Development of a $10/kW bipolar separator plate. Technical quarterly progress report, October 1--December 31, 1998

摘要

In the first year of this program, October 1, 1997 to September 30, 1998, the Institute of Gas Technology and its sub-contractors, Stimsonite Corporation and Superior Graphite Company have achieved the objectives to develop a low- cost molded bipolar plate and to design a conceptual mass production molding line. Specifically the authors have: identified low-cost materials for a moldable graphite blend separator plate; molded complex shape bipolar separator plates with fine details; met DOE target values for electrical, chemical, and physical properties; shown the molded plates comparable to machined graphite in single fuel cells; and designed a conceptual rapid manufacturing line to manufacture the plates. All of the objectives in the first year of the project have been accomplished. The DOE cost target of $10 per kW appears to be achievable with the low cost composite materials. All of the critical electrical, chemical, and physical properties of the molded separator plates have met or exceeded the DOE specifications. Performance and endurance tests of the molded plates in single cells have shown comparable performance to state-of- art machined graphite separator plates. During this quarter, October 1 to December 31, 1998, with technical approval from DOE and 3-month interim funding, the authors made a transition to the new tasks of the continuation program. The major activities in this quarterly period have centered on the detailed specification, procurement, setup, and shakedown of equipment for a pilot production line to mold 5 plates per hour; and to make molds and provisions to test the performance and endurance of 5 and 10-cell fuel cell stacks made with the pilot-molded plates.