Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells
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 accel...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Energies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/16 |
| _version_ | 1797358880831832064 |
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| author | Nicolas Muck Christoph David |
| author_facet | Nicolas Muck Christoph David |
| author_sort | Nicolas Muck |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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, positioned on the bipolar plate in direct contact with the membrane. 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 provided 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 are 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T15:08:38Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9b78598b3c7b4620b84b907f11cf2148 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T15:08:38Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-9b78598b3c7b4620b84b907f11cf21482024-01-10T14:55:28ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732023-12-011711610.3390/en17010016Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel CellsNicolas Muck0Christoph David1Department of Vehicle Energy Concepts, DLR-Institute of Vehicle Concepts, 70569 Stuttgart, GermanyDepartment of Vehicle Energy Concepts, DLR-Institute of Vehicle Concepts, 70569 Stuttgart, GermanyFiber 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, positioned on the bipolar plate in direct contact with the membrane. 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 provided 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 are 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.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/16fuel cellhealth monitoringfiber optic sensorstemperature measurementin situ methodmetallic bipolar plate |
| spellingShingle | Nicolas Muck Christoph David Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells Energies fuel cell health monitoring fiber optic sensors temperature measurement in situ method metallic bipolar plate |
| title | Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells |
| title_full | Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells |
| title_fullStr | Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells |
| title_full_unstemmed | Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells |
| title_short | Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells |
| title_sort | integrating fiber sensing for spatially resolved temperature measurement in fuel cells |
| topic | fuel cell health monitoring fiber optic sensors temperature measurement in situ method metallic bipolar plate |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/16 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT nicolasmuck integratingfibersensingforspatiallyresolvedtemperaturemeasurementinfuelcells AT christophdavid integratingfibersensingforspatiallyresolvedtemperaturemeasurementinfuelcells |