Fuel Cell Hardware is an electrochemical device that converts chemical fuel, such as hydrogen, natural gas, methanol, etc. into energy and water. This item includes all the key components to make such reactions occur. It also performs compression of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) while providing uniform gas distribution and uniform temperature to the cell.
A gold-plated plate serves as current collector plate for the fuel cell. The gold plating provides corrosion protection and good electrical contact with the graphite separator plate. A high purity graphite plate with high electrical conductivity (900 Scm-1) and high thermal conductivity (117 Wm-1K-1) is designed with serpentine gas flow channels and manifold. A gasket is included to provide a secured seal for the MEA. High power silicon rubber heaters are installed at both ends of the fuel cell to maintain a constant cell temperature.
Features:
✔ Machined graphite separator plates w/ serpentine flow fields
✔ Gold plated current collectors
✔ Banana plugs for monitoring voltage
✔ Belleville washer
✔ Built-in silicon rubber heaters (40 watt) for maintaining cell temperature, with choice of voltages (110 or 220VAC)
✔ Nylon fittings for gas tight connection to 1/4" tuibing (for active area sizes of 5 and 25 cm2)
Schematic of the Fuel Cell Hardware's Components:
Fuel Cell Hardware is also available with other Flow Field Designs Upon Quotation
-
Column / Pin Type
-
Serpentine
-
Straight Channel
What is a Reference Electrode?
A reference electrode provides more accurate measurement of voltage without the effect of current. The reference electrode is used to measure and monitor the electrochemical polarization behavior of individual anode and cathode electrode independently. A metallic Pt wire is installed as a reference at the fuel cell hardware.
The Pt wire reference electrode is generally located in an open compartment independent of the flow field. However, Hydrogen Reference Electrode's Pt wire is located in an open compartment which is connected to the flow field of the fuel cell.
1. Through-Bolt Assembly Design
• Low Tightening Force Required
• Create Uniformed Force Distribution: 5in/lb
2. Implement Pinch Adjustment Mechanism
• Capable of Applying Torque Equally to the Bolts
• Contain Flat Gaskets with High Precision Thickness
3. Fuel Cell Grade Graphite Plate
• Gas Non Permeable / Excellent Chemical Resistance
• High Electrical/Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Strength
4. Adaptable to Varied Flow Field Plate Design
• Current Collector Plate
• Gold Plated Plate – for corrosion resistance
5. Thermocouple Insert Hole
• Reach Thermocouple at Center of Fuel Cell Test Hardware
• Precisely Control and Monitor the Temperature
• Closest to the MEA
• 0.080" or 0.185"
6. Voltage Measurement Banana Plug
• For Exact Measurement of Cell Voltage (using the highly electrically conductive graphite plate)
• Eliminate Voltage Drop due to Contact Resistance
7. Silicone Rubber Heater
• Provide Highest Watt Density
• Maintain Uniform Cell Temperature (using the highly thermally conductive graphite plate)
Gold plated current collectors
Machined graphite separator plates
Banana plugs for monitoring voltage
Belleville washer
Built-in silicon rubber heaters (40 watt) for maintaining cell temperature
Nylon fittings for gas tight connection to 1/4” tubing
Gaskets: Silicone (standard)
Size (H x W x L): 11cm x 9.5cm x 4.5cm
Weight (pounds): 3
Fuel Compatibility: O2, H2, air, methanol, ethanol, liquid acid/base electrolyte
Normal Operating Temp: 65 to 75 °C
Maximum Temp: 180 °C
Thermocouple Insert Hole: 0.080" or 0.185"