Bipolar plates & interconnects
The heart of a high-performance stack
Brillant in series: Bipolar plates and interconnects
From coils to ready-to-install products: We are your leading manufacturer of components for high-performance fuel cells and electrolyzers. From our international production facilities, we serve customers around the world.
High-quality components with “Made by SITEC” quality
Essential in fuel cells and electrolyzers
The bipolar plate
The bipolar plate of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) plays a critical role in conducting current and distributing gas. It serves as a connection between the individual cells and enables the efficient transport of hydrogen H2, oxygen O2 and electrons e-. In order to that, it helps to optimize the performance and increase the efficiency of the fuel cell.
Bipolar plates are also used in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEMEC). Here, water H2O is split into hydrogen H2 and oxygen O2 by applying an electric current.
A prerequisite for long-lasting stacks are excellent weld seams, which are produced in accordance with the international automotive industry standard IATF 16949.
The interconnect
Unlike bipolar plates, interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) typically consist of more than two components. These complex parts can operate at temperatures in excess of a thousand degrees Celsius. But even though the interconnects are made of much stronger materials, we do not lose our precision and quality.
We have been successfully producing interconnectors in various designs in series for fifteen years. This expertise is continually being applied to the development of the next generation of interconnects to support our customers.
FLEXwelding
Efficient production at the highest level
Assembling metallic bipolar plates and interconnects is a demanding process for laser welding technology.
FLEXwelding is used to join thin, formed sheets with fine, high-precision weld seams. Gentle component handling is ensured at every stage of the process to avoid damage to these sensitive materials.
We manufacture prototypes and pre-series as well as small, medium and large series on our specially designed FlexCell Series production systems.
Excellence in every welding seam
Precision laser processing has been one of our core competencies for many years. FLEXwelding is a high-precision manufacturing process. Innovative laser technology enables an efficient series production at the highest level.
Highest contour accuracy
100% Repeata-
bility
Minimal component distortion
Cost-efficient
process
FLEXinspection
Focus on quality
Guaranteeing flawless bipolar plates and interconnectors is part of our commitment to manufacturing sophisticated products.
The FLEXinspection process is used to specifically check the component quality of all produced parts with full traceability to meet the highest quality standards.
Our quality standards
Only intact bipolar plates and interconnects ensure proper operation of fuel cell and electrolysis applications. FLEXinspection provides the assurance that only flawless products are released for further use.
High-performance leak testing
High-resolution, optical monitoring
DMC labeling for 100% traceability
Hydrogen – a technology of the future
Our commitment to sustainable energy generation
For many years, SITEC has been working intensively on pioneering and economical hydrogen technologies. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to sustainable energy production.
Long-time experience
+15 years: Development of production systems for PEM applications
+10 years: Series production of SOFC plates
Takeover of operational processes
Our support ranges from the sourcing and procurement of raw materials to the optimization of logistics processes and supply chain management for our customers.
Strong cooperation
Our strategic partnership with Feintool International Holding AG, a specialist in precision metal forming, allows us to optimally combine our expertise. As a result, we can offer our customers the perfect comprehensive package for metallic bipolar plates and interconnects.
Growing strategically
The demand for hydrogen technologies continues to grow. Our customers are already taking advantage of our high production capacities and we are increasingly investing in innovative plant technologies. We are also focusing on internationalizing and decentralizing our production to better serve global market demand.
Research and development
By actively participating in national and international research and development projects, we are actively driving innovation and progress in hydrogen technology in order to shape forward-looking developments.
