High efficiency, low emissions and no mechanical wear – fuel cells offer many advantages as sustainable suppliers of energy. They are suitable for the propulsion of vehicles, for supplying power to mobile devices, as efficient performers in stationary power plants and much more. Among their key components are bipolar plates. The electrode plates are made from metal, plastic or carbon nanotubes and are coated with a catalyst such as platinum or palladium. They separate reactant gases and cooling media from one another and distribute them to the respective reaction zones of the fuel cells. To ensure good electrical and thermal conductivity as well as resistance to chemicals and high mechanical contact pressure, bipolar plates must be of a very high quality. A new testing facility from P+K Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH checks the surface finish of bipolar plates and measures their thickness. Electric cylinders EPCO with stepper motor EMMS-ST and motor controller CMMO-ST from Festo ensure the vibration-free transport of bipolar plates in the testing facility. The system was developed as part of a ZIM collaboration project by The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Centre ZBT GmbH in Duisburg, The Society for the Advancement of Applied Computer Science in Berlin, and divis intelligent solutions GmbH in Dortmund, Germany.
Discovered more than 170 years ago, the development of fuel cells was for many years overshadowed by combustion engines. Although they facilitated the moon landing as an emission-free energy source in the 1960s, their potential was only brought to the attention of the wider public as the climate change debate intensified. Unlike thermal engines, fuel cells generate electrical energy directly from chemical energy. They do not need to undergo thermal processes and mechanical work first. Without the complex conversion into heat and power, fuel cells achieve a high degree of efficiency. Individual cells consist of two electrodes and a semi-permeable membrane, also referred to as a bipolar plate. Electrical energy is created through the exchange of hydrogen and oxygen electrons and protons between two electrodes.
The Festo expert Michael Karcher talks to the customer magazine “trends in automation”.
trends in automation: How is Festo supporting the development of renewable energy sources?
Michael Karcher, Head of Industry Segment ELA and Solar, Festo: We have been researching renewable energy production technologies at Festo since 2006. We identify processes for new technologies and develop practical solutions. These include the design of new grippers and handling systems which do not impair the surface finish of sensitive products.
trends in automation: What advantages does this offer in the area of fuel cells?
Michael Karcher: In the production of fuel cells, a low-vibration handling system can increase cycle times and thus contribute to efficient production. If we can reduce production costs, there is a better chance of renewable energy sources such as fuel cells becoming established in the market.
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