What is it about?
This comprehensive review dissects the critical engineering challenges associated with the design and manufacturing of flow fields within Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). At the heart of this technology are bipolar plates—multifunctional components that facilitate electrochemical reactions while managing the distribution of reactant gases. The study evaluates the rigorous material requirements for these plates, which must balance high electrical conductivity, superior corrosion resistance, and robust mechanical strength. By scrutinizing both graphite and metallic materials, the research provides a comparative analysis of their operational merits and drawbacks. Furthermore, the work explores how innovative geometric flow patterns and advanced manufacturing techniques influence the fluid dynamics and overall efficiency of the fuel cell stack.
Featured Image
Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash
Why is it important?
As the global energy landscape shifts toward electrification, the PEMFC has emerged as a frontrunner for sustainable power generation. However, the commercial viability of these fuel cells is heavily dictated by the performance and cost of the bipolar plates, which account for a significant portion of the stack's weight and volume. This review is vital because it identifies the precise geometrical and material bottlenecks that hinder energy conversion efficiency. By consolidating experimental data on diverse flow field architectures, the work provides a clear roadmap for overcoming manufacturing hurdles. This knowledge is essential for reducing the footprint of hydrogen technology and ensuring that fuel cells can be produced at the scale required for a decarbonized transport sector.
Perspectives
The evolution of bipolar plate design represents a shift from basic gas delivery to highly engineered mass-transport systems. This review asserts that the next leap in fuel cell performance will not come from chemistry alone, but from the sophisticated integration of innovative flow patterns and advanced fabrication methods. The transition toward metallic plates and hybrid designs suggests a future where high power density is achieved through precision engineering. By providing a holistic view of the interplay between geometry and operation, this work serves as a definitive guide for researchers and manufacturers alike. It underscores that the sustainability of hydrogen energy is fundamentally tied to our ability to manufacture durable, high-efficiency components that can withstand the harsh internal environments of an active fuel cell.
Dr. Shankar Raman Dhanushkodi
University of British Columbia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Design and Manufacturing Challenges in PEMFC Flow Fields—A Review, Energies, July 2024, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/en17143499.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
