FCDDL - Fuel Cell Dynamics and Diagnostics Lab

The Fuel Cell Dynamics and Diagnostic Laboratory (FCDDL) was founded in 2002 by the present director, Prof. Matthew M. Mench. The FCDDL was created to respond to the need for development of non-intrusive, in situ real time distributed diagnostics and embedded sensing devices for fuel cells. The FCDDL conducts fundamental and applied research on fuel cells for electric propulsion, stationary power generation and portable electronics. Presently, with having the cutting edge facilities (over 2000 sq. ft. space), the FCDDL is conducting fast pace research in collaboration with the industry, academia and government agencies.

The FCDDL has developed non-intrusive sensors for online real-time measurement of distributed species (including saturated water), temperature, current, electrolyte and impedance in an operating fuel cell. Flow visualization and liquid distribution quantification has been accomplished using Neutron Radiography at the Penn State Neutron Imaging and Fuel Cell Laboratory. A hardware-free online sensor has been developed to sense CO poisoning levels at the anode catalyst layer. The same technique is now being applied to quantify long-term lifetime catalyst layer degradation in real-time using non-intrusive techniques. Please see the Facilities and Capabilities link to learn more of the unique capabilities of the FCDDL.


Neutron Imagiing at PSU FCDDL	Acoustic Microscopic Image below surface of GDL at PSU FCDDL

The mission of the FCDDL is to use the novel diagnostics created to obtain a greater phenomological and fundamental understanding of the heat, current, and two-phase flow transport dynamics in operating fuel cells and provide benchmark data for advanced two-phase and dynamic model validation efforts. An additional goal is to advance understanding of various modes of degradation in PEFCs in order to apply advanced health monitoring techniques to identify and quantify incipient failure before it occurs, allowing damaging mitigation control strategies to be implemented.

Presently, the FCDDL is a highly interdisciplinary team and is expanding. The interdisciplinary nature of the FCDDL includes expertise in thermal-fluid transport, electrochemistry, nano and micro fabrication, neutron imaging, chemical kinetics and reacting flows, and experimental design and testing. The FCDDL is currently divided among two labs encompassing over 2000 square feet of lab space in the Reber and Hammond buildings. In addition, there is a fuel cell imaging facility in operation at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Neuron Imaging Center. Please see the Facilities and Capabilities link to learn more of the specific facilities available for conducting fuel cell research. The FCDDL is always looking for new opportunities or people with expertise in emerging areas. Please send Dr. Mench a note if you would like more information.

The FCDDL Team

The FCDDL has been funded from various sources to team with the Neutron Imaging and Radiation Science andEngineering Center at the Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor to provide a unique facility to visualize water formation and motion inside fuel cells from a small, single channel, to a full size 500 cm2 capability. Facilities for 3-D computed tomography to visualize and quantify liquid and frozen water directly in the diffusion media and flow channel are under construction, along with expanded temperature control to enable freeze-thaw testing. In addition, the FCDDL has been initiated a multi-year program funded by the NSF to directly visualize and quantify liquid water fluid dynamics in micro-channels and through the diffusion media for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell and hydrogen PEFC applications.

Prof. Matthew Mench, Director,FCDDL