A fixed die and a punch, which moves toward and away from the die, are provided. A series of bulges is formed in sheet metal between depressions and projections of the die and projections and depressions of the punch. In forming, the punch moves toward the die such that the sheet metal is pressed between first convex sections and second and third convex sections of the die and the punch, and subsequently the sheet metal is pressed between fourth convex sections.

The disclosure relates to a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module, fuel and oxidizing gas. The fuel cell module includes a container and a membrane electrode assembly located on the container. The container includes a housing and a nozzle connected to the housing. The container defines a number of through holes located on the housing and covered by the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a cathode electrode located on the first surface and an anode electrode located on the second surface.

A bipolar plate is provided that includes a metal plate, at least one channel, a first coating, and a second coating. The metal plate has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first edge surface connecting the first surface to the second surface, and a second edge surface opposite the first edge surface and connecting the first surface to the second surface. The at least one channel is formed in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The first coating is formed on the at least one of the first surface and the second surface such that the first coating covers each of the at least one channel. The second coating is formed on the first edge surface and the second edge surface. Each of the at least one channel has a semi-circular shape and extends along the at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

A bipolar plate is provided that includes a metal plate, at least one channel, a first coating, and a second coating. The metal plate has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first edge surface connecting the first surface to the second surface, and a second edge surface opposite the first edge surface and connecting the first surface to the second surface. The at least one channel is formed in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The first coating is formed on the at least one of the first surface and the second surface such that the first coating covers each of the at least one channel. The second coating is formed on the first edge surface and the second edge surface. Each of the at least one channel has a semi-circular shape and extends along the at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

Systems and methods for separator plates, bipolar plates, stacks of plates, and electrochemical systems, comprising at least one through-opening for the passage of a fluid and a rim that delimits the through-opening. The rim having a curved course and a rectilinear course that adjoins the curved course. A bead arrangement extends around the curved course and the rectilinear course. An edge portion spans the bead arrangement and the rim, so that the bead arrangement is situated at a distance from the rim. A cutout formed in the curved course, so that a minimum distance of the bead arrangement from the rim is smaller in the curved course than in the rectilinear course.

Systems and methods for separator plates, bipolar plates, stacks of plates, and electrochemical systems, comprising at least one through-opening for the passage of a fluid and a rim that delimits the through-opening. The rim having a curved course and a rectilinear course that adjoins the curved course. A bead arrangement extends around the curved course and the rectilinear course. An edge portion spans the bead arrangement and the rim, so that the bead arrangement is situated at a distance from the rim. A cutout formed in the curved course, so that a minimum distance of the bead arrangement from the rim is smaller in the curved course than in the rectilinear course.