TAGS: Automotive Coatings
Impact Coatings launches next generation premium fuel cell (FC) coating for heavy duty applications. The new premium FC coating offers enhanced properties and protection for anode and cathode metal plates in LT-PEM FC stacks.
During the last decades, focus on ways of leaving fossil fuel-based powertrains has increased. Electrical vehicles transferring hydrogen into electricity in fuel cells have become increasingly interesting for OEMs to pursue, especially for long distances and heavy-duty applications.
LT-PEM Based Fuel Cell System
The most common technology in this field is the LT-PEM (Low Temperature Proton-Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) based fuel cell system. LT-PEM fuel cells rely on anode and cathode plates arranged in the fuel cell stack, plates that are either made of metal or graphite.
From a production point of view metal plates are the emerging solution, thanks to the higher power density and to lower cost, size and weight. To assure a long lifetime and efficiency in the stack’s challenging environment, a surface treatment, such as PVD coating, is necessary.
During recent years heavy-duty applications have been driving an increasing demand for components that can withstand higher voltages without degradation of the protective coating. To meet this demand, Impact Coatings has developed and introduced the new premium FC coating in the group’s fuel cell coating portfolio.
Impact Coatings’ new robust premium FC coating mitigates metal ion leakage into the fuel cell stack at potentials up to 1.6 V. Leaking metal ions damage the stack membranes, reducing both stack life and performance. With the new, premium FC coating, which offers good adhesion and electrical conductivity, as well as stable and low contact resistance, the stack's performance will be maintained throughout the stack's lifetime.
Source: Impact Coatings