Miniature optical sensors developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could speed the development of fuel cells to power vehicles, buildings and machines. The ORNL sensors are extremely accurate, reliable and fast-responding, making them ideal for next-generation fuel cells, according to Steve Allison of ORNL's Engineering Science & Technology Division. Key to the success of the sensors is their ability to measure temperature and moisture within an operating fuel cell. This allows developers of proton exchange membrane fuel cells to verify computer models of fuel cell stocks to optimize performance. Furthermore, real-time diagnostic sensors allow designers to increase stack power density by reducing operating margins and quickly identify the development of hot spots that could cause catastrophic failure. The new sensors, which combine fiber optics with luminescence technology, feature temperature accuracy to within plus- or minus-half a degree Celsius, humidity accuracy within 1 percent and temperature response time of one-tenth of a second. The work is funded by the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Office of Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Program.
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