Development of Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell in Passenger Vehicle

PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) is expected to be one of the major power source for the future passenger vehicle as it features high power density and short starting time in addition to its own environment-friendly characteristics. The bipolar plate is a multi-functional component that mechanically separates unit cells, offering flow paths for hydrogen, oxygen, and coolant through complicated channels engraved on it. Besides, it composes an electrical circuit from an anode to the adjacent cathode. High modulus pitch-based carbon fiber composite is of high potential for the bipolar plate application due to its excellent mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. This paper presents the thermo-mechanical properties of the high modulus pitch-based carbon-fiber composite material required for bipolar plate application, as well as the method to manufacture the bipolar plate.