While the VDMA workshop "Cost structures and technical target parameters of graphitic bipolar plates" some time ago focused on the overarching context in the market ramp-up of fuel cell technology, the participants now delved deep into the world of mechanical parameters at the follow-up event at ZBT.
At the workshop "Mechanical characterization of graphitic bipolar plates", short presentations by ZBT, Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid and ZwickRoell provided important impulses for the subsequent discussion:
- What are the challenges in the mechanical characterization of BPP?
- What mechanical parameters do we need?
- Are the mechanical targets set achievable? Are they right or wrong?
- Are standardised measurement methods available? What do test specimens look like?
- How does the experience with internal validation compare with customer experience?
- What parameters should be used for testing?
- Random samples or 100% testing?
A total of 15 participants from the companies Eisenhuth, Ensinger, Freudenberg e-Power Systems, Matthews Engineering & Saueressig Group, Proton Motor Fuel Cell, Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik and SGL Carbon took part.
The aim is now to publish the results of the workshop in a VDMA standard sheet. VDMA standard sheets are technical rules and agreements on the latest technical developments that are drawn up efficiently and promptly by VDMA member companies. They have the character of an inter-company works standard. The new standard sheet is intended to help manufacturers of graphite bipolar plates to be prepared for the market ramp-up of fuel cell technology and to support it in the best possible way.
