VOLTAGE-BASED FLUID SENSOR FOR A FUEL CELL STACK ASSEMBLY

摘要

A fluid detection system and method is disclosed having sensor elements 66 comprising wire leads 68 and electrodes 74 electrically insulated from the stack 16, and positioned such that a measurable voltage is present between the sensor elements 66 only when fluid in water exit manifold space 54 is in contact with both of the electrodes 74. Sensor element 76 may also be utilized in combination with one or both sensor elements 66, and comprises a wire lead 68 operably connected to a pressure plate 60. Because pressure plate 60 is electrically conductive and in electrical communication with stack 16, a voltage measurable between sensor element 76 and sensor element 66 can be used to indicate that fluid is in contact with electrode 74 of sensor element 66. The placement of the electrodes 78, 80 can further indicate a level of fluid or flow of fluid through stack 16. Sensor elements 66 and 76 may communicate with a controller 82, which in response to a measured voltage, can be used to automatically regulate the fluid balance in stack 16 via water management system 88.