Fuel cell stack explained

About this video

• Video Title: Fuel cell stack explained
• Channel: Pragma Industries
• Speakers: (No speakers identified in the transcript)
• Duration: 00:12:36

Overview

This video demonstrates the assembly and design of a fuel cell stack. It shows the process of disassembling a five-cell stack to add two more cells, illustrating the internal components like bipolar plates, membrane electrode assemblies, and cooling systems. The video aims to provide insights into the construction and functionality of fuel cell stacks for research and training purposes.

Key takeaways

• The fuel cell stack in the video is designed for research and professional training and is composed of five single cells.
• The bipolar plates separating the cells are made of two half plates with liquid cooling flowing inside, and cooling fluid also flows at the end plates to ensure thermal homogeneity.
• The general arrangement includes inlets and outlets for anode gas, liquid cooling, and cathode gas.
• The video shows the process of disassembling the stack by removing nuts, a compression plate, and a current collector to access the graphite plates.
• Components of a single cell include two graphite plates and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), with the graphite plates featuring gas distribution channels and holes for gas and liquid coolant.
• The process of adding new cells involves placing a gasket, the MEA, and another plate, ensuring proper alignment with tie rods and gaskets.
• The stack is reassembled by adding a current collector and then tightening nuts and washers with a torque screwdriver to ensure calibrated force.
• The final result is a stack of seven cells, increased from the original five.