In the IGF- project 17062 N "investigating the use of adhesives for the production of bipolar plates for ease of assembly and to reduce the leakage opportunities in fuel cell stacks - Fuel Cell Bond" adhesive bonding assembly techniques were investigated for PEM fuel cells to link graphitic and metallic bipolar half-plates (BPHP) to bipolar plates (BPP). Objectives were the improvement of the electrical conductivity reduced gas leakage and simplified assembly. These targets could be achieved during the project mainly with the use of specially formulated conductive adhesives and adhesive application on the structured surfaces of the bipolar plates by means of rollers. A significant part of the project success could also be ascribed to the target-oriented development of optimized injection moldable bipolar plates for adhesive bonding.
At the end of the project the adhesive manufactured fuel cell stacks based on graphitic bipolar plates show equivalent performance, efficiency and life expectancy validated by permanent and cycle tests compared to conventional setups. The BPP also have much higher conductivities. In addition, the stack assembly can be significantly accelerated due to prefabricated BPP.
The project has now been completed, further information summarizes the project report in German language available from ZBT or TIB Hanover.
- Department fuel cells and systems
- LT-PEM fuel cell stacks
- publications of ZBT: reports
