New surface treatment processes in production of bipolar plates for lightweight fuel cells

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the project was to contribute to the conversion to fuel cell-based electric traction also for heavy vehicles, where a battery-based solution would entail significantly higher vehicle weight. The project’s goal is a more cost effective and sustainable production of metallic bipolar plates for lightweight fuel cells. The project has successfully investigated new surface treatment processes for cleaning bipolar plates and coating processes to increase the life of the forming tool which used in the manufacturing process.

Expected results and effects:

The project has increased knowledge in the manufacture and surface treatment of bipolar plates for all project parties. New surface treatment processes could be found and optimized to ensure the product and production requirements in a high-volume production. This could lead to more cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing of bipolar plates which would lead to increased payload, increased range as well as improved transport economy and durability for light fuel cells. The project also contributes to creating a leading supply chain for fuel cell components in Sweden.

Approach and implementation:

The project was carried out in three technical work packages and a project management work package. Frequent and regular pulse meetings enabled and established a good and efficient collaboration between the project parties. The project was carried out in close collaboration with a sister project Fo-Bi, financed by Produktion2030 (2021-03692).

This led to the utilization of synergy effects and, during the course of the project, also to the expansion and merger of project consortia with extended dissemination of project results for both projects.