Costefficient lightweight z.truded polymer fuelcell plates
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Reliefed AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 480 244 |
| Project duration | November 2022 - December 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme SIP LIGHTer |
| Call | SIP LIGHTer 2022 - autumn |
Important results from the project
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** z.trusion enables 87% cost reduction for fabrication of bipolar carbon-based flowsheets for fuel cells. The investment cost is reduced by 90-95% and energy consumption is reduced by 90-97% in the production of bipolar flow plates for fuel cells. All these calculations made with compression molding as a reference with values from the research institute ZBT.
Expected long term effects
RELIEFED Technologies started the project with the ambition to show that z.trusion is cost-effective for mass production of bipolar flow plates, that meet the markets requirements for PEM fuel cells. Outcome in the project results in production of 1 million BPP´s/year: 87% lower production cost relative to compression molding. 95% lower investment in equipment and tools and 90-97% lower energy consumption in the design stage. Mass production is expected to be up and running within 2 years. Commercial discussions and negotiations are ongoing as results.
Approach and implementation
Reliefed designed and flow optimized a high efficiency asymmetric bipolar flow plate before tools for z.trusion were manufactured. Erteco and ZBT helped to develop the carbon-based polymer (75% carbon), first RELIEFED z.truded with 3D printed tools, after which sharp tools were designed and manufactured for the final tests. Thermal & electrical conductivity has been validated/approved by a ZBT+ a manufacturer that makes flow plates. The final analysis indicates ~90% rationalization potential in comparison to compression molding, which is used today.