LONDON -- Researchers at a pair of London area universities are finding printed circuit boards a low-cost but effective alternative to bipolar plates in fuel cells.

In their study of fuel cell stack design, University College London and Imperial College London researchers said putting membrane electrode assemblies on PCBs could cut costs by 30%.

Bipolar plates conduct current between MEAs, where they direct gas and heat flow from cells. They are commonly made of heavy steel or graphite.

By switching to PCBs, manufacturers could lower unit cost because boards are both cheaper in raw material cost and have the benefit of a large manufacturing infrastructure.

As an added benefit, the researchers said using PCBs also enhances reliability: current flows laterally across the PCB with MEAs arranged in layers. Failure on one layer would not impact the other layers, according to reports.

The investigators' goal is to prove their work in a 1kW fuel cell this year and to develop a prototype automotive fuel cell next year.