Electrolyzers and fuel cells are very similar in terms of their structure and operation although the operation of a fuel cell is basically inverse to that of an electrolyzer cell. The centerpiece of any fuel cell or electrolysis system is a stack of cells that are responsible for the chemical reaction.

Besides chemically active cells, bipolar plates are a major component of a stack. They serve as connecting elements between the individual cells enabling the transportation of gases and liquids between the electrodes.

Reliable sealing of bipolar plates is one of the major challenges confronting designers of fuel cell or electrolysis systems. Inadequate sealing may lead to gas leakage or electrolyte loss which impairs the performance of the fuel cell or electrolyzer, or may lead to safety issues.

The operating conditions in fuel cells or electrolyzers pose major challenges to seals. Depending on the operating principle of the fuel cell or electrolyzer, they must be resistant against high pressures, high temperatures and/or corrosive media, and ensure that neither reactants, products nor electrolyte can escape in an uncontrolled manner. These are prerequisites for meeting the exacting lifecycle and safety requirements of fuel cell or electrolysis systems.

In addition to suitable materials, this calls for a simple, reliable, and easy to install seal design enabling cost-effective and dependable mass production. Parker Prädifa offers an extensive portfolio of various sealing solutions in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The range includes frame seals made of elastomeric materials as well as composite solutions featuring seals connected to a carrier frame or directly to the bipolar plate or other components of the stack (e.g., mounting frame, gas distribution structure or membrane). For extreme application conditions and particularly high service life requirements, PTFE sealing solutions are available as well.

Product Benefits:

• High pressure resistance

• High media resistance

• Wide temperature range

• Long service life

• Ease of use and installation

• XXL sizes available

• High resistance against deformation under load

• Specialty materials with enhanced permeation behavior available

Range of Application:

Sealing of fuel cell and electrolyzer stacks