Fan flow sensor for proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell

Electrochemical cells are energy conversion devices, usually classified as either electrolysis cells or fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells can function as hydrogen generators by electrolytically decomposing water to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. Referring to , a section of an anode feed electrolysis cell of the prior art is shown generally at and is hereinafter referred to as "cell ." Reactant water is fed into cell at an oxygen electrode (anode) to form oxygen gas , electrons, and hydrogen ions (protons) . The chemical reaction is facilitated by the positive terminal of a power source connected to anode and the negative terminal of power source connected to a hydrogen electrode (cathode) . Oxygen gas and a first portion of the water are discharged from cell , while protons and a second portion of the water migrate across a proton exchange membrane to cathode . At cathode , hydrogen gas is removed, generally through a gas delivery line. The removed hydrogen gas is usable in a myriad of different applications. Second portion of water, which is entrained with hydrogen gas, is also removed from cathode . A fan flow sensor for a gas generating proton exchange member electrolysis cell includes a switching device and a sail disposed in communication with the switching device. The sail is pivotally mounted and movable in response to an airflow from a fan. The sail is further configured to actuate the switching device in response to the airflow from the fan.