Fuel cell and method of operating the fuel cell

摘要

A method of operating a fuel cell includes the steps of detecting hydrogen peroxide concentration during power generation by a hydrogen peroxide concentration sensor provided directly on a membrane electrode assembly and determining an operating condition of the fuel cell based on the detected hydrogen peroxide concentration.

主权项

1. A method of operating a fuel cell formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and a separator, the membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, the method comprising the steps of:
measuring hydrogen peroxide concentration of the membrane electrode assembly, in real time during power generation by a hydrogen peroxide concentration sensor including a Pt electrode having an insulating membrane disposed thereon, with a detection portion provided by cutting an area in one surface of the insulating membrane, wherein a surface of the detection portion protrudes outward beyond the insulating membrane in the thickness direction, and the detection portion contacts the electrolyte membrane and an electric potential sensor, where each is provided directly on the membrane electrode assembly and located at one of the following: in an electrode surface of the anode; between the anode and the electrolyte membrane; at an end of the anode or cathode; in an electrode surface of the cathode; between the cathode and the electrolyte membrane; in the electrolyte membrane, determining an operating condition of the fuel cell based on the measured hydrogen peroxide concentration, communicating the operating condition to a memory of a control unit, implementing control of the fuel cell based on the communicated operating condition; controlling the concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the operating condition communicated to the memory of the control unit.