Method and apparatus for detecting presence of a fluid

A method for detecting presence of a fluid, comprising:

• periodically monitoring a signal output from a resistive sensing element disposed in an environment, the resistive sensing element including a first conductive element proximal to and electrically isolated from a second conductive element, wherein the periodically monitored signal output corresponds to electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element;
• determining a signal waveform based upon the periodically monitored signal output;
• characterizing the signal waveform;
• detecting presence of a fluid based upon the characterized signal waveform, including discriminating between a presence of condensation, free-standing water, and coolant based upon the characterized signal waveform;
• electrically isolating an electrical device that is proximal to the resistive sensing element when either of free-standing water and coolant is detected;
• and
• communicating the presence of the fluid.

A device for detecting presence of a fluid, comprising:

• a sensing element disposed on a substrate, the sensing element including a first conductive element including a plurality of first leg portions and a second conductive element including a plurality of second leg portions, wherein the first leg portions alternate with the second leg portions and wherein the first conductive element is electrically isolated from the second conductive element;
• a controller disposed to monitor electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element, the controller including an instruction set, the instruction set being executable to:
• determine a baseline state for the sensing element;
• and then periodically determine a signal output from the sensing element,
• determine a signal waveform based upon the periodically determined signal output from the sensing element;
• compare the signal waveform and the baseline state for the electrical conductivity,
• detect presence of a fluid based upon the signal waveform compared to the baseline state for the electrical conductivity, including discriminating between a presence of condensation, free-standing water, and coolant based upon the signal waveform,
• electrically isolate an electrical device that is proximal to the resistive sensing element when either of free-standing water and coolant is detected, and
• communicate the presence of the fluid.