Abstract: Measurement systems for electrochemical devices employ a semi-conductive measurement strip that can be coupled to the electrochemical device to indicate an electrical characteristic of the electrochemical device. The measurement systems may further include electrical contactors and/or measurement devices. Methods for monitoring cells of an electrochemical device are disclosed for monitoring and analyzing the change over distance of the voltages of the electrochemical device.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for powering a work load includes a fuel cell stack and a shunt regulator having a threshold detection; transistorized power switching element, and a dump load. The threshold detection element identifies when an abnormally high voltage rises. The power switching element routes power from the high voltage buss to the dump load. The dump load acts as an electrical energy sink, and may provide dissipated energy to the fuel cell stack in the form of heat. The switching element can also shunt power to the dump load when a digital control signal is set, for example at startup or during cold start conditions.