Etched Metal Fuel Cell Plates
PEI can photo chemically etch flow field bi-polar plates used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Fuel cell separator plates are conductive plates within a fuel cell stack that act as an anode for one fuel cell while acting as a cathode for adjacent cells. Fuel cell separator plates contain flow channels for fluid feeds and can also contain conduits used for transferring heat.
PEI can produce a corrugated effect used in fuel cell technology for cooling purposes by creating interlacing front and back side channels.
In addition to photo chemical etching, machining can be combined with the etching process to produce cross-over channels. Tolerances up to .0005 inches can be achieved using typical materials for fuel cell applications such as titanium and stainless-steel. These production processes are very desirable in the design and prototyping stage of fuel cell development. PEI manufactures all of their fuel cell plates to customer specifications.
Benefits Of Etched Metal Fuel Cell Plates
- Greater volumetric power density when compared to graphite plates.
- Extremely corrosion resistant due to the nature of titanium and stainless-steel.
- In situations where the are of space is limited, PEI's fuel cell plates are thinner yielding a shorter stack.
- Improved electrical and thermal conductivity over non-metal solutions.
- Able to withstand mechanical impact being much less fragile than graphite.
- Extended life span along with superior electrical performance.
Cost & Time Saving Advantages
- No expensive tooling or time consuming mold making required.
- Rapid prototyping is automatic, plus only a new photo tool 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.
