Representation of Novel Endplate Geometry for Providing Uniform Contact Pressure Distribution over Active Area of PEMFC

The contact resistance between polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) components has a crucial effect on cell performance. The geometry of the endplate, on the other hand, plays an essential role in the contact pressure distribution on the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and the amount of contact resistance between plates. In this paper, the effect of endplate geometry on the contact pressure distribution over the MEA is simulated using ABAQUS software. In addition, a new geometry endplate is provided and the obtained results are compared with flat endplates. Geometrical parameters of an endplate with curvature (bomb-shaped endplate) are considered, and the effects of these parameters on the contact pressure distribution over the MEA are investigated. In this simulation, a 3D model of the fuel cell is developed. Our simulation results show good performances for the designed endplate and uniform contact pressure distribution on the fuel cell active area. Finally, a single fuel cell was manufactured and assembled using the simulation parameters, and experimental tests are conducted using pressure measurement films to validate the design.