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The separator, which divides the serially connected fuel cells, acts as a pathway for the electrons and therefore demands outstanding conductivity. At the same time, thermal conductivity (rapid heating) is also important, to prevent the water produced as a byproduct of electrical generation from freezing. The Honda FC Stack employs stamped metal separators to obtain significant advances in both electrical and thermal conductivity. Metal’s characteristic low electrical resistance and imperviousness to heat deformation result in a reduction in contact resistance to one quarter that of carbon separators at –20°C, for outstanding electrical conductivity. Metal separators are also just half the thickness of their carbon counterparts, resulting in a fivefold increase in thermal conductivity. The result: the entire stack can be heated quickly and evenly, for significant time savings from when power generation begins to when the stack is warmed up. This allows the aromatic electrolytic membrane’s sub-zero generating capabilities to be used to their full potential.
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| Separator performance comparison |
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Honda FC Stack
(stamped metal plate) |
Previous
Honda stack*
(carbon separator) |
| Compactness |
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Electrical
conductivity |
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Thermal
conductivity |
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Impact
resistance |
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