Test and evaluation of a fuzzy diagnostic model for PEFC

Diagnosing faulty conditions of engineering systems is a highly desirable process within control structures, such that condition based maintenance (CBM) is made possible and effective. The goal herein is to enhance lifetime performance and extend system availability. Difficulty arises in developing a mathematical model which can describe all working and failure modes of complex systems. However the human ability to diagnose a system through experience is a powerful one, and can be represented in fuzzy logic. This paper presents the knowledge base of degradation modes in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), captured from experts and experimental findings. The defined rules produced for the fuzzy logic model connect ob-served operational modes and symptoms to component degradation. The system is then tested against common automotive stress conditions to assess operability.