Use of multi-functional flexible micro-sensors for in situ measurement of temperature, voltage and fuel flow in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Sensors (Basel). 2010;10(12):11605-17. doi: 10.3390/s101211605. Epub 2010 Dec 20.

Abstract

Temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution all contribute considerably to fuel cell performance. Conventional methods cannot accurately determine parameter changes inside a fuel cell. This investigation developed flexible and multi-functional micro sensors on a 40 μm-thick stainless steel foil substrate by using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and embedded them in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to measure the temperature, voltage and flow. Users can monitor and control in situ the temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution in the cell. Thereby, both fuel cell performance and lifetime can be increased.

Keywords: PEMFC; in situ; multi-functional flexible micro-sensors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electricity*
  • Equipment Design
  • Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / instrumentation
  • Microelectrodes
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Power Plants / instrumentation
  • Protons
  • Remote Sensing Technology / instrumentation*
  • Rheology / instrumentation*
  • Rheology / methods
  • Temperature*
  • Weights and Measures

Substances

  • Protons