ACE Awards - Most Creative Application

Most Creative Application
Sponsored by AOC and Composites One

This award is presented to the entry that demonstrates the most creative application of composites materials that is imaginative, innovative, or artistic. The product should show evidence of significant material replacement of traditional materials, or show innovative use or refinement of existing composites materials. Entries in this category may exemplify a R&D application and do not necessarily need to be a commercial production product.

Entry: Composite Bipolar Plate Assembly for Transportation PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Submitted by: Dana Corporation - Plumley Division, Paris, TN

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, forming water. Dana’s bipolar plate assemblies are made from Bulk Molding Compounds, Inc.'s (BMCI’s) graphite-filled vinyl ester composite, compression molded to form thin anode and cathode plates. These are bonded together using BMCI’s patented, electrically conductive adhesive sealant with gas flow channels on the outside and liquid coolant channels in between. The assemblies provide support for the thin electrolyte membranes that form the cells in the stack. They distribute gasses over the membrane, conduct electric current, and remove heat. Small stack size being important to transportation applications, these thin composite assemblies (< 1.8 mm) compete with metal.