We support the development of membrane fuel cell systems in portable, stationary and mobile applications by characterizing single cells, cell stacks and entire systems. Furthermore, we test peripheral and cell components under extreme climatic conditions and with regard to their electrochemical resistance.
Our service units related to the topic of Fuel Cell Systems:
In our TestLab Fuel Cells, we characterize and test membrane fuel cells and systems with an electric power rating up to 20 kWel.
In the characterization of fuel cells, we particularly emphasise the detailed investigation of local processes. With the help of our 68-channel system for spatially resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of segmented single cells, we can analyse chemical-physical processes with regard to their dependence on materials, construction and operation management.
Our walk-in climatic chamber allows stacks and systems to be investigated over the temperature range from -40 °C to +80 °C and relative humidity values between 10% and 95%. The high throughput of conditioned air, up to 2000 m3 per hour, is notable. To investigate the behaviour of a fuel cell under conditions similar to those in systems, we can also control peripheral equipment such as pumps, ventilators and valves. Inhomogeneities in the stack are identified reliably by single cell monitoring from the cell voltage and cell impedance spectrum.
Furthermore, we offer long-term tests of peripheral equipment, e.g. with hydrogen input and under extreme climatic conditions. In addition, we have access to an underpressure chamber to simulate altitudes of up to 6000 m. We investigate cell components and materials with respect to their electrochemical stability with a three-electrode configuration and by elemental analysis applying ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).
Unsere begehbare Klimakammer ermöglicht Untersuchungen von Stacks und Systemen bei Temperaturen von -40 °C bis +80 °C und relativen Feuchten zwischen 10 und 95 %. Hervorzuheben ist der hohe Durchsatz klimatisierter Luft bis zu 2000 m³ pro Stunde. Um das Verhalten der Brennstoffzelle unter systemnahen Bedingungen zu untersuchen, können wir auch Peripherieaggregate wie Pumpen, Lüfter und Ventile ansteuern. Inhomogenitäten im Stack identifizieren wir belastbar über Einzelzellmonitoring mit Zellspannung und Zellimpedanzspektrum.
Darüber hinaus bieten wir Langzeittests von Peripherieaggregaten z. B. mit Wasserstoffbeaufschlagung und bei extremen Klimabedingungen an. Außerdem steht uns eine Unterdruckkammer für die Simulation von Höhen bis 6000 m zur Verfügung. Zellkomponenten sowie Werkstoffe untersuchen wir hinsichtlich ihrer elektrochemischen Beständigkeit mit Hilfe eines 3-Elektroden-Aufbaus sowie einer Elementanalyse im ICP-MS.
Since the 1990s we are developing low and high temperature membrane fuel cells as well as direct methanol fuel cells. We are working on simulation, characterization, cell and stack design and also on automated systems. Here we show some examples of our developements over the last years:
on the topic Fuel Cell Systems, held at Hannover Messe Industrie (Hannover Trade Fair) 2019-2015, Group Exhibit Hydrogen & Fuel Cells & Batteries of H2FC-Fair.
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
