Segmented Bipolar Plate for the Determination of Current Distribution in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

摘要

A new measurement system to determine the current density distribution in operating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is developed. The measurement system is designed like a bipolar plate and built up in printed circuit board (PCB) technology. The current sensors are integrated in the plate with an overall thickness and conductance comparable to conventional bipolar plates. Thus, integration of the measurement system in fuel cell stacks can be easily achieved. Current density distribution in single cells of fuel cell stacks can be measured with high spatial resolution in steady state as well as in dynamic operation. The measurement system operates independently of the cell operation and is intended for adapting design and components of PEFCs to requirements. Furthermore mass production techniques enable the manufacturing of low cost sensor integrated bipolar plates for implementation in commercial fuel cells for system control.