Two dimensional distribution measurement of electric current generated in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using 49 NMR surface coils

Kuniyasu Ogawa, Tatsuyoshi Sasaki, Shigeki Yoneda, Kumiko Tsujinaka, Ritsuko Asai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to increase the current density generated in a PEFC (polymer electrolyte fuel cell), a method for measuring the spatial distribution of both the current and the water content of the MEA (membrane electrode assembly) is necessary. Based on the frequency shifts of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) signals acquired from the water contained in the MEA using 49 NMR coils in a 7 × 7 arrangement inserted in the PEFC, a method for measuring the two-dimensional spatial distribution of electric current generated in a unit cell with a power generation area of 140 mm × 160 mm was devised. We also developed an inverse analysis method to determine the two-dimensional electric current distribution that can be applied to actual PEFC connections. Two analytical techniques, namely coarse graining of segments and stepwise search, were used to shorten the calculation time required for inverse analysis of the electric current map. Using this method and techniques, spatial distributions of electric current and water content in the MEA were obtained when the PEFC generated electric power at 100 A.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)163-172
Number of pages10
JournalMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Volume51
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Sept

Keywords

  • Current measurement
  • Frequency shift
  • Polymer electrolyte fuel cell
  • Surface coil
  • Two dimensional distribution

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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