CarboPlate

CarboPlate
M. Grundler, D. Günther, A. Heinzel
Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH
„Innovative fuel cell stack design with
CNT-based bipolar plates “
Project-Coordination:
Construction of new injection mold:
Centred injection point
No weld lines
Short flow distances
Dipl.-Chem. Thorsten Derieth
Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH
Start: 01.08.2009
Variotherm mold temperature control possible
Injection compression molding (optional)
Low pressure losses and flow resistance
Duration: 3 years
Project goals:
The entire value added chain based on the feedstock
for bipolar plates, the plates themselves, and fuel cell
stacks in operational systems is investigated
∆T=~3 K
injection
temperature
compound (80wt.%
graphite + CNTs)
CNT bipolar
plates
injection molding
machine KM500
Development of new CNT-based bipolar plates that
can be produced by standard mass production
techniques
Significant decrease of costs by usage of extrusion
and injection molding technology
Lower melt viscosity makes the realization of bipolar
plates in larger dimensions possible
∆pColling=~8 mbar
coolingside
pressure
∆pGas=~4 mbar
flowfield
pressure
Compression molding:
Suitable for research in material science and
development of new formulations with small
compound samples
Compression molding as preliminary test before
development of final and new injection mold
Innovative fuel cell stack design:
New innovative hexagonal stack design developed
compression
molded plate
Active surface of 200 cm2
Various flowfield geometries simulated
construction model
milled surface
bipolar plate
Stress distribution simulated and calculated
New compression mold for larger bipolar plates
geometries constructed and evaluated
Prototype built up and gas-tightness tested
Simulation of heat flow and temperature distribution
bipolar plate
stress distribution
gas-tightness test
compression mold
heat flow
temperature distribution