Stefan Polster

Stefan Polster

Stefan Polster studied at the Saxon University of Cooperative Education in Glauchau. After gaining eight years of industry experience, he joined Fraunhofer IWU in 2009. As part of the Department of Sheet Metal Forming, his research focuses on tool concepts, die design, and the simulation of forming processes, with a particular emphasis on heat-supported forming processes and forming technologies for Bipolar Plates.

Current Trends in the Production and Coating of Bipolar Plates for Electrolysis and Fuel Cell Applications

Presentation abstract: The industrial production of metallic bipolar plates (BPPs) is crucial for scaling up fuel cell and electrolyser systems. Building on previous BPP production work, this presentation will highlight developments over the past year, as well as the expansion of production and plant technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU. The focus will be on the recently completed H2 reference factory, an industrially oriented research platform for the consistent and scalable production of electrolysers and fuel cells. Modular, expanded systems for modern forming, cutting and joining technologies enable the investigation and optimisation of increasing production rates, new material concepts and varying BPP designs under near-series conditions. Simulative modelling of the entire BPP process chain provides a solid foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the process. Linking experimental data with digital process models enables inverse process chain analysis and multi-criteria optimisation. This presentation will demonstrate how combining scalable plant technology with holistic process chain modelling can improve the quality, robustness and cost-effectiveness of BPP production in the long term.