Inverse Problem Analysis of Distribution of Power Generation Current inside PEFC Using Magnetic Field around Fuel Cell

Abstract

A PEFC (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) is expected to be used as a power supply of the homes and electric vehicles, since it can generate electricity at low temperatures and the startup speed is fast. Since the power generation efficiency of PEFC is influenced by the mass transfer of hydrogen, oxygen and steam in it, it is important to clarify the current distribution inside MEA that is closely related to the mass transfer. In this paper, the evaluation method of the distribution of the power generation current inside MEA using the distribution of static magnetic field around PEFC is proposed. The generated current distribution in the MEA is calculated by inverse problem analysis using Ampere's law from the distribution of the magnetic field around the fuel cell. The evolutionary strategy method is used by this inverse problem analysis. In addition, the current distribution estimation accuracy inside the MEA has been improved by using the weighting coefficient according to the distance between the magnetic sensor and each position in the MEA.