Development of 1:1 and 2:1 Channel Ratio Bipolar Plates (BPPs) for PEMFC

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction of oxygen air and hydrogen fuel. Thetransportofoxidantand fuel through the bipolarplatesis a significant factor affecting the cell performance. Currently, present work concentrates highly on flow field layout and channels design configurations. In this paper, the development two flow field layouts are discussed with different inlet/outlet channel ratio. Serpentine-paralleldesignisusedasthe base layout. The flow fields have inlet/outlet channel ratio of 1:1 and multiple inlet 2:1 configurations. Graphite is used as theplate material.Theanodeflowchannelis 2 mmx 1.2 mmx 2 mm meanwhile the cathode channel is 2 mm x 0.5 mm x 2 mm fora xbxwrespectively.Theactiveareais 25 cm2 with 5 cmx 5 cm dimensions. The fields were fabricated by Roland EGX-360 Desktop Engraver machine that involved drilling and profiling process. The fuel cell assembly process is explained in detail. The gasketmaterialis made from two materials which are Polyimide and Silicon. A series of pre-conditioning experiments were carried out in both fuel cells for confident purposes.