Study on the Influence of Drawbead Parameters on the Formability of Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates

Abstract

As a crucial component of new energy vehicles, fuel cells rely heavily on the performance of their bipolar plates, which are among the core parts determining their overall efficiency. The flow field design of metallic bipolar plates plays a significant role in optimizing gas distribution, improving fuel utilization, and enhancing battery performance. Stamping is a key technology that determines the forming quality, cost-effectiveness, and industrial production of metallic bipolar plates. Drawbeads are widely used in the stamping industry, yet research on how drawbead parameters affect the forming quality of bipolar plates remains limited. Therefore, this study conducts an in-depth investigation into the stamping formability of metallic bipolar plates in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). The most common parallel flow field is selected for stamping simulation, and the forming quality of metallic bipolar plates is analyzed based on parameters such as the distance between the drawbead and the flow channel area, drawbead depth, blank holder force, and friction coefficient. The results indicate that as the distance between the drawbead and the flow channel increases, the wrinkling area expands, but the occurrence of fracture is alleviated. Increasing the drawbead depth and blank holder force can reduce the incidence of wrinkling, while the friction coefficient has a relatively minor effect on wrinkling. However, reducing the friction coefficient can significantly mitigate the occurrence of fracture.