IGF 20093N - FC Flex2

About the project

The conventional production of graphitic bipolar plates (BPP) for use in PEM fuel cells involves the assembly of two halves. These are joined by bracing. The research results from IGF 498 ZN provide a novel, electrically conductive compound film that can be further optimized to serve as a thin and flexible basis for such BPPs and, in combination with e.g. metallic sheets for the cooling structures, enables much thinner (graphitic) bipolar plates than before.  

The aim of the project is to build up bipolar plates from several layers of graphitic and metallic foils by adhesive bonding. In addition to the volumetric and gravimetric advantages, these novel hybrid bipolar plates are characterized by their mechanical flexibility and thus vibration insensitivity, especially for mobile applications. To achieve this goal, suitable adhesives are being formulated, contacting options are being evaluated and various application methods are being tested. The functional structures of a fuel cell, such as flow field and cooling channels, are created simply and individually by cutting out and joining individual foils with variable geometry. After joining the individual partial solutions, the multilayer bipolar plate can be tested for its function and an economic analysis can be carried out.With the production of thin, foil-based BPP, the classic problems of metallic or graphite bipolar plates produced via injection molding are avoided and the best properties are combined. This makes it possible for SMEs to produce bipolar plates economically in a simple manner, both in small quantities and in series production, without having to invest in expensive plant technology or tools.