Acoustical Characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In order to optimise the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and to maximise their life cycle, water content has to be properly controlled. This paper presents a model-based method to determine the effect of load on PEMFC water content in PEMFCs using Acoustic Emission (AE) measurements. The developed model was implemented in COMSOL and verified using a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (FC) operated under various loads. Acoustical events originating from water bubble formation have been identified and assessed using statistical parameters determined in the time and frequency domains. The feasibility of using AE techniques to detect and monitor the impact of a cell's load variation on water content is assessed. As the model results were in good agreement with experimental data, it was concluded that an AE based method could serve as an effective monitoring and control tool of water content in PEMFCs. Statically, the root mean square for acoustic emission activity has a significant relation with load characteristics and can, potentially, be a candidate for determining the AE behavior in a PEMFC.