Publication

Abstract : Bipolar plates (BP) are crucial components of a Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Engineers take utmost caution in designing them as they significantly affect the thermal and water management of the fuel cell stack. The conventionally used graphite-based BPs are being replaced by metallic BPs due to the latter’s improved mechanical and electrical properties as well as machinability. In aerospace and portable applications, metallic BPs offer valuable benefit of size reduction of the fuel cell as well. This work presents a thermal and structural simulation of metallic BP of different materials viz. SS 316 L, SS 304 and titanium compared to graphite BP. For sake of brevity, the BPs are investigated at the condition after the preheating process but prior to supply of fuel into the cell stack.