This portal page aggregates information relevant to Fuel Cell Bipolar plates.
There are a number of bipolar plate developers around the world who are looking to partner with fuel cell developers. There are also companies developing manufacturing technologies that enable rapid low cost production.
Bipolar plates are conductive plates in a fuel cell stack that act as an anode for one cell and a cathode for the next cell. Bipolar plates can be made of metal, carbon or conductive composite polymer (usually incorporating carbon). Polymer (plastic plates are also in development.
Bipolar plates have a number of functions within the fuel cell stack:
- Separating gases between cells (the reaction gases and water exhaust)
- Providing a conductive medium between the anode and cathode
- Providing a flow field channel for the reaction gases
- A solid structure for the stack
- Transferring heat out of the cell
Bipolar plates require the following characteristics:
- Impermeable to gases (in a PEM cell - hydrogen and oxygen)
- Good electrical conductivity
- A balance between conductivity, strength, size and weight – weight is more of concern for transportation and portable applications
- Resistance to corrosion
- Easy to manufacture in large quantities
- The flow field must provide uniform distribution of the reaction gases over the active area to ensure even and efficient power production
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