Carbon composite for a PEM fuel cell bipolar plate

摘要

The current major cost component for proton exchange membrane fuel cells is the bipolar plate. An option being explored for replacin the current, nominal machined graphite component is a molded carbon fiber material. One face and the volume of the component will be left porous, while the opposite surface and sides are hermetically sealed via chemical vapor infiltration of carbon. This paper will address initial work on the concept.