A piano hinge would be fastened to the face of the particle board. The edge of particle board is not easy to fix to; screws are not likely to hold, and neither are barrel hinges. The only way to fix to the edge would be by cross-dowelling, and screwing into the dowels.
I think that I'd go for a piano hinge, with the pivot between the boards. This would space the boards evenly, and also keep them in the same plane. If you use two or three separate hinges, the boards could become bowed between the hinges.
HTH
hinge
__________...
Well, I'd check the alternator drive belt; this usually drives the alternator, water pump and power steering pump. If the alternator stops, the red light comes on; if the water pump stops, no hot water gets to the heater; if the power steering pump stops your wife develops immense biceps.