Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / 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. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis gee 'n koste-model vir die vervaardiging van bipolêre plate in Suid-
Afrika. Die vervaardigingsmetodes wat oorweeg word, is masjinering deur 'n
mikro-freesmasjien en persvorming. Die fokus van hierdie tesis is op
persvorming. Die besonderhede van die ontwikkeling en validering van die
modelle word beskryf, en daarna word die modelle in besonderhede beskryf. Die
resultate van 'n analise wat met die koste-model gedoen is, word daarna gegee,
met die oorweging van die verandering van ontwerp-parameters soos die
vloeikanaalgrootte en vloeiveld-area, en van die koste van vervaardiging vir beide
metodes vir verskeie produksievolumes.
Die tesis kom tot die slotsom dat persvorming die voorkeurproses is vir
produksievolumes groter as 324 bipolêre plate, met 'n koste wat tot naastenby
R140 per plaat daal vir hoë produksievolumes (meer as 5000). Die koste om 1000
plate met persvorming te maak, word op R294 per plaat beraam. 'n Toename in
kanaalgrootte gee 'n klein vermindering in die totale koste, terwyl die toename in
koste groot is wanneer die vloeiveld-area toeneem.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/71625 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Atkinson, Juan Pablo |
| Contributors | Basson, A. H., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 102 p. : ill. |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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