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Bipolar plates are a key component of proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers. They are machined with complex flow fields or channels that, when stacked, distribute gas and air, as well as conduct electrical current from one cell to the next.
Though bipolar plates are important components, they are also one of the most expensive, often costing up to 60% of the stack cost.
In this video, we explore how chemical etching technology can reduce the cost of bipolar production.
Video transcript
Cost-effective bipolar plate manufacture for PEM & SOEC electrolysers.
Electrolysers use electrical energy from wind, solar or hydroelectric sources to break water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.
Electrolyser systems are built with modules (‘stacks’) based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) or solid oxide (SOEC) technology.
An essential electrolyser component is the metallic bipolar plate, which conducts heat and current between single cells in the stack and distributes reacting agents.
Though bipolar plates are important components, they are also one of the most expensive., often up to 60% of the stack cost.
Photochemical etching provides a viable manufacturing alternative for mechanical design engineers looking to reduce this cost.
It is possibly one of the most versatile machining processes used to produce metallic bipolar plates.
Virtually any metal can be chemically etched, in thicknesses up to 1.5mm and beyond.
Bipolar plates are typically produced from 316L stainless steel, titanium or aluminium.
Etching uses digital tooling which is quick and inexpensive to produce.
This means that prototypes can be created for hundreds, rather than thousands of pounds in as little as 24 hours.
Unlike CNC machining, hydroforming and stamping, etching does not apply any mechanical or thermal stress.
And as the bipolar plate design is printed onto the metal, complex design features can be produced consistently and accurately to ±0.020 mm without cost penalty.
Ready to discuss your bipolar plate manufacturing requirements?
Get in touch today! www.precisionmicro.com
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