Abstract

ABSTRACT Fiber optic sensors for monitoring moisture, temperature and trace hydrogen peroxide have been developed in DIAL/MSU. The moisture sensor responds to moisture changes from RH = 4% to RH < 95% in the tested range. The temperature sensor can sense temperature from room temperature 22 o C to 90 o C in the tested range. The hydrogen peroxide sensor can detect/monitor hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution down to 10 ppb. Techniques have been developed for deploying the fiber optic sensors to the gas channels and the Nafion membrane of a PEM fuel cell. These sensors will be tested for in situ, real-time monitoring of the operation of a PEM fuel cell with a fuel cell test system developed by CAVS/MSU. The principle of the sensors and test results of the sensors will be presented. INTRODUCTION Fuel cell technology has emerged as a promising platform from which to deliver future energy. 1,2 In the past several decades, much attention has been focused upon the research and development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells as power sources for stationary and portable application. The advantages of the PEM fuel cell technique include high energy conversion efficiency, near-zero pollutant emission, and l ow temperature operation.