METHOD FOR RECOGNITION OF A LEAK IN A FUEL CELL

摘要

A leak in the membrane of a fuel cell (3) leads to an uncontrolled and heat-generating reaction which can destroy the fuel cell (3). A method for recognition of a leak in a fuel cell (3) is disclosed which leads to an automatic closing down of the fuel cell without a safety device. The anode gas chamber of the fuel cell is treated with a first test gas and the cathode gas chamber of the fuel cell (3) is treated with a second test gas. The cell voltage of the fuel cell measured and the change with time in the cell voltage is monitored. A gas with a hydrogen content of 0.1 to 20 vol. % is used as first test gas and a gas with an oxygen content of 0.1 to 30 vol. % is used as second test gas.