Characterisation of mechanical non-linearities in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using raw data

The implementation of fuel cells in transportation systems requires some better understanding of their mechanical behaviours in vibrating environments.A preliminary study for detecting and classifying non-linearities from simulations led to the creation of a library of non-linearity signatures. The second step is the comparison with experimental results obtained from a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell tested under dynamic loads. Two experimental benches are designed for this purpose: a bipolar plate system with or without frames and a PEM fuel cell. They are subjected to swept-sine excitations on a vibrating platform. Their mechanical responses are measured with accelerometers placed on the bipolar plate for the first system and on the top centre of the central cell for the PEM system. The raw experimental data are exploited to characterise non-linearities. Methods of detection and classification of non-linearities are described and applied to the raw data. The results are exposed and commented on.