METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TRANSFER LEAKS IN FUEL CELLS AND FUEL CELL STACKS

摘要

A method of detecting transfer leaks within a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell assemblies includes supplying reactants and inert gas to the fuel, oxidant and/or coolant manifolds of the stack, as appropriate, and measuring the voltage across at least one of the fuel cell assemblies. An apparatus for detecting transfer leaks within solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks comprises a device for measuring the voltage across at least one of the fuel cell assemblies. Transfer leaks across the polymer electrolyte membrane, and across reactant-coolant bipolar plates, may be detected according to the present method and apparatus.