Fabrication Of Cost Effective GDL For PEMFC Using Additive Manufacturing Technique

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FABRICATION OF COST EFFECTIVE GDL FOR PEMFC USING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUE
A PROJECT REPORT
in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING of FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

In recent years, global energy demand and cost is rising rapidly, particularly for automobile applications. Researchers and automakers are ultimately focused on alternative energy systems in order to overcome the energy associated challenges.
Polymer composite fuel cells (PEMFCs) are efficient energy conversion devices, considered to be a promising alternative to circumvent conventional energy sources. However, the commercialization of PEMFCs is hindered by
the sluggish performance, attributed by the materials used to fabricate the fuel cell components. Materials used for PEMFCs contribute a major role in determining the overall performance of the stack. In particular, the gas diffusion
layer (GDL) plays a key function to simultaneously transport gas, water and heat produced during the electrochemical reaction. Additionally, it also transports the electron generated during the electrochemical reaction and acts as a
shield to protect the membrane. However, the typical carbon-based GDL materials deteriorate from degradation problems during PEM fuel cell operation that is more prevalent to the electrochemical voltage oxidation. A carbon-free GDL
could be a potential answer to evade the challenge. Besides the challenges with materials, the manufacturing of GDL is a tedious process that is also time and cost consuming. The present study is likely to address both the issues of GDL
durability and manufacturing costs. This study emphasises Incorporating Fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique to manufacture GDL using carbon reinforced polymer composite as material. Additive Manufacturing techniques
used for large scale applications could potentially save time and cost. Apparently, on the other hand, Carbon reinforced polymer composite material that could be economical than carbon and is notwithstanding the effect of oxidation
occurs during electrochemical reaction. Therefore, 3D printing the CRPC GDL results in time and cost saving and is anticipated to be a durable option for PEMFC. This project focuses on the material characterization of Carbon
reinforced polymer composite against the conventional carbon paper (Sigracet Carbon paper GDL).

Attachment :
  GDL PROJECT.pdf (Size: 4.61 MB / Downloads: 100)