Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1291662 | Journal of Power Sources | 2007 | 5 Pages |
This work utilizes the microsensors that are fabricated on metallic bipolar plates to measure temperature and humidity in an operating micro-proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Bipolar plates were constructed of stainless steel (SS-304), and the flow channel was formed on a stainless steel substrate by wet etching. The micro-temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology. The sensors were located on the flow channel rib.Experimental results demonstrate that the operating temperature of fuel cell was 41.54 °C, which was measured by a micro-temperature sensor and the temperature outside the fuel cell was 37 °C, measured using a thermocouple. The gas flow rate of H2/O2 was 200/200 ml min−1 without humidification. The maximum power density of the fuel cell without and with microsensors on bipolar plates was 142 mW cm−2 and 56 mW cm−2, respectively.