Small‐scale resistance seam welding of stainless steel bipolar plates of PEM fuel cells

Abstract

Joining process is one of the major steps in the manufacturing of stainless steel bipolar plates (BPPs). In this paper, the resistance seam welding method with a capacitor discharge (CD) welding machine is used for welding the metallic bipolar plates of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. For welding, the curved paths in the surroundings of the BPPs, ball electrode is used on the positive side of the welding machine and electrode wheel is used for welding the short straight paths inside the flow field channels. Weld seam quality and leakage resistance are examined with the peel test and pillow test. Eventually, according to the results of the peel and pillow tests, the optimum welding parameters for welding a BPP are determined. Finally, two halves of a BPP with parallel serpentine channel flow field are welded together by resistance seam welding method.

The performance research of TaC modified 316L bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

“…10,11 The bipolar plate possesses multiple roles in PEMFC to be used for providing channels of fuel and air, collecting current and facilitating water management. [12][13][14] So a series of properties, such as sufficient mechanical property and satisfactory electrical conductivity, is essential to enhance the performance of bipolar plates. In addition, admirable resistance to corrosion and excellent hydrophobic properties are also the main demand for bipolar plates to enhance the output efficiency of PEMFC stack.…”