Flexible 5-in-1 Microsensor Embedded in the Proton Battery for Real-Time Microscopic Diagnosis

Abstract

The proton battery possesses water electrolysis, proton storage and discharging functions simultaneously, and it can be manufactured without expensive metals. Use the principle of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for charging, store it in the activated carbon on the hydrogen side and use the principle of proton exchange membrane fuel cell for discharge when needed. According to the latest literature, it is difficult to obtain the exact important physical parameters inside the proton battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, humidity and flow), and the important physical parameters are correlated with each other, which have critical influence on the performance, lifetime and health status of the proton battery. At present, the condition of the proton battery is judged indirectly only by external measurement, the actual situation inside the proton battery cannot be obtained accurately and instantly. Therefore, this study uses micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a flexible 5-in-1 microsensor, which is embedded in the proton battery to obtain five important physical parameters instantly, so that the condition inside the proton battery can be mastered more precisely, so as to prolong the battery life and enhance the proton battery performance.

A Proton Battery Stack Real-Time Monitor with a Flexible Six-in-One Microsensor

“…Therefore, it is very important to record these physical data with microsensors and analyze them. Previously, this team used flexible five-in-one microsensors for the real-time monitoring of proton batteries [19], while this research further incorporated a hydrogen microsensor to gain a clearer view of the interior of the proton battery stack. Since then, Cirrone et al [20] performed a critical analysis of the hazards and associated risks for hydrogen-driven vehicles and transport through tunnels or similar confined spaces.…”

Membranes for Energy Conversion

“…In the study by Lee at al. [ 7 ], a flexible five-in-one sensor was developed to be embedded in a proton battery. The objective was to obtain important parameters instantly to more precisely master the battery and to obtain useful information for prolonging battery life and enhancing its performance.…”