Development of improved EIS circuitry for PEM fuel cell module diagnostics systems and incorporation of on-board EIS in fuel cell dc/dc converters

This proposed Mitacs project will investigate and further develop EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy), or AC-impedance-based measurement hardware used for diagnosing faults in PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell systems (FCS), and incorporating the on-board EIS function in the fuel cell dc/dc converters used to transfer power from the fuel cell to the vehicle traction drive. This project builds on a previous Mitacs project intended to link EIS spectra for different faults (e.g., H2 leaks through holes in the cell membranes, and high membrane resistance due to humidifier faults) to actual leak rates and inlet humidification relative-humidity (RH), to permit more rapid diagnosing of FCS faults, and to, eventually, build this diagnostic capability into future systems for on-board-use in operation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jiacheng Jason Wang

Student:

Jiabin Shen

Partner:

Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Simon Fraser University