Localised electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells using Print circuit board based interference-free system

Abstract

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are promising power sources for vehicle and other portable applications due to their high energy efficiency and zero pollution emission during operation. To improve the performance and reliability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, effective and accurate diagnostic tools are urgently needed for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells practical applications. Different from the previous diagnostic methods that may damage the fuel cell structure, a novel interference-free diagnostic system based on the printed circuit board is proposed in this study. Fuel cell localised electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at different current density is observed. It is found that the activation impedance near inlet decreases sharply when current density increase. In addition, it is also found the flooding problem and the mass transport problem can occur at a medium current density due to the non-uniform behaviour of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The proposed diagnostic system is demonstrated to be an effective tool to improve efficiency and robust of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.