The demand for and investment in renewable energy is at an all-time high, with engineers and manufacturers looking for efficiency and effectiveness every step of the way. To create a cleaner energy future, companies must design and fabricate thousands of thin metal parts, components, and assemblies used in the machines that produce power from hydrogen, solar, wind, and geothermal sources.
PEI is a leading manufacturing partner of industry-leading renewable energy companies, delivering thousands of metal parts, components, and assemblies used in the production of green energy.
Bipolar plates are one of the most critical parts for producing renewable energy via hydrogen since each is essential in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolyzers. Fabricators must adhere to stringent engineering and quality standards since these plates perform a number of vital functions, including the equal distribution of hydrogen and oxygen over an active surface, the conduction of electrical current from one cell to another, and structural support for the membrane and electrodes.
Bipolar plates can be made from graphite, composites, or metals like titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum and fabricated using photochemical etching, stamping, or hydroforming.
Long hailed as a wonder metal, titanium is a lightweight material with exemplary strength, corrosion resistance, and compatibility. These unique properties make it ideal for various energy applications, and its ability to withstand the harshest conditions makes it the perfect choice for less-than-ideal environments.
PEI stands at the forefront of this movement as the world’s leader in the production of titanium bipolar plates using photochemical etching. Our engineers, operators, finishers, and quality assurance professionals leverage the power of photochemical etching (also known as) to produce accurate, reliable, and durable bipolar plates for industry-leading manufacturers.
When stacked together, bipolar plates produce hydrogen power with efficiency and effectiveness. Engineers and product designers are leveraging the benefits of bipolar plates in several applications across dozens of industries. As experts in the production of bipolar plates, PEI serves customers in industries such as:
Renewable Energy
Automotive
Aerospace
Transportation
Industrial
In stationary fuel cell systems, our bipolar plates ensure consistent and reliable power generation and efficient energy output. Their ability to withstand harsh operating conditions and maintain optimal performance is essential for uninterrupted energy delivery.
Bipolar plates are crucial in developing fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), enhancing performance, reliability, and longevity in automotive applications. They are integral to the industry’s move towards environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Bipolar plates are found in fuel cell systems that demand high efficiency and reliability for optimal performance in challenging environments. Their lightweight yet robust design and exceptional conductivity and corrosion resistance make them ideal for aerospace applications.
Photochemical etching, also known as precision chemical machining, chemical blanking, or acid etching, is an exact subtractive manufacturing process where chemical etchants selectively remove metal from a thin sheet to create intricate shapes, patterns, and features. Unlike traditional methods, photochemical machining does not involve mechanical force or direct contact with the sheet of metal, minimizing the risk of distortion, burrs, or stress-induced deformation.
The benefits of Bipolar Plates in the renewable energy sector are clear, and photochemical etching offers a precise process that produces intricate geometries and accurate patterns.
Here are additional benefits of Bipolar Plates photochemical etching:
With a history of engineering excellence, PEI is among the top companies providing photochemically-etched metal parts and components for a variety of critical industries.
With ISO-9001:2008 and AS9100 certifications, PEI was also granted certification under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) in 2010, enabling it to provide weapon system components and accessories in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations implemented by the U.S. Department of State.
Our rigorous inspection processes and testing procedures ensure that every product we produce meets stringent accuracy, reliability, and performance standards.
