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Rolls-Royce and Cambridge University aim to develop laser sensors able to monitor the internal performance of industrial-scale fuel cells.

Engineers developing the ‘wavelength-agile’ sensors plan to use advanced-fibre laser technology to enable wide-spectrum measurement of the complex physical and chemical conditions within fuel cells or combustion engines.

The ability to characterise the composition and temperature of burning gases inside operational fuel cells could prove invaluable in the development of a new generation of large-scale devices, according to Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems, which will work with Cambridge’s department of chemical engineering on the five-year, government-backed project.

According to Dr Johan Hult, project leader at Cambridge, making the laser sensor system durable enough to withstand the extremely high temperatures encountered in fuel cells and engines will represent a key challenge. Hult said the project team is investigating using fibres made from sapphire, which should be robust enough to survive the intense heat.