What is the internal structure of a fuel cell?

What is the hydrogen stack used for?

Hydrogen fuel cells are devices that consume hydrogen to generate electricity. They are being widely researched and used due to their high power density, light weight, small size, and zero carbon emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used as a power supply for homes, businesses, or public facilities, as well as for electric bicycles, cars, and even drones.

What is the internal structural design of a hydrogen fuel cell stack?

A single cell consists of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a bipolar plate (one side is the anode and the other side is the cathode). The voltage of each single cell is about 0.6V. The output power of a fuel cell depends on its size. Using multiple single cells to stack and customize the surface area of the single cell can control the voltage and current to meet the various power requirements in life. For example, the voltage of VET ENERGY 100W hydrogen stack is 12V, and the number of single cells is 20.

Hydrogen fuel cells are usually stacked with multiple single cells. The anode of each single cell is connected to the cathode of the adjacent single cell to form a stack in series. After the stacking is completed, the two ends of the stack are respectively equipped with a collector plate and an insulating plate to achieve current collection and electrical isolation. The collector plate, as a conductive medium, is responsible for exporting the electrons of the battery cell and introducing them into the external circuit, while the insulating plate ensures the electrical safety and stable operation of the hydrogen stack.

End plates are installed at both ends of the stack, which play the role of mechanical support, sealing and thermal management. The end plates are usually equipped with cooling channels to ensure that the fuel cell stack remains in the optimal operating temperature range during operation. By bolting the end plates, the entire stack assembly achieves structural stability and sealing, ensuring the reliability of gas and electrical performance.

What are the components of a hydrogen fuel cell?

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA): Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Generally, the catalyst is sprayed or transferred on both sides of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) to obtain 3 layers of CCM, and then a gas diffusion layer (GDL) is added on both sides of the CCM to obtain a 5-layer MEA. If necessary, a gasket can be added to make it a 7-layer MEA. The catalyst-covered part is called the active area. VET ENERGY can provide MEA for fuel cell, and the size of the active area and membrane can be customized to meet various needs.

Catalyst transfer printing onto both sides of the proton exchange membrane (PEM)

Catalyst spraying onto the proton exchange membrane (PEM)

Bipolar plate: The bipolar plate is responsible for conducting the current of a single battery, so the bipolar plate needs to have good conductivity. The surface of the bipolar plate is engraved with gas channels (flow fields), which usually have three types: serpentine flow fields, parallel flow fields, and interdigitated flow fields. The function of the flow field is to make hydrogen and oxygen more evenly distributed in a single cell and to discharge water in time to ensure the electrochemical reaction efficiency of the hydrogen fuel cell. VET ENERGY can provide a variety of bipolar plates and support customization.

Bipolar plate

Current collector: Its main function is to collect and conduct the current generated by the fuel cell stack to ensure the effective flow of current.

Insulation plate: The main function of the insulation plate is to prevent the single cells or fuel cell stack from short-circuiting with external metal parts. In addition, it needs to withstand the huge pressure and high temperature caused by stacking compression.

End plate: The end plate is a structural component located at both ends of the fuel cell. Its main function is to provide external support for the fuel cell, maintain the stability of the fuel cell, and also help seal the fuel cell stack to prevent gas or liquid leakage.

What materials are needed for a hydrogen fuel cell?

Membrane Electrode: Proton exchange membrane is usually Nafion membrane and other alternative membranes with the same function. Precious metals such as platinum, are usually used as catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells. Gas diffusion layer is usually carbon paper or carbon cloth. Gasket is usually made of PTFE material.

Bipolar plate: Bipolar plate can be made of different types of materials, such as metal, coated metal, graphite, C-C composite material, etc. Feel free to reach out to the VET ENERGY sales team with your inquiry, and we'll tailor a solution to meet your specific needs.

Collector plate: Usually copper plate.

Insulation plate: Usually made of synthetic material with good insulation and certain elasticity.

End plate: VET ENERGY provides stainless steel and other metal alloy end plates.

Contact us today to learn more details about our company and products to help you solve your needs in renewable energy. Feel free to send an email to abel.wu@china-vet.com for any needs.