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Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells

Author

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  • Nicolas Muck

    (Department of Vehicle Energy Concepts, DLR-Institute of Vehicle Concepts, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Christoph David

    (Department of Vehicle Energy Concepts, DLR-Institute of Vehicle Concepts, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Torsten Knöri

    (Department of Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Fiber optic sensors integrated into fuel cell stacks have the potential to significantly enhance the temperature control and health monitoring of fuel cells. Inhomogeneous loading, both within individual cells and across different cells in a stack, leads to the formation of local hotspots that accelerate aging and degrade performance. This study investigates the behavior and feasibility of incorporating polyimide-coated optical fiber sensors into bipolar plates for precise and spatially resolved temperature monitoring. The sensor is successfully integrated into a single cell of a fuel cell stack and positioned on the bipolar plate in direct contact with the membrane electrode assembly. Pre-tests are conducted to thoroughly evaluate the technical properties of the fiber in relation to specific cell requirements. Additionally, a physical prototype featuring the sensor is developed and employed to validate its effectiveness under realistic operating conditions. The temperature measurement obtained via the fiber exhibits a continuous profile throughout the entire length, covering both the active area and distributor region of the cell. Throughout the entire 60 min test period, the measuring system provides continuous and uninterrupted temperature measurements, encompassing the start of the stack, the heating phase, the subsequent stable operating point, and the cooling phase. However, some technical challenges have been identified, as mechanical pressure exerted on the fiber influences the measured temperature. While this work demonstrates promising results, further advancements are necessary to address inhomogeneous loading within fuel cells and hotspot mitigation. The precise monitoring of temperature distribution enables early detection of potential damage, facilitating timely interventions to improve the service life and overall performance of fuel cells.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Muck & Christoph David & Torsten Knöri, 2023. "Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2023:i:1:p:16-:d:1303352
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kang, Zhenye & Wang, Hao & Liu, Yanrong & Mo, Jingke & Wang, Min & Li, Jing & Tian, Xinlong, 2022. "Exploring and understanding the internal voltage losses through catalyst layers in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis devices," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
    2. Song Yan & Mingyang Yang & Chuanyu Sun & Sichuan Xu, 2023. "Liquid Water Characteristics in the Compressed Gradient Porosity Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
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