Lightweight hardware design for regenerative fuel cells

Proton Energy Systems, Inc., a leader in development of regenerative fuel cells proposes to develop new stack hardware that would significantly reduce the fuel cell stack weight. Particularly, Proton proposes to develop a novel corrugated metal bi-polarplate integrated with flexible gas diffusion layer into a single piece repeat unit that would be up to 30% lighter than current graphite based plates. Further, Proton proposes to reduce the weight of the end-plates by applying innovative center-springconcept. The concepts will be proven in a test cell. There is a need for regenerative fuel cells in many aerospace applications, and a lightweight stack design could significantly improve the system specific energy, which is usually critical for such applications. Proton Energy Systems is also working oncommercial applications of the regenerative fuel cells as backup power in telecommunications, where light weight may give a competitive advantage over the incumbent technology.