Finite Element Deformation Analysis of Fuel Cell Metal Bipolar Plate with Distorted Design Features

The assembly locking compression force of the fuel cell directly impacts the contact area between the metallic bipolar plate (MBP) and the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), thereby affecting the electrical resistance of the fuel cell stack.In this study, we employed the finite element method to build a fuel cell stack simulation model to analyze the deformation and warpage of the MBP after being subjected to locking force.Through nonlinear contact elements, we showed the contact area and pressure distribution between the MBP and the MEA.The research results indicated that, owing to the effects of bolt locking, the left and right sides of the interface between the MBP and the MEA are the main contact areas transmitting the contact pressure.This area forms the primary support points for the bending load, leading to upward or downward warping deformation, and causes noticeable gaps between the bipolar plates and the MEA.In addition, distorted design features were added to the MBP to compare and improve the deformation of the MBP.The results showed that the bipolar plate with distorted design features can effectively reduce the maximum vertical deformation by 10.3%, which will effectively improve the contact area between the bipolar plate and the MEA module.This will effectively reduce the contact resistance of the fuel cell.