​Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are the current focus of research for fuel cell vehicle, auxiliary power unit and smart grid applications. PEM fuel cells are made from several layers of different materials. The heart of a PEM fuel cell is the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), which includes the membrane and gas diffusion electrodes (GDE).
Fuel cell hardware components include bipolar plates (or separator plates), which assemble the MEA into the fuel cell and provide channels for the gaseous/liquid reactant, and gaskets, which provide a seal around the MEA to prevent leakage of gases. The surfaces of the plates typically contain a “flow field,” which is a set of channels machined into the plate to allow reactant to flow over the MEA.
 
Ecscell cell hardware consists of high density graphite anode and cathode plates held between current collect plates and end plates.  The cell takes the advantage of circular design with bolts through the entire cell and using spring washers that provides uniform forces across the assembly.
  • Cell current is collected from gold plated solid copper plate.
  • Cell voltage is measured at a voltage jack on the graphite plate that eliminates the effect of current line drop on potential measurement.
  • Thermocouple well and cartridge heater into the graphite plate closely control the cell temperature.
  • Gas fittings are attached to the graphite plate that all wetted parts are not touch metal material and ensure acid resistant cell
  • The cell designs for flat-gasket seals. Gasket materials of Silicone, PTFE, and EPDM are top choices.
PEM Fuel Cell
Designed to allow the build of multi-cell stack and built-in cooling plate

Features

  • Easy open, easy close
  • Leak-proof construction
  • Serpentine flow field (standard) as well as customized flow field
  • Tighten rod going through all the components enables uniform compression
  • Precision gaskets as a seal that pinch is optimized to achieve sufficient compression
  • No wetting metal contact; eliminate acidic corrosion
  • Designed with temperature sensor and heater
  • Cooling plate is available as option
  • Reference electrode can be installed as option

Applications

  • Evaluation of fuel cell performance when controlling compression and designing flow field are critical
  • Develop solid polymer electrolyte
  • Study Membrane Electrode Assemble (MEA) components (catalyst, electrode, membrane, GDL, CCM) for fuel cells
  • Perform diagnostic tests - polarization curve, gas crossover, EIS, CV and LSV
  • H2/O2 (air) (PEMFC), Direct Methanol (DMFC), Alkaline (AFC) fuel cells
  • High temperature PEM fuel cells 120 - 180°C

Accessories

Part Number
GDE
Product
Gas Diffusion Electrode
Specification
​Carbon paper and carbon cloth
​w/wo special treatment
MEM
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane
Nafion membrane
Cation exchange membrane (CEM)
Anion exchange membrane (AEM)
High temperature membrane (HTM)
MEA
3-layer, 5-layer, 7-layer MEA
Catalyst coated membrane electrode assembly
Complete MEA
GSK​
Gasket
​Precision flat gasket