Analyses of the fuel cell stack assembly pressure

In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) procedures were established for a PEM single cell with point stack assembly method. The mechanical properties and geometrical dimensions of all the fuel cell components, such as bipolar plates, membrane, gas diffusion layer and end plates were collected for accurate simulation. From the FEAs, the compliance as well as the pressure distribution of the single cell was calculated. In order to verify the results of the analysis, experimental tests, with a pressure film inserted between the bipolar plates and the MEA, were conducted to establish the actual pressure distribution. Color variations of the pressure film could be calibrated to obtain pressure distribution. Compliance of the gas diffusion layer was also measured. The analysis procedures for the fuel cell stacking assembly were established by comparing the simulation results with those of the experimental data at various levels of assembly pressures. They can help determine the proper stacking parameters such as stacking design, bipolar plate thickness, sealing size and assembly pressure, and are important in obtaining a consistent fuel cell performance.