Real-Time Monitoring of Multi Stack Open Cathode PEM Fuel Cell Using Canbus

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a device capable of electrochemical energy conversion using hydrogen and oxygen fuels, generating electricity with high efficiency and only producing water as a by-product. This technology offers an efficient and environmentally friendly green energy solution. However, challenges in PEMFC implementation include high cost, sensitivity to operating conditions, and risk of damage if not managed properly. Therefore, a monitoring system capable of monitoring the fuel cell's performance in real-time is required to prevent failures and extend the device's lifetime. The CANBus communication protocol was chosen due to its ability to provide fast data communication, reliable error detection and correction mechanisms, and its suitability for transportation systems that demand high reliability. CANBus communication performance analysis was conducted through four scenarios with varying numbers of nodes to evaluate the effect of network density on response time, bus ratio, and communication stability. The test results show that the average response time increases from 0.0227 seconds at one node to 0.02995 seconds at four nodes. In addition, the number of signal spikes increased from two spikes per minute at one node to eight spikes per minute at four nodes. The bus ratio also increased from 0.93 % to 2.32 %. Despite the increase in network density, the system can still operate within acceptable tolerance limits.