METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING INTERNAL TRANSFER LEAKS WITHIN FUEL CELL STACKS

摘要

A method for locating a fluid leak in a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The method comprises pressurizing a first fluid stream passage with a tracer fluid, introducing a flow fluid to a second fluid stream passage, maintaining a substantially constant flow of the flow fluid through the second fluid stream passage towa rd an exit point of the fuel cell stack, inserting a probe, adapted to monitor for the presence of the tracer fluid in the flow fluid, into the exit point, moving the probe throug h the second fluid stream passage and monitoring for the presence of the tracer fluid in the flow fluid at various locations of the second fluid stream passage. An apparatus for locating a fluid leak in a fuel cell stack is also provided.