A prototype of a fuel cell was exhibited at K-fair 2004. The end plates are manufactured
from Tecatron® PPS by Ensinger.
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The fuel cell rapidly becoming one of the key technologies of the 21st century.
The energy source is already being tested today in mobile phones, laptops, buildings
and domestic technology applications. The automobile industry has already made
several advances in the development of this new power supply. Despite recent advances
fundamental problems remain before the technology can become viable. Reductions in cost
and weight are necessary as well as an increase in the service life of fuel cell.
Engineers have looked to have large portions of fuel cells to be manufactured using
high tech polymers instead of metal. In bipolar plates, engineers are replacing gold-plated
stainless steel, aluminum and graphite with engineering plastics reducing both weight and
cost. For example, Tecatron® PPS, resists corrosion and remains dimensionally
stable at 464 degrees F. Pumps, compressors and auxiliary equipment all require outstanding
chemical resistance due to the nature of materials used in fuel cells.
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