Optimization of a Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cells

Abstract

A carbon composite bipolar plate for PEM fuel cells has been developed that has high electrical conductivity, high strength, light weight, is impermeable, and has the potential for being produced at low cost. The plate is produced by slurry molding short carbon fibers into preform structures, molding features into the green body, and using chemical vapor infiltration to strengthen the material, give it high conductivity, and densify the surface to make it impermeable. Current efforts have focused on optimizing the fabrication process and characterizing prototypical components.

Investigation of bipolar plate geometry on direct methanol fuel cell performance

“…The overall efficiency of fuel cells greatly depends on the performance of the BPPs in their stack [15]. In this experimental setup, graphite BPPs were used.…”

Influence of hot-pressing pressure on the densification of short-carbon-fiber-reinforced, randomly oriented carbon/carbon composite

“…Some of these extended applications include nuclear reactor components [6], brake discs for high speed vehicles [7], components for chemical plant equipment [8], artificial body parts [9], and bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells [10][11][12][13]. Of significance is that these areas do not require the very high levels of mechanical properties needed for space and military applications.…”

A Review of Thermoplastic Composites for Bipolar Plate Materials in PEM Fuel Cells

“…An ideal material should combine the following characteristics that are defined by Department of Energy (DOE) as shown in Table 1. US DOE technical targets for composite bipolar plates [10,11] Currently, efforts to improve the PEMFC cost and reliability for the industry, including the automotive industry, are comprised of reducing the cost and weight of the fuel cell stack, the goal being a 50 kW system of $35/kW and <133 kg in mass [12] .The bipolar plates in the stack require significant improvement, since bipolar plates account for approximately 55% of the PEMFC weight, and 37% of the stack manufacturing and materials cost [13,14] as shown in Figure 3. Accordingly, the development of bipolar plates may present opportunities for cost and weight reductions in PEMFCs.…”