Cost-Efficient Strip Processes for the Production of Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells (CONTIbip)

The development of alternative drive systems is an important research focus in the mobility sector. In addition to battery-powered vehicles, fuel cell vehicles will contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions in the future. However, for the economic implementation of the technology it is necessary to transfer the conventional single-unit production to cost-efficient manufacturing processes suitable for mass production. In this context, the bipolar plate is a core component – and at the same time one of the fuel cell‘s cost drivers. Significant cost-saving potentials are provided by the patented CONTIbip production as well as innovative, precision-fit and mass production processes for coating, forming, joining and cutting. The essential part of the process is the so-called pre-coating of stainless steel strip by means of PVD coating. This is followed by the forming process and laser welding of one or more formed strips. In addition to possible per¬formance improvements, the process focuses in particular on a drastic reduction in production costs. More information: https://www.iws.fraunhofer.de/en/cent...