High through-plane Electrically Conductive Composite Plate from Different Conductive Fillers for Fuel Cell Applications

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells deliver high power density and offer the advantages of low weight and volume compared with other fuel cells. It operates at relatively low temperatures, around 80°C (176°F) and Low-temperature operation allows them to start quickly (less warm-up time) and results in less wear on system components. Among the different components of fuel cell, bipolar plate (BP) is one of essential constituent structures of PEMFC, have a crucial influence on the performance of PEMFC. The conducting polymer composite have the potential to achieve high-quality and high-performance BPs that meet the requirements for PEMFC application. One critical performance factor is the electrical conductivity of the bipolar plate. The better the electrical transport of a bipolar plate in through plane direction, the fewer plates are required to produce a given power output. This leads to a smaller fuel cell and lower cost, which are key features for market acceptance. Developed the process know to achieve high through-plane conductivity using different type of conducting fillers and conducting binder matrix by compression molding technique.

High through-plane electrical conductivity of graphite composite bipolar plate

Indigenous graphite composite plate developed from indigenous raw materials