working orientation, the rods 6 being in the first orientation a1 relative to the holes 7. This can be obtained by a return means of the rods 6 or of the means actuation. Work orientation allows stacking 3 plates on the rods 6. The rods 6 can still be selectively oriented, for example by means of the actuating means, in a release orientation, the rods 6 being in the second orientation a2 relative to the holes 7. This allows the stack 2 to be removed from the holes. plates 3 outside the rods 6 and therefore outside the tool 4.

The invention also relates to a tool 4, shaped so as to be suitable for use in such a device 1.

The invention also relates to a plate 3, shaped so as to be suitable for use in such a device 1.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a stack 2 of plates 3 by means of such a device 1, comprising the following steps. Initially, the tooling 4 is configured in a working orientation, advantageously by default, so that the rods 6 are in the first orientation a1 relative to the holes 7. The plates 3 can then be stacked on the rods 6. , in sufficient number to produce a stack 2. The plates 3 thus stacked undergo all the operations making it possible to obtain the stack 2: assembly, sealing, etc. The tool 4 is then configured in a release orientation where the rods 6 are in the second orientation a2 relative to the holes 7. This makes it possible to limit the contacts between the rods 6 and the holes 7, and thus allow easy removal of the stack. 2 of plates 3 outside the rods 6 and therefore outside the tool 4.

The present invention is advantageously applied to the manufacture of a fuel cell.

The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Many variant embodiments are possible.

List of reference signs

1: device,

2: stacking,

3: plate,

4: tools, 5: base,

6: rod,

7: hole,

10: obviously,

11: protuberance,

12: recess,

e, e ': center distance,

51: rod section,

52: hole section,

al: precisely adjusted orientation, a2: freely adjusted orientation,

Da: a2 - al,

RI: radius of SI,

R2: radius of S2,

b, b ': angular width of SI, S2, y, y': angular distance of SI, S2, n: number of protuberances.

Claims

1. Device (1) for producing a stack (2) of plates (3), comprising a tool (4) and at least one plate (3), the tool (4) comprising a base (5) carrying at least one rectilinear, parallel rod (6), where appropriate spaced two by two at least one center distance (e ') and having a first section (SI) substantially circular and said at least one plate (3) being superimposable and comprising at least as many holes (7) as there are rods (6), where appropriate spaced from the same at least one center distance (e), having a second section (S2) which is substantially circular and capable of containing the first section (SI), characterized in that the first section (SI) and the second section (S2) can rotate relative to each other reciprocally between a first orientation (a1) where the first section (SI) and the second section (S2) are precisely adjusted and a second orientation (a2) where the first section (SI) and the second section (S2) are free adjusted.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (SI) is a circle of first radius (RI) comprising at least two recesses (10) leaving as many protuberances (11) of first radius (RI), given angular widths (b) and angular distances (y) and the second section (S2) is a circle of second radius (R2), substantially equal to the first radius (RI), comprising as many recesses (12), angular widths (b ') respectively at least equal to the angular widths (b) of the protuberances (11) of the first section (SI) and angular distances (g') respectively equal to the angular distances (y) of the protrusions (11) of the first section (SI).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first radius (RI) is substantially equal to the second radius (R2) to within a tolerance ensuring a precise adjustment, preferably sliding.

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, where the first section (SI) comprises n protuberances (11) of the same angular width (b), angularly equidistant, and where the angular distance (Da) between the second orientation (a2) and the first orientation (a1) is equal to 1 / 2n turn, with n integer, between 2 and 10, preferably equal to 3 or 4

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein all the first sections (SI) of the rods (6) are identical and all the second sections (S2) of the holes (7) are identical.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a means of alternating and simultaneous actuation of all the rods (6), at the same angle (Da).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rods (6) are adapted to be oriented in a default working orientation where the rods (6) are in the first orientation (a1) relatively. to the holes (7), in order to allow plates (3) to be stacked on the rods (6) and are adapted to be selectively oriented in a release orientation where the rods (6) are in the second orientation (a2) relatively to the holes (7), in order to allow the stack (2) of plates (3) to be removed from the rods (6) and the tooling (4).

8. Tool (4) suitable for use in a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Plate (3) suitable for use in a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method of producing a stack (2) of plates (3) by means of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: configuration of the tool (4) in a default working orientation where the rods (6) are in the first orientation (a1) relative to the holes (7), stacking the plates (3) on the rods (6), assembling the plates (3) to form the 'stacking (2), setting the tooling (4) in a release orientation where the rods (6) are in the second orientation (a2) relative to the holes (7), and removing the stack (2) from plates (3) outside the rods (6) and the tooling (4).