Measurement device and method for determining fuel cell stack size variations

摘要

A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable voltage probe that measures voltage transitions along an array element. The measured voltage is used to determine a distance of travel of the at least one voltage probe along the fuel cell stack from the speed of the probe and the timing of the transitions.

主权项

1. A method of testing a fuel cell stack, comprising:
moving at least one voltage probe along the fuel cell stack; sequentially measuring a voltage of fuel cell stack elements, the elements comprising fuel cells, interconnects disposed between the fuel cells, and seals disposed between the fuel cells and the interconnects; and determining, from the sequentially measured voltage, at least one of a height of the fuel cell stack, a variation of fuel cell height, a fuel cell stack element pitch, and seal shrinkage or setting.