Fabrication of micro-flow channels on graphite composite bipolar plates using microplaning

A new method of manufacturing micro-flow channels on graphite composite bipolar plate(GCBPP) microplaning using specially designed multi-tooth tool is proposed. In this method, several or even dozens of parallel micro-flow channels ranging from 100 μm to 500 μm in width can be produced simultaneously. But, edge chippings easily occur on the rib surface of GCBPP during microplaning due to brittleness of graphite composites. Experimental results show that edge chippings result in the increase of contact resistance between bipolar plate and carbon paper at low compaction force. While the edge chippings scarcely exert influence on the contact resistance at high compaction force. Contrary to conventional view, the edge chippings can significantly improve performance of microfuel cell and big edge chippings outperform small edge chippings. In addition, the influence of technical parameters on edge chippings was investigated in order to obtain big, but not oversized edge chippings.

Microplanning in the Neighborhood Upgrading Program:Creative Connectivity of Community in the Poor Settlement

Microplanning is a process which seeks to build linkage between local and central need(or between local program and National Policy)and so to reach consensus among participants on priorities.This method is usually used in a small-scale community-based upgrading programmes.Microplanning has been a tool for the poor people to include and participate in the settlements development,which enables programmes for neighborhood upgrading to be prepared locally and collaboratively,since the planning process.Therefore,this will be a tool for sustainable rural settlements development,which generates transformation of attitude,encourages self-community management and entrepreneurship.The research aims to identify the stages of community in conducting microplanning method in PLPBK(Povery Alleviation Program)and to analyse the spatial patterns of relation between community and space.This research used the method of PAR(Participatory Action research)where the researcher involved in the process as a Planning Assistant Expert.The results of PLPBK-ND document have shown that there is a strong connectivity between community organization involved in the Program as well as connectivity between space and social life and activity of community.