Non-invasive measurement method for controlling the functioning of a membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell comprising at least one membrane, comprising the following steps: putting at least two conductive means in contact with two different surface elements of the same first conductive plate, said plate being able to be a distribution plate belonging to a first cell, measurement of one or more electrical voltages between said conductive means electrically connected to an electrical-voltage measurement device.

1 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell, comprising at least one subcell, comprising a membrane, two electrodes, two distribution plates with on at least one of their faces a channel for distributing the fuel gases and/or a channel for recovering the products of the electrochemical reactions performed in the cell, and at least one first conductive plate that may optionally be one of said distribution plates; at least two first conductive means being in contact with two different surface elements of the same first conductive plate. 
     
     
         2 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 1 , in which said conductive means are electrically connected to a voltage measurement device for measuring one or more voltages between said conductive means. 
     
     
         3 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 2 , in which the electrical voltages measured are communicated by means forming an electronic interface. 
     
     
         4 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 1 , in which at least two second conductive means are in contact with two different surface elements of the same conductive plate belonging to the cell. 
     
     
         5 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 4 , in which said second conductive means are electrically connected to a voltage measurement device for measuring one or more voltages between said second conductive means. 
     
     
         6 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 1 , in which said first conductive means and/or said second conductive means are placed as close as possible to the distribution and/or recovery channel or channels. 
     
     
         7 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for measuring voltage as direct current and/or as current modulated at various frequencies. 
     
     
         8 . Device for controlling the functioning of a fuel cell according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for modifying at least one operating parameter of said cell, in order to increase the power of said cell, according to one or more voltages measured.