FC_Bio_Wooden Endplate: Development of wood-based endplates for fuel cells

(a project of the industrial collective research - IGF No. 45 LN)

10 November 2021

On 1 November 2021, the project work has started. This project is part of the overall project “Bio-based fuel cells“ funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) via the AiF as part of the “Leading technologies for the energy transition”.

The iVTH supports this subproject, which aims to develop end plates made of high-performance wood-based materials for use in fuel cells. The end panels are said to have a lower weight and improved thermal insulation compared to conventional products. Until now, end plates have mostly been produced of aluminium or other metals because of their mechanical strength and machinability. In addition to the higher dead weight, however, metallic end plates have a high thermal and electrical conductivity, so that additionally insulation plates are needed.
The material combinations to be developed in the research project are intended to facilitate SMEs’ entry into the technologies of the future and establish the use of renewable raw materials in this field.

The research institutions involved in the project part are the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institute WKI in Braunschweig and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center ZBT GmbH in Duisburg, Germany. The Institute of Joining and Welding (IFS) at the TU Braunschweig is responsible for the coordination of the overall project.
At the Fraunhofer WKI, the high-performance wood-based materials are to be developed, manufactured and characterized during the next 2 ½ years, and an optimal bonding of the products is to be adapted.

We will keep you informed about the progress of the research work with our short reports and publications.