In situ approach for characterizing PEMFC using a combination of magnetic sensor probes and 3DFEM simulation

Abstract Non-uniform current distributions of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) result in unequal utilization of reactants and catalysts in solution. To prevent the degradation of PEMFC, an in situ approach for characterizing PEMFC stacks is needed. In this study, the current distribution of two-cell PEMFC stacks is replicated from measured magnetic flux densities and operating conditions produced by three-dimensional finite element modeling that included electromagnetic field modeling and electrochemical reactions. I–V curves under normal conditions were replicated from electrochemistry and compared to the measured curves, and magnetic flux density distributions were investigated to determine the operating state. From these results, we discuss the potential use of the proposed approach in in situ applications.