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Photoetched Fuel Cell Plates

Tech-Etch can photoetch flow field bi-polar plates used in PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Fuel Cells. Bi-polar plates, or separator plates, are conductive plates in a fuel cell stack that act as an anode for one cell and a cathode for adjacent cells. The plates contain flow channels for the fluid feeds and may contain conduits for heat transfer.

Tech-Etch can produce plates with interlacing front and back side channels to produce a corrugated effect for cooling purposes. See the blow-up below.

In addition, photoetching can be combined with machining to produce cross-over channels. Tolerances up to .0005 inches can be achieved in typical materials such as Titanium and Stainless Steel for these anode and cathode plates. These production processes are extremely desirable in the design and prototype stage of fuel cell development. Tech-Etch manufactures their fuel cell plates to customer specifications. To learn more about their capability, email us.

Due to their robustness and improved volumetric power density when compared to graphite, extremely corrosion resistant Stainless Steel and Titanium bipolar flow field plates for PEM fuel cells offer many advantages:

• Where space is limited, they are thinner producing a shorter stack.
• Metals offer superior electrical and heat conductivity than non-metal solutions.
• For mobile applications, metal plates are less fragile and able to withstand mechanical impact.
• For long-life applications, stainless steel and titanium provide extended life times plus improved electrical performance.

Photo etched metal plates are ideal for applications requiring good volumetric power densities, long life and robust performance.

Photo etching metal offers fuel cell designers unique time-saving and cost advantages:

• No expensive tooling or time consuming mold making required.
• Rapid prototyping is automatic, plus only a new phototool is required for design changes.
• Thickness is typically .050” or less.
• Multiple channel levels can be etched onto the fuel cell plate.
• Concept to part in only 3 weeks.
• Smooth surfaces are burr and stress free.
• Prototype to high volume.
• Tooling typically costs just $400.

PEM Fuel Cells with Bi-Polar Plates
Fuel cells generate power by converting the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Fuel cells use hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidant in this reaction. The result is electricity with the by-products of water and heat.

A fuel cell consists principally of two electrodes, the anode and the cathode, separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane. The electrodes are coated on one side with a catalyst. Hydrogen fuel is fed into the anode and air enters through the cathode. In the presence of the catalyst, the hydrogen molecule splits into two protons and two electrons. The electrons from the hydrogen molecule flow through an external circuit, creating the electrical current. Protons from the hydrogen molecule are transported through the electrolyte membrane, and combine at the cathode with the electrons and oxygen from the air to form water and generate heat.

When stacked in series, fuel cells generate useful voltages and power levels. They are attractive power generation devices because of their inherently high efficiency, zero or very low noxious emissions, low noise, and potential to be manufactured in virtually any size.