Patent ID: 8268493
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: G01K,G01N,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A system for measuring partial pressure and temperature within a fuel cell, comprising: (a) a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane (PEM)-electrode assembly and a bipolar plate, the bipolar plate including at least one flow channel to allow for transmission of light through the at least one flow channel; (b) at least one light source to transmit light through the at least one flow channel; (c) at least one reference light sensor for measuring the light transmitted from the light source prior to passing through the at least one flow channel; and (d) at least one transmission light sensor for measuring the light transmitted through the at least one flow channel; wherein the measured light transmitted through the at least one flow channel represents light absorption through the flow channel and is processed along with the reference light measurement to determine values for at least one of a gas species partial pressure or a fuel cell temperature.