(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Atkinson, Juan Pablo; Basson, A. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis gives a cost model for the manufacture of bipolar plates in South
Africa. The methods for the manufacture considered are machining, using a
micro-milling machine, and compression moulding. The focus of this thesis is on
compression moulding. Details of the work done towards developing and
validating the models are described, and then the cost models are discussed in
detail. The results of the analysis done using the cost model is given with attention
paid to the effect of changing design parameters, such as channel size and flow
field area, and of the cost of production for both methods over various production
volumes.
The thesis concludes that compression moulding becomes the better option for
production volumes greater than 324 bipolar plates, with a cost that eventually
reaches close to R140 per plate for high enough production volumes (over 5000).
The cost to produce 1000 plates using compression moulding is estimated at R294
per plate. An increase of the channel size gives a small reduction in the total cost,
while the increase in cost with an increase in flow field area is large.