Patent ID: 6361678
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
A method of detecting a short incident in an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of:(a) providing an electrochemical cell system having an electrochemical cell pack and a coupling device, said coupling device being in connection with said cell pack, wherein during electrochemical cell system operation, said coupling device vibrates; (b) providing a means for detecting vibration of said coupling device, said means for detecting vibration being rigidly affixed to said coupling device; (c) providing a means for analyzing and monitoring vibration of said coupling device, said means for analyzing and monitoring vibration being connected to said means for detecting vibration; (d) operating said electrochemical cell system causing said coupling device to vibrate; (e) detecting said vibration using said means for detecting vibration; (f) allowing said means for detecting vibration to send a signal to said means for analyzing and monitoring vibration; (g) continuously analyzing, measuring, and monitoring said vibration to establish a normal baseline amplitude envelope; (h) operating said electrochemical cell system until said means for analyzing and monitoring vibration measures an amplitude excursion outside of said normal baseline amplitude envelope; (i) sending a signal to an indicator; and (j) discontinuing operation of said electrochemical cell.