Optimization of the contact pressure distribution in PEM fuel cells

A finite element model is developed to investigate the influence of the assembly pressure of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) single cell components especially the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). A new design end plate consists of two separate plates like a cylinder and a piston and the applied pressure exerted pneumatically to the fuel cell assembly. This end plate distributed the contact pressure more uniform than the conventional bolts and nuts clamping mechanism and causes to reduce the stress concentration. The contact pressure distribution over the MEA for some different pneumatic chamber size is investigated and optimized using finite element method. The results are compared with the contact pressure distribution achieved by simple steel end plate. It is obvious that the pneumatic clamping mechanism acts better that those of simple conventional bolts and nuts clamping mechanism.