Utilizing Metal Injection Molding to Meet High Volume, Cost Effective Manufacturing of Bipolar Plates

With the rise in energy costs, an economical means is need to move our country to a Hydrogen Economy. This can be accomplished by means of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). These fuel cells offers a solution to power generation and battery replacement for a wide variety applications including automotive, appliances, generators, and recreational uses for decades to come. In order to drive this transition, cheap components are needed. One such component is the bipolar plate. This versatile component carries the power between cell, dissipates heat, and supplies the fuel to the heart of the cell. A more economical method is need to produce these plates from metals and alleviate the more costly graphite plate from fuel cell design. Manufacturing technology needs to be applied to reach the goal of less than $5 per kilowatt of power. This program intent to reach that goal, reduce components and improve reliability.