Groundbreaking research in fuel cells

For the first time, researchers have succeeded in measuring the temperature inside an operating fuel cell, which, through a catalytic process, converts hydrogen and oxygen into electric current.

Fuel cells are one of the key elements in the efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems of the future.

The Danish Technological Institute, Aalborg University, and the Technical University of Denmark are behind the development of embedded temperature sensors for measuring and diagnosing the temperature in operating fuel cells. This groundbreaking work provides new knowledge about fuel cells. In the long term, this knowledge may help to increase the lifespan of fuel cells and thus support the development of competitive, energy-efficient, and renewable energy systems that meet future energy demands and stricter environmental requirements.

The development project is supported by the Danish Council for Technology and Production Sciences. The sensors have been produced using the Danish Technological Institute’s thin-film platform, and subsequent testing and verification of the concept took place in a prototype. The involved centers at the Danish Technological Institute are Tribology and Renewable Energy and Transport.