Fuel cell diagnostics testing

As shown in this review, test equipment integrated with several diagnostic techniques is preferred for a deeper insight into the mechanisms that cause performance losses and spatial non-uniform distribution. As a consequence, more information, which is simultaneously obtained with these diagnostic tools, will strongly support development of empirical models or validate theoretical models predicting performance as a function of operating conditions and fuel cell characteristic properties. 

A suite of many different diagnostic approaches have been developed to study fuel cells for performance, durability, and component fimctionality [25]. These include electrochemical, electrical, chemical, and mechanical tests, both on an operating fuel cell and in ex situ measurements. Some of the most commonly used in situ tests conducted on operating fuel cells are described below in this section, along with reference to applicability to contamination testing. 

Wasterlain S, Candusso D, Harel F, Hissel D, Fran5ois X (2011) Development of new test instruments and protocols for the diagnostic of fuel cell stacks. J Power Sources 196 5325-5333... 

To test the degradation of fuel cell catalyst and assess the carbon support degradation effect on fuel cell performance, many diagnostic tools are available. These tools may test the morphology of the catalyst support directly or may evaluate the carbon corrosion indirectly through the fuel cell overall performance. Common parameters analyzed to evaluate the electrocatalyst degradation include measurement of the catalyst layer areas (cross-sectional and smface area), the ECSA, fuel cell current density, surface morphology, and elemental composition of material or effluent gas. 

OCV measurement can be a useful diagnostic tool in fuel cell operation or stack lifetime testing. An abnormal OCV usually indicates fuel cell failure, such as a broken membrane, a gasket leak, and/or bipolar plate failure. OCV measurement can also help in obtaining information from within the fuel cell and in localizing the position of broken MEAs. 

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