Systems and methods for detecting and indicating fault conditions in electrochemical cells

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for more accurately determining the cause of a particular fault in an electrochemical cell based on an impedance measurement characterizing the electrochemical cell. In some very specific embodiments the impedance of an electrochemical cell or stack is measured across a range of frequencies to determine a corresponding impedance signature characterizing the present state of the electrochemical cell or stack. By evaluating the impedance signature in comparison to reference information, a number of faults may be detected. In some more specific embodiments once a corresponding specific fault is determined and an indication is provided to a user and / or a balance-of-plant monitoring system, which may be used to adjust the operating parameters of an electrochemical cell module to compensate for and / or reverse the detrimental effects caused by a particular fault.

Description

[0001] priority claim [0002] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C.119(e), this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Serial Nos. 60 / 631,232 and 60 / 679,663, filed November 29, 2004, and May 11, 2005, respectively; hereby incorporated by reference Incorporate its contents into this application. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, and more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting fault conditions within electrochemical cells. Background technique [0004] An electrochemical cell, as defined herein, is an electrochemical reactor that can be specifically designed as a fuel cell or an electrolysis cell. In general, electrochemical cells of both variants comprise an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes that acts as an ionic conductor. Electrochemical cells generally also include corresponding catalyst layers on one or both sides of the electrolyte layer to promote electrochemical react...

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Problems solved by technology

However, greater flow metering may result in faster drying rates

Therefore, if the voltage drop caused by drying is mistaken for the voltage drop caused by flooding, the fault condition will be further aggravated

Also, voltage drops are typically only detected when the severity of the fault condition increases to the point that damage to the electrochemical cell module may have occurred

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