Flexible 4-in-1 microsensor for in-situ diagnosis of electric motorcycle fuel cell range extender

Abstract

The performance and life proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) depend on local distribution of internal temperature, voltage, current and humidity, while its overall performance and life of PEMFC stack are directly affected different external operating conditions. However, the nonuniform distribution of temperature, voltage, current and humidity can occur anywhere in a PEMFC stack. In order to solve this problem, this study developed a real-time microscopic diagnosis technology for PEMFC stack performance. It applied the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to build, a flexible 4-in-1 (temperature, voltage, current and humidity) microsensor, which can measure the four main physical properties inside the PEMFC stack, so as to determine the optimum operating conditions. The flexible 4-in-1 microsensor developed in this study was successfully applied to the interior of a motorcycle fuel cell range extender, and detected that the physical properties in different parts of the PEMFC stack, especially on temperature. The measured data could be used to determine whether a thermal stress concentration has been generated inside the PEMFC stack, thus, the operating conditions could be changed accordingly to relieve the concentration. Moreover, the data of local voltage and current could also indicate the local reaction status and the relationship between the reaction rate and temperature and humidity. The proposed technology can help manufacturers to use the collected data to adjust the production parameters, thereby accelerating fuel cell development, and extending cell performance and life.