Defect control for one or more electrical operating elements

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a device and method for defect detection in electrical operating elements, such as fuel cells or stacks thereof. It uses specialized test elements with electrically conductive areas separated by an electrically conductive measuring section. These test elements, integrated at critical locations, allow for the easy identification and localization of defects by monitoring abnormal currents (so-called 'measurement current') in the test structures, which indicate a failure or inefficiency within individual components of the electrical stack.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Real-time fault detection in fuel cell stacks for automotive and stationary energy systems
• Diagnosis and maintenance of battery packs in electric vehicles or portable electronics
• Monitoring and quality assurance in manufacturing of multi-cell electrical devices
• Integration in energy storage or conversion devices to quickly pinpoint and address failures
• Use in modular electrical systems where rapid defect localization improves uptime and reduces repair costs

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables fast and accurate identification of faults or defects in electrical stacks without disassembly
• Reduces costly downtime and maintenance by pinpointing exact location of failure
• Minimizes wiring and electronic complexity needed for monitoring compared to traditional approaches
• Improves reliability and safety of electrical devices such as fuel cells and batteries
• Facilitates non-invasive and external monitoring via thermal or magnetic sensing of test elements
• Potentially increases lifespan and performance of multi-cell systems through timely interventions
• Reduces the need for complex or fine wiring, making it more robust against interference and external noise

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The device has test elements (a,b) resting at an operating element (1) e.g. fuel cell, or a part of the operating element e.g. fuel cell stack. The test element comprises two electrically conductive areas, which are arranged at a certain distance to each other and are connected with each other through an electrically conductive measuring section. The measuring section is arranged such that a preset current flow between the electrically conductive areas of the test element causes a current density in the test element to be higher than that of the electrically conductive areas. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for producing a device for controlling defect in an electrical operating element (2) a method for operating a defect controlling device.