METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING LEAKS AT THE FUEL INJECTION NOZZLE IN A LOW-LEVEL FUEL CELL SYSTEM

摘要

A method for detecting a low level leak in a fuel cell system is provided. The method comprises in a computerized fuel cell controller an operating programming to monitor the operation of the fuel cell system, to determine an expected pressure reduction within an anode gas loop of the fuel cell system on the basis of the monitored operation, to a calibrated threshold pressure change on the basis of the expected pressure reduction and to a range determined to indicate excess hydrogen gas within the anode gas loop, indicating a leak at the fuel injector when a fuel injector of the fuel cell system is commanded to a closed state, monitoring a pressure within the anode gas loop for a period of time Comparing the monitored pressure within the anode gas loop over time to the calibrated threshold pressure change, and if the comparing indicates that the excess hydrogen gas is present n is taking remedial action.