Project Team
Students
Savanna Carr
Mechanical Engineering
Penn State Behrend
Zane Smith
Mechanical Engineering
Penn State Behrend
Faculty Mentors
Adam Hollinger
Penn State Behrend
Mechanical Engineering
Michael Hickner
Penn State University Park
Materials Science & Engineering
Project
Project Video
Project Abstract
Hydrogen fuel cells are an up and coming source of clean energy. Fuel cells can be used in many applications from vehicles to buildings, and can even be grid-independent which is an appealing option for critical operations. However, the bipolar plates of fuel cells are primarily made from graphite, which can be costly and difficult to machine due to its brittle properties. An alternative is to use an injection-molded polymer composite that has comparable electric conductivity. Material samples were injection molded with various mixes of Nylon-6,6 and nickel-coated carbon fiber. Not much is known about the cost of producing this specific composite so it is hard to compare to other production methods. By researching three different methods of producing bipolar plates (stamping, machining, and injection molding), the analysis shows the difference in costs of the production methods. By developing such a composite, a more cost-effective substitute for graphite can be used in the mass production of hydrogen fuel cells.
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