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Research on Design and Optimization of Large Metal Bipolar Plate Sealing for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Author

Listed:
  • Jinghui Zhao

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, No. 4800 Caoan Highway, Shanghai 201804, China
    Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
    AT&M Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., No. 76 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Huijin Guo

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, No. 4800 Caoan Highway, Shanghai 201804, China
    Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
    AT&M Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., No. 76 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Shaobo Ping

    (AT&M Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., No. 76 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
    Technology Innovation Center, Central Iron and Steel Research Institute Group, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Zimeng Guo

    (AT&M Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., No. 76 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Weikang Lin

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, No. 4800 Caoan Highway, Shanghai 201804, China
    Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Yanbo Yang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, No. 4800 Caoan Highway, Shanghai 201804, China
    Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Wen Shi

    (AT&M Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., No. 76 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Zixi Wang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Tiancai Ma

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, No. 4800 Caoan Highway, Shanghai 201804, China
    Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

The sealing system, as the most important load-bearing component, is a critical part of the stack assembly in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Currently, flat or single-peak sealing gaskets are commonly used for large metal bipolar plate sealing, which can easily cause problems such as significant internal stress and distortion displacement. In order to solve this problem, an innovative double-peak sealing gasket structure is proposed. Based on the Mooney–Rivlin constitutive model, the impact of the sealing material hardness, friction coefficient, and compression ratio on the sealing performance are investigated. Meanwhile, the double-peak seal is fabricated and assembled into a single fuel cell for testing. The results show that the sealing performance of a double-peak sealing gasket with extended wings has been optimized, and the maximum contact pressure on the upper and lower contact surfaces is 1.2 MPa and 0.67 MPa, respectively, which is greater than the given air pressure of 0.1 MPa. And the sealing effect is optimal with a 45 Shore A hardness rubber, a friction coefficient of 0.05, and an initial compression ratio of 35%. The simulation and experimental sealing performance of the sealing gasket under different compression ratios remain similar.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinghui Zhao & Huijin Guo & Shaobo Ping & Zimeng Guo & Weikang Lin & Yanbo Yang & Wen Shi & Zixi Wang & Tiancai Ma, 2023. "Research on Design and Optimization of Large Metal Bipolar Plate Sealing for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:12002-:d:1210678
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lim, B.H. & Majlan, E.H. & Daud, W.R.W. & Rosli, M.I. & Husaini, T., 2019. "Three-dimensional study of stack on the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 338-343.
    2. Xing, Shuang & Zhao, Chen & Liu, Wei & Zou, Jiexin & Chen, Ming & Wang, Haijiang, 2021. "Effects of bolt torque and gasket geometric parameters on open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    3. Daud, W.R.W. & Rosli, R.E. & Majlan, E.H. & Hamid, S.A.A. & Mohamed, R. & Husaini, T., 2017. "PEM fuel cell system control: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 620-638.
    4. Orlando Corigliano & Leonardo Pagnotta & Petronilla Fragiacomo, 2022. "On the Technology of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Energy Systems for Stationary Power Generation: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-73, November.
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