Design of metallic bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells.

PDFTech ReportNUTC R231Project #00022763DTRT06-G-0014Fuel cellsPlates (Engineering)Stainless steelElectrochemical processesDesignMissouriMissouri University of Science and Technology. Center for Transportation Infrastructure and SafetyIsanakaPraneeth, SriramDas, AustinLiou, FrankMissouri University of Science and Technology. Center for Transportation Infrastructure and SafetyUnited States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThis project focused on the design and production of metallic bipolar plates for use in PEM fuel cells. Different metals were exploredand stainless steel was found out to be best suited to our purpose. Following the selection of metal, it was calculated that to produce0.7 W of power, the bipolar plate should have an active surface of 25cm2. The bipolar plates were designed with different flow fieldpatterns and manufactured. Different flow field patterns that were used were the straight design, serpentine, multiple serpentine, pin-type, interdigitated design and other custom designs. These plates were then assembled along with MEA, gaskets and the end-clampplates to construct a single-cell PEMFC which was then tested on a fuel cell test station. Different prototypes were designed withrespect to the bipolar plates and the end plates to improve sealing and fuel cell performance. Appropriate loading was done on thesingle fuel cell to obtain the required power from the fuel cell