Dätwyler : New sealing materials in bipolar fuel cell technology
November 30, 2023 at 11:53 am EST
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Datwyler's focus on seals for bipolar plates (BPP) are critical, as they are the components within a fuel cell used to produce electricity through harvesting energy previously stored in hydrogen (and oxygen) molecules. The BPPs are produced using three main base material options - metal, graphite and composites. As a result of in-depth testing and analysis in conjunction with our elastomer technologies, we have determined that composite materials will, in mobility applications, achieve the best possible results when weighing challenges against performance. Composite BPPs are light, cost effective, easy to process and provide superior chemical resistance when compared with metal and graphite alternatives.
Within the fuel cell itself, the BPP must be sealed effectively, and the material must be capable of withstanding a variety of conditions, including prolonged contact with three separate media - hydrogen, humidified air and cooling liquid. Datwyler's Technology & Innovation Labs, combined with specialist laboratories across Europe, are testing the effectiveness of materials, focusing on elements such as ion contamination, amongst others, to ensure the highest levels of performance.
Elastomers, in general, have been conclusively proven to deliver against a broad range of critical parameters. From their high absorption of mechanical energy to their excellent chemical resistance, they have enormous potential for fuel cell technology applications in combination with composite BPP.
Datwyler's Technology & Innovation Labs
Datwyler partners with HYCCO, a leading producer of BPP, to co-engineer a sealing solution that is highly effective and also scalable as demand increases. We are now in the process of developing the material options which will progress to processing trials. The results we have achieved so far prove that a co-engineering approach to emerging technologies is the best way of working. At Datwyler we have the capabilities in material expertise, operational excellence and solution design to ensure fuel cell producers that we can deliver reliability and quality, supported by a global network.
Dr. Sarah-Elisabeth Dechent
Manager Material Development
HYCCO is very pleased about the new strategic partnership with Datwyler. Together we want to develop a cost-effective solution for the production of gaskets for proton exchange membrane BPP. Datwyler has a tremendous experience in elastomer formulation, and mass production of complex sealing parts. Datwyler has invested into best-in-class R&D means to meet the various challenges ahead. We are therefore very pleased and confident that this strong partnership will enable HYCCO to provide a turnkey solution of sealed and assembled composite bipolar plate, for hydrogen fuel cells destined for heavy mobility markets.
Romain Di Costanzo, Chief Executive Officer at HYCCO
Enquiries
To learn more about how Datwyler can help to develop your fuel cell solution, please contact us.
Dätwyler Holding AG published this content on 30 November 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 30 November 2023 16:52:11 UTC.
Daetwyler Holding AG is a Switzerland-based industrial supplier of system-critical elastomer and electronic components for healthcare, mobility, connectivity, general industry, and food & beverages industry. The Company operates through two divisions. The Healthcare Solutions division offers system-critical components for containers and delivery systems for injectable drugs and diagnostics in the pharmaceutical and medical markets. Business Area Industrial Solutions manufactures system-critical components for applications in the Mobility, Connectors, General Industry and Food & Beverage markets. Manufacturing and distribution companies are mainly located in Germany, Italy, China, and the USA.
DÄTWYLER HOLDING AG 
