The first image provides a simple overview of the open fuel cell production process. It begins with sourcing the necessary parts and equipment from the internet. The arrow indicates the manufacturing phase, which we’ll delve into more deeply in a subsequent slide. After the manufacturing is complete, the inputs are transformed into intermediate products or parts. The next step involves assembling these components. This primarily includes carefully joining all the layers and parts of the fuel cell together and securing them using a torque wrench. This pivotal moment marks the completion of your very own handcrafted fuel cell.
The second slide will provide insight into the initial stages of production, known as pre-production. This phase involves procuring all the necessary components, tools, machinery, and software (the software, interestingly, is all available for free). As you near the completion of the process, it becomes essential to evaluate specific criteria, with a particular focus on assessing the performance of your fuel cell.
The second slide will provide insight into the initial stages of production, known as pre-production. This phase involves procuring all the necessary components, tools, machinery, and software (which, interestingly, is all available for free). As you near the completion of the process, it becomes essential to evaluate specific criteria, with a particular focus on assessing the performance of your fuel cell.
The third slide presents a detailed breakdown of the manufacturing process, organized into four primary stages. These stages are responsible for creating the key components of the open fuel cell. Specifically, they encompass the production of the end plates, gaskets, current collector, and the membrane electrode assembly.
Intriguingly, the fourth slide provides an intricate depiction of the complete manufacturing process. Starting at the uppermost part, you’re presented with two options for crafting the end plates – utilizing a resin printer or a filament printer. The filament printer offers an added advantage; it’s capable of crafting both the end plate and the gaskets using flexible filament.
Moving on, the spotlight shifts to the current collector, a pivotal component in the fuel cell. To create the current collector, a pre-made PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is acquired. This choice might ring a bell for electronics enthusiasts who are familiar with PCBs. The initial step involves securing the PCB beneath a milling machine, where it undergoes specific modifications. These modifications result in the creation of a specialized pathway – either to guide hydrogen flow or to design air vents. These features allow air to access the current collector, gas diffusion electrode, and the catalyst-coated membrane surface.
Lastly, the focus turns to the membrane electrode assembly, a crucial element in the fuel cell’s functionality. At this stage, the membrane undergoes a transformative process – it is coated in catalyst paste. This step plays a vital role in ensuring the optimal performance and efficiency of the fuel cell.
Using a drag knife we can precisely cut the laminating foil to work as a edge reinforcement. The edge reinforment foil helps to keep the MEA in place and still provide an even and flat surface for the gaskets.
With an iron we attach the edge reinforcement to the rest of the MEA.