Effect of process parameters on forming depth of channels in fuel cell bipolar plates fabricated using rubber forming process

Abstract

For this study, a rubber forming process was used to fabricate the aluminium bipolar plates with microchannels that are used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The aluminium bipolar plates were fabricated using a 200 ton hydraulic press. The forming depth of the channels was investigated for three different draft angles of the upper die by using a range of parameters (punch speed, compression pressure, rubber thickness and rubber hardness). The depths that could be formed under the above conditions were 0·188 mm at a draft angle of 10°, 0·447 mm at a draft angle of 20° and 0·453 mm at a draft angle of 30°. The rate at which the material thinned also increased as the draft angle was increased from 10 to 30°.

Keywords:

• Rubber forming
• Bipolar plate
• Draft angle
• Forming depth
• Aluminium 1050

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korea Government (No. 2013R1A1A2062759). This study was also supported by human resources development of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning Grant funded by the Korea Government, Ministry of Knowledge Economy (No. 20104010100540). This study was also supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korea Government (MISP) through GCRC-SOP (No. 2012-0001204).