Description
One test module machine for Bipolar Plates with manual loading/unloading. The test fixture consists of two removable plates, upper and lower, containing sealings which comply with the Bipolar Plate pattern and make tightness against each of the three circuits (Hydrogen, Air and Coolant). The Bipolar Plate is placed on the lower plate. After the manual closing of the fixture, the Bipolar Plate lays between the upper and the lower plates of the fixture for the testing operation.
Principle of measurement: pressure drop test with air, by way of two pressure transducers, while the flow rate inside the channels of the Bipolar Plate is kept constant by way of a mass flow controller.
Machine can be upgraded for automatic loading/unloading by robot, pick & place or any automatic system.
The testing station provides a single station, assembled on a welded painted steel frame with cover panels and vertical automatic door. A pressing system for the fixture compression during the test is placed in vertical position while the horizontal opening and closing of the testing fixture is guaranteed by a sliding guide system.
The cabinet containing the electric switchboard and the pneumatic distribution system is placed behind the testing area.
HMI is made by a touch-screen color monitor positioned into a box in turn fixed to an arm on the side of the testing station; push-buttons and light signals for the operator are positioned on the left side of the station.
The access to the testing area is protected by the automatic door and only electrical and air supply are needed to run the machine.
Two pressure transducers are installed in the testing station and they measure the pressure drop of the Bipolar Plate’s circuits between the inlet and the outlet while the outlet pressure is kept constant. At the same time a mass flow controller keeps the air mass flow constant during the testing operation.
The fixture, once manually closed, is automatically actuated and allows the coupling between the testing station and each circuit to be tested.
The bench incorporates an industrial PC which performs HMI functions while supervision of the process is made by a PLC. The software is configurable so that it is possible to:
- Set machine parameters
- Create different recipes, according to required test parameters
- Manage the automatic cycle as well as the manual cycle
- Set counters and production data
- Manage levels of access
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.