In situ approach for characterizing PEMFC using a combination of magnetic sensor probes and 3DFEM simulation

Abstract

Non-uniform current distributions of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) result in unequal utilization of reactants and catalysts in solution. To prevent the degradation of PEMFC, an in situ approach for characterizing PEMFC stacks is needed. In this study, the current distribution of two-cell PEMFC stacks is replicated from measured magnetic flux densities and operating conditions produced by three-dimensional finite element modeling that included electromagnetic field modeling and electrochemical reactions. I–V curves under normal conditions were replicated from electrochemistry and compared to the measured curves, and magnetic flux density distributions were investigated to determine the operating state. From these results, we discuss the potential use of the proposed approach in in situ applications.

Keywords:

• 3DFEM
• magnetic fields
• PEMFC
• I–V curve fitting
• flooding

Public Interest Statement

The “hydrogen society” is a concept that has gained notoriety in the world. In the near future, an environmentally friendly society might be realized through the production of hydrogen as a renewable energy source. Fuel cells are important in such a society because they are expected to mitigate environmental problems such as the exhaustion of fossil fuels and continuing greenhouse gas emissions. One type of fuel cell, the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), has a low operating temperature and can be rapidly started, and has found application in cogeneration systems fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). However, the widespread commercialization of PEMFC stacks depends on their reliability and fault diagnosis. Therefore, an in situ measurement approach on PEMFC stacks has been developed. An in situ method provides a means for nondestructive, noninvasive, and on-site measurement. In this article, the magnetic fields produced by PEMFC currents are explored via three-dimensional finite element modeling.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yutaro Akimoto

Yutaro Akimoto is an Associate Professor of the Department of Innovative Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Oyama College, Japan. His research interests are proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, environment-friendly automobile, and life cycle assessment.

Keiichi Okajima

Keiichi Okajima is a Full Professor of Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. His research interests are fault detection and PV system, fuel cell system, and life cycle assessment.