Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fuel cell stacks and systems
© Fraunhofer ISE
Fully automated in-situ characterisation of fuel cell stacks

Fully Automated in-situ Characterization of Fuel Cell Stacks

We analyze fuel cell stacks and use simulations to determine system requirements.

© Fraunhofer ISE

Fuel Cell Stacks and Systems

For fuel cells to generate electrical energy efficiently, sustainably and competitively, their components must work reliably with high electrochemical stability even under extreme conditions. To this end, we analyze fuel cell stacks under different operating conditions with regard to their performance and aging behavior and use simulations to determine system requirements. Our facilities include five test benches for operating fuel cell stacks, a mobile impedance measurement system with 28 channels, two climate chambers for conditioning stacks and system components, and experience in stack characterization since the 1990s.

 

We offer:

 

Your benefits:

  • You receive reliable data on the operating behavior with regard to performance and aging of fuel cell stacks as a function of operation.
  • The fully automated process guarantees efficient, reliable and reproducible measurements.
  • Highly qualified personnel and calibrated testing equipment ensure reproducible and reliable measurements.
  • We support you in the test design with an application-oriented needs analysis, if necessary with special test setups.
  • Our hydrogen infrastructure with filtered media in combination with two climate chambers for the extended characterization of fuel cell stacks enables us to offer a wide range of tests.

Multi-Channel Electrochemical Fuel Cell Stack Characterization

Single cell evaluation in fuel cell stacks

  • 28 channel device for simultaneous electrochemical characterization of up to 28 single cells or cell packages or 14 single cells both at gas in- and outlet within one stack
  • Maximum stack voltage 150 V
  • Maximum current amplitude (e.g. for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) 25 A
  • Maximum inlet voltage of one single channel +/- 10 V

Fuel Cell Stack Testing under Extreme Conditions in Walk-In Climate Chamber

Freeze start testing and operation under extreme conditions

  • Climate chamber with inner volume of 2 x 2 x 2 Nm³
  • Temperature range from -50 °C up to +80 °C
  • Relative humidity from 5 to 95 percent
  • Air through-put up to 2000 m³/h

In-situ Characterization and Sensitivity Analyses of Fuel Cell Stacks

Testing of short stacks on five test rigs in the power classes 4, 10 and 20 kWel

4 kW Test Rig

  • Electric load: 800 A / 30 V / 4 kW
  • Cathode supply: 10 to 400 Nl/min Air and 3.8 to 150 Nl/min N2
  • Anode supply: 4 to 150 Nl/min H2 and 2 to 80 Nl/min N2
  • Gas temperature: up to 130 °C
  • Pressure: up to 5 barabs
  • Gas filtration for air, hydrogen, nitrogen to ensure very high purification and gas quality
  • Humidity: dew point 30 to 130 °C or completely dry; vapor dosing humidifier ensures high dynamic
  • Cooling: up to 130 °C (pressurized), >7 kWth cooling and 1,5 kWth heating, coolant flow 1 to 12 l/min
  • Anode recirculation possible
  • Operation in combination with multi-channel impedance system and walk-in climate chamber possible

 

10 kW Test Rig

  • Electric load: 800 A / 80 V / 10 kW
  • Cathode supply: 12 to 600 Nl/min air and 6 to 300 Nl/min N2
  • Anode supply: 4 to 200 Nl/min H2 and 2 to100 Nl/min N2
  • Gas temperature: up to 100 °C
  • Pressure: up to 4 barabs
  • Gas filtration for air, hydrogen, nitrogen to ensure very high purification and gas quality
  • Humidity: dew point 40…90 °C or completely dry; vapor dosing humidifier ensures high dynamic
  • Cooling: up to 90 °C, >15 kWth cooling and 3 kWth heating, coolant flow 1.8 to 18 l/min
  • Anode recirculation possible
  • Operation in combination with multi-channel impedance system possible

 

20 kW Test Rig

  • Electric load: 1000 A / 150 V / 20 kW
  • Cathode supply: 1.5 to 1,600 Nl/min air and 1.5 to 1,600 Nl/min N2
  • Anode supply: 0.5 to 400 Nl/min H2 and 5 to 200 Nl/min N2
  • Gas temperature: up to 130 °C
  • Pressure: up to 4 barabs
  • Gas filtration for air, hydrogen, nitrogen to ensure very high purificationand gas quality
  • Humidity: dew point 35 to 90 °C dry bypass possible, scrubber humidifier ensures high stability
  • Cooling: up to 90 °C, >25 kWth cooling and 6 kWth heating, coolant flow 3 to 76 l/min
  • Operation in combination with multi-channel impedance system and walk-in climate chamber possible

More Information on this Topic

R&D Infrastructure

Fuel Cell Lab

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Research Topic

Fuel Cell

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