Fabrication of Wave-Like Microstructure on the Bottom of Microflow Channel of Metallic Bipolar Plate

2013 ◽  
Vol 589-590 ◽  
pp. 547-551
Author(s):  
Hong Liang Tang ◽  
Zhen Ping Wan ◽  
Yong Tang
Keyword(s):  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Feed Speed ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Forming Mechanism ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Novel Method

Metallic bipolar plates with unique wave-like microstructure on the bottom of microflow channel have shown promising prospects for the application in proton exchange membrane microfuel cell. A novel method—milling with special thin slotting cutters is developed for fabrication of wave-like microstructure on the bottom of microflow channels. The special thin slotting cutter is manufactured by removing one or several teeth every one tooth of the traditional slotting cutter regularly. Forming mechanism of wave-like microstructure is presented and experimental tests have been conducted for validation of the feasibility of the novel method. Results show that the wave-like microstructure can be successfully fabricated on the bottom of microflow channel. The bottom of bipolar plates with wave-like microstructure is not a flat plane, but a wavy groove. The wavelength and amplitude of wave-like microstructure increase with the increase of feed speed and the number of removed teeth.

scholarly journals Corrosion Behavior and Conductivity of TiNb and TiNbN Coated Steel for Metallic Bipolar Plates

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Shi ◽  
Xue Li ◽  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Wei-Wei Li ◽  
Shu-Bo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Resistance ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Electronic Conductivity ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Carbon Paper ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Interfacial Contact Resistance

To improve corrosion resistance and electronic conductivity of bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), coatings of TiNb and TiNbN on 316L stainless steel (SS) were prepared by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed the existence of metallic nitrides in the TiNbN coating. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests showed that the deposited coatings provided smooth surfaces. Further electrochemical measurements indicated that the corrosion resistance of TiNb coating was significantly higher than that of substrate. At 0.19 V vs MSE, the long-term stabilized current density of TiNb/316L SS was lower than 1 μA·cm−2. The interfacial contact resistance (ICR) values between coating and carbon paper suggested that TiNb and TiNbN films had better contact conductivity than 316L SS substrate. In conclusion, TiNb coated 316L SS metallic bipolar plate material is a promising option for PEMFC.

scholarly journals Manufacturing of Metallic Bipolar Plate Channels by Rolling

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Bauer ◽  
Sebastian Härtel ◽  
Birgit Awiszus
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Installation Space ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Set Up

Producing metallic bipolar plates for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells by forming is still a topic of research. So far, it has mainly been applied for small batches, but it offers substantial advantages regarding both costs and installation space compared to the established graphite based solutions. One new possibility for an efficient manufacturing process of these metallic bipolar plates is the forming by rolling. For the first time, this technology was used for relevant industrial scale channel geometries. By the use of an experimental rolling mill, 0.1 mm thick 316L (1.4404) stainless steel foils were roll-formed to achieve previously designed channel geometries within one rolling pass. The conducted experiments show promising results regarding the forming accuracy and the shape of the channel cross-sections. With the aim for a proof of concept in the beginning and a subsequent optimization of the process, a numerical simulation was set up prior to the real experiments and later calibrated with the experimental forming results. This calibrated model was used for further improvements of the process with the objective at reducing wrinkles and distortion. The investigation of this new process method for the manufacturing of metallic bipolar plates shows enormous potential and can lead to a more efficient and cheaper production.

scholarly journals A Review of Metallic Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials and Fabrication Methods

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahram Karimi ◽  
Norman Fraser ◽  
Bronwyn Roberts ◽  
Frank R. Foulkes
Keyword(s):  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Reaction Products ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Density Graphite ◽  
Feasible Alternative ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell offers an exceptional potential for a clean, efficient, and reliable power source. The bipolar plate is a key component in this device, as it connects each cell electrically, supplies reactant gases to both anode and cathode, and removes reaction products from the cell. Bipolar plates have been fabricated primarily from high-density graphite, but in recent years, much attention has been paid to developing cost-effective and feasible alternative materials. Two different classes of materials have attracted attention: metals and composites. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the current research being carried out on metallic bipolar plates, covering materials and fabrication methods.

Life-Limiting Aspects of the Corrosion of Metallic Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cells

2008 ◽  
Vol 41-42 ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Wang ◽  
Derek O. Northwood
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electronic Conductivity ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Metallic Materials ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the bipolar plates supply the reactant gases through the flow channels to the electrodes and serve the purpose of electrochemically connecting one cell to another in the electrochemical cell stack. Requirements of the bipolar plate material are: high values of electronic conductivity; high values of thermal conductivity; high mechanical strength; impermeability to reactant gases; resistance to corrosion; and low cost of automated production. Metallic materials meet many of these requirements but the challenge has been in obtaining the required corrosion resistance. In the paper, six metallic materials were investigated as potential bipolar plate materials. The results showed that the corrosion rates were too high even for the most corrosion resistant metals (SS316L and grade 2 Ti), and that coatings would be required.

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