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A membrane electrode assembly consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane (100) with an electrode on each side. The polymer electrolyte membrane has an integral sensor (115) disposed on the surface. The sensor monitors the physical, thermal, chemical or electrical state of the membrane electrode asse

A membrane electrode assembly consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane (100) with an electrode on each side. The polymer electrolyte membrane has an integral sensor (115) disposed on the surface. The sensor monitors the physical, thermal, chemical or electrical state of the membrane electrode assembly. Information obtained from the sensor is used to identify a defective membrane electrode assembly, and the operation of the fuel cell is altered based on the identified defective membrane electrode assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A membrane electrode assembly having an integral sensor, comprising:a polymer electrolyte membrane having two major surfaces and an electrode on each of the two major surfaces; anda sensor for monitoring one or more parameters of the membrane electrode assembly, said pa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A membrane electrode assembly having an integral sensor, comprising:a polymer electrolyte membrane having two major surfaces and an electrode on each of the two major surfaces; anda sensor for monitoring one or more parameters of the membrane electrode assembly, said parameters selected from the group consisting of temperature, hydration, ionic conductivity, AC impedance, resistivity, capacitance, dielectric constant, complex dielectric constant, bulk dielectric constant, and response of the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the sensor is on one of the two major surfaces, and wherein the sensor is an integral part of the membrane electrode assembly.