Surface Treated SS304 Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates: Its Properties and Single Cell Performance

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Ming Lee ◽  
Shuo-Jen Lee ◽  
Chih-Yuan Lee ◽  
Ping-Hung Lai
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Corrosion Rate ◽  
Corrosion Current ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Cell Performance ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
Original Cell

In this paper, a thin SS304 stainless steel is chosen as metallic bipolar plate. In order to improve the surface qualities, such as anticorrosion capability, surface roughness, and clearness, the surface of bipolar plate is treated by an electropolishing technology. From the results of corrosion and potentionstatic tests, the corrosion rate and corrosion current of treated plate are much improved. The corrosion rate and corrosion current are reduced to 0.037 mmPY and 3.56 μA cm−2. The cell performance tests show the peak power of treated cell is lower than original cell. However, for the long term tests, the cell with treated plate has a more stable power output. The results show that the treated plate has a good potential for using in the fuel cell.

Surface Treated SS304 Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates: Its Properties and Single Cell Performance

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Ming Lee ◽  
Shuo-Jen Lee ◽  
Chih-Yuan Lee ◽  
Ping-Hung Lai
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Corrosion Rate ◽  
Corrosion Current ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Cell Performance ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
Original Cell

In this paper, a thin SS304 stainless steel is chosen as metallic bipolar plate. In order to improve the surface qualities such as anti-corrosion capability, surface roughness and clearness, the surface of bipolar plate is treated by a specific surface modification technology. From the results of corrosion and potentionstatic tests, the corrosion rate and corrosion current of treated plate is much improved. The corrosion rate and corrosion current are reduced to 0.037 mmpy and 3.56μ A/cm2. The cell performance tests shows the peak power of treated cell is lower than original cell. However, for the long term tests, the cell with treated plate has a more stable power output. The results show that the treated plate has a good potential for using in the fuel cell.

scholarly journals Properties of a Plasma-Nitrided Coating and a CrNx Coating on the Stainless Steel Bipolar Plate of PEMFC

Coatings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiling Xu ◽  
Shumei Kang ◽  
Jinlin Lu ◽  
Xinyong Yan ◽  
Tingting Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Corrosion Resistance ◽  
316L Stainless Steel ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Electrochemical Impedance ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Stainless Steel Surface ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Better Than

PEMFC are considered to be the most promising for automotive energy because of their good working effect, low temperature, high efficiency, and zero pollution. Stainless steel as a PEMFC bipolar plate has unparalleled advantages in strength, cost, and processability, but it is easy to corrode in a PEMFC working environment. In order to improve the corrosion resistance, the surface modification of 316L stainless steel is a feasible solution for PEMFC bipolar plates. In the present study, the plasma-nitrided coating and CrNx coating were prepared by the plasma-enhanced balanced magnetron sputtering technology on the 316L stainless steel surface. The microstructures, phase compositions, and corrosion resistance behavior of the coatings were investigated. The corrosion behavior of the prepared plasma-nitrided coating and CrNx coating was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in both cathodic and anodic environments. The experimental results show that corrosion resistance of the CrNx coating was better than the plasma-nitrided coating. It was indicated that the technology process of nitriding first and then depositing Cr was better than nitriding only.

scholarly journals Design and Modeling of Metallic Bipolar Plates for a Fuel Cell Range Extender

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5484
Author(s):  
Uwe Reimer ◽  
Ekaterina Nikitsina ◽  
Holger Janßen ◽  
Martin Müller ◽  
Dieter Froning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Cathode Side ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Range Extender ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Dry Conditions

Fuel cells, designed for mobile applications, should feature compact and low-weight designs. This study describes a design process that fulfills the specific needs of target applications and the production process. The key challenge for this type of metallic bipolar plate is that the combination of two plates creates three flow fields, namely an anode side, a cathode side, and a coolant. This illustrates the fact that each cell constitutes an electrochemical converter with an integrated heat exchanger. The final arrangement is comprised of plates with parallel and separate serpentine channel configurations. The anode and cathode sides are optimized for operation under dry conditions. The final plate offers an almost perfect distribution of coolant flow over the active area. The high quality of this distribution is almost independent of the coolant mass flow, even if one of the six inlet channels is blocked. The software employed (OpenFOAM and SALOME) is freely available and can be used with templates.

scholarly journals Corrosion Behavior and Conductivity of TiNb and TiNbN Coated Steel for Metallic Bipolar Plates

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Shi ◽  
Xue Li ◽  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Wei-Wei Li ◽  
Shu-Bo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Resistance ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Electronic Conductivity ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Carbon Paper ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Interfacial Contact Resistance

To improve corrosion resistance and electronic conductivity of bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), coatings of TiNb and TiNbN on 316L stainless steel (SS) were prepared by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed the existence of metallic nitrides in the TiNbN coating. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests showed that the deposited coatings provided smooth surfaces. Further electrochemical measurements indicated that the corrosion resistance of TiNb coating was significantly higher than that of substrate. At 0.19 V vs MSE, the long-term stabilized current density of TiNb/316L SS was lower than 1 μA·cm−2. The interfacial contact resistance (ICR) values between coating and carbon paper suggested that TiNb and TiNbN films had better contact conductivity than 316L SS substrate. In conclusion, TiNb coated 316L SS metallic bipolar plate material is a promising option for PEMFC.

Investigating the Use of Stamped Metal Foils as Bipolar Plates in PEM Fuel Cell Stacks

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel T. Backes ◽  
David T. McMillan ◽  
Andrew M. Herring ◽  
John R. Berger ◽  
John A. Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Thin Sheet ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Steel Plates ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Fuel Cell Stack ◽  
Serpentine Flow Field

The process of stamping stainless steel bipolar plates is developed from initial plate design through manufacturing and use in a fuel cell stack. A stamped design incorporating a serpentine flow field for the cathode and an interdigitated flow field for the anode is designed. This bipolar plate consists of only one piece of thin stainless steel sheet. The process of rubber-pad stamping was chosen to reduce shearing of the thin sheet. Dies were designed and made. Stainless steel plates were stamped, but stress were higher than anticipated and die failure was observed. The plates were tested both in-situ and by doing simulated fuel cell testing. Although sealing was an issue due to lack of proper gaskets and endplates, tests determined that the stamped bipolar plates will work in a PEM fuel cell stack. Dies were redesigned to improve durability. Gaskets and endplates were designed to complete the stack construction.

scholarly journals Properties of graphite-stainless steel composite in bipolar plates in simulated anode and cathode environments of PEM fuel cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Włodarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Surface Profile ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Good Choice ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Corrosion Properties ◽  
Steel Composite

AbstractThe use of a graphite-stainless steel composite as bipolar plates (BP) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been evaluated. The study covers measurements of mechanical properties, microstructural examination, analysis of surface profile, wettability, porosity and corrosion resistance of the composite. The corrosion properties of the composite were examined in 0.1 mol·dm−3 H2SO4 + 2 ppm F− saturated with H2 or with O2 and in solutions with different pH: in Na2SO4+ 2 ppm F− (pH = 1.00, 3.00, 5.00) at 80 °C. The performed tests indicate that the graphite modified with stainless steel can be a good choice to be used as a bipolar plate in PEM fuel cells.

Fabrication of Wave-Like Microstructure on the Bottom of Microflow Channel of Metallic Bipolar Plate

2013 ◽  
Vol 589-590 ◽  
pp. 547-551
Author(s):  
Hong Liang Tang ◽  
Zhen Ping Wan ◽  
Yong Tang
Keyword(s):  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Feed Speed ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Forming Mechanism ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Novel Method

Metallic bipolar plates with unique wave-like microstructure on the bottom of microflow channel have shown promising prospects for the application in proton exchange membrane microfuel cell. A novel method—milling with special thin slotting cutters is developed for fabrication of wave-like microstructure on the bottom of microflow channels. The special thin slotting cutter is manufactured by removing one or several teeth every one tooth of the traditional slotting cutter regularly. Forming mechanism of wave-like microstructure is presented and experimental tests have been conducted for validation of the feasibility of the novel method. Results show that the wave-like microstructure can be successfully fabricated on the bottom of microflow channel. The bottom of bipolar plates with wave-like microstructure is not a flat plane, but a wavy groove. The wavelength and amplitude of wave-like microstructure increase with the increase of feed speed and the number of removed teeth.

Sintered Stainless Steel for Interconnectors for PEM Fuel Cell

2012 ◽  
Vol 706-709 ◽  
pp. 1047-1051
Author(s):  
Renata Włodarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Sintered Stainless Steel ◽  
Materials Used

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance strongly depends on properties of the fuel cell stack bipolar plates (BPs). Bipolar plates are a key component of fuel cells. Functions of materials used for fuel cells include even distribution of gas fuel and air, conduction of electricity between the adjacent cells, heat transfer from the cell as well as prevention of gas leakage and cooldown. Due to multifunctionality of fuel cell plates, choice of materials used for plates is immensely difficult. This paper presents opportunities of application of a new technology of powder sintering for creation of parts for electricity and heat generators. Sintered stainless steel 316LHD was investigated as a candidate material for bipolar plate materials. 316L powders were compacted with the following load: 700MPa, 550MPa, and 200MPa, and then sintered at the temperature of 1250 °C in hydrogen medium. The main criterion for selection of a particular material for components of fuel cells is their corrosion resistance in operating conditions of hydrogen fuel cells. In order to determine resistance to corrosion in the environment of operation of fuel cells, potentiokinetic curves (as a function of temperature) were registered in synthetic solution 0.1M H2SO4 + 2 ppmF- at 80°C. The investigations also covered measurements of mechanical properties and microstructural testing of sinters with austenitic structure.

scholarly journals Manufacturing of Metallic Bipolar Plate Channels by Rolling

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Bauer ◽  
Sebastian Härtel ◽  
Birgit Awiszus
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Installation Space ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plates ◽  
Metallic Bipolar Plate ◽  
Set Up

Producing metallic bipolar plates for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells by forming is still a topic of research. So far, it has mainly been applied for small batches, but it offers substantial advantages regarding both costs and installation space compared to the established graphite based solutions. One new possibility for an efficient manufacturing process of these metallic bipolar plates is the forming by rolling. For the first time, this technology was used for relevant industrial scale channel geometries. By the use of an experimental rolling mill, 0.1 mm thick 316L (1.4404) stainless steel foils were roll-formed to achieve previously designed channel geometries within one rolling pass. The conducted experiments show promising results regarding the forming accuracy and the shape of the channel cross-sections. With the aim for a proof of concept in the beginning and a subsequent optimization of the process, a numerical simulation was set up prior to the real experiments and later calibrated with the experimental forming results. This calibrated model was used for further improvements of the process with the objective at reducing wrinkles and distortion. The investigation of this new process method for the manufacturing of metallic bipolar plates shows enormous potential and can lead to a more efficient and cheaper production.

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