The RUBY project aims at exploiting Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for developing, integrating, engineering, and testing a comprehensive and generalized Monitoring, Diagnostic, Prognostic and Control (MDPC) tool. Thanks to EIS features RUBY will improve efficiency, reliability, and durability of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems for stationary applications. The tool relies on advanced techniques and dedicated hardware and will be embedded in the Fuel Cell Systems (FCSs) for on-line validation in relevant operational environment. Therefore, the RUBY tool will reach at the end of the project a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) equal to TRL 7. It is foreseen that the tool will be ready for engineering, final certification, and scale production to be embedded within commercial FCS.
Improve FCS performance and durability by implementing an advanced and algorithm that combines monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, control and mitigation actions for both SOFC and PEMFC systems.
Design and engineer the hardware required for MDPC algorithms application, with attention to sensors reduction issues and the specific constraints imposed by stack technologies and systems applications towards industrial scalability.
Perform dedicated experimental campaigns for stacks and system characterization and MDPC tool prototype validation embedded on FCSs running in operational environment
Develop an advanced FCS management strategy (supervisory level), with functionalities integrated with remote monitoring, for future smart-grid interaction and predictive maintenance application.
The advancements achieved with the HEALTH-CODE project and the INSIGHT project proved the capability of performing on-board EIS monitoring processes with sinusoidal and PRBS stimuli, moving this technique from laboratory uses to product applications. A proper integration of such technique with diagnostic, prognostic and control functions will help achieving FCSs performance improvement and lifetime extension. Read more
