New entry-level benchtop fuel cell test station supports research and innovation

HORIBA has expanded its proven range of fuel cell test stations, revolutionising the PEM fuel cell testing landscape for all fuel cell researchers. Released as an economical, entry-level addition, the new C05-LT 100W PEM benchtop fuel cell test station provides customers access to single-cell testing technology at excellent value for money. It gives accessibility through ease of use, cost, and size, without compromising accuracy or providing many further benefits.

The device offers robust, advanced testing performance through precise temperature, pressure and flow control. It heats and humidifies gases at a set flow rate, applying an electrical load to induce the chemical reaction required for PEM fuel cell test and research purposes. With code-free plug-and-play software, the new system can readily and reliably test single-cell fuel cells and stacks up to 100W, raising the testing processes with state-of-the-art TestWork test sequence configuration. Also, all flow rates and loads can be set precisely to every user's requirements.

As a next-generation fuel cell test station, the budget-friendly device provides market-leading test accuracy and repeatability, with many key features included as standard within one compact housing. These include manual back-pressure regulation, humidifier water level sensing and auto filling, and nitrogen crossover capability. Its independent safety controls and automatic purging all promote stable, semi-autonomous testing. Ensuring further user confidence, the device is also fully supported by the company's global service network, supplying comprehensive services to keep all systems calibrated, maintained, and operating at peak efficiency, regardless of location.

"We developed the C05-LT specifically with university researchers and engineers in mind, as we recognised their need for a cost-effective and easy-to-use PEM fuel cell test system to accurately and reliably support accelerated research and development," said Richard Carter, chief commercial officer, HORIBA UK. "Quick and easy test startup is essential to researchers, so we've designed the C05-LT as a plug-and-play system with pre-programmed test sequences to eliminate need for coding, and enable precise, automated experiments across all testing scenarios."

Resulting from the company's proven expertise, the all-in-one compact C05-LT is designed to deliver best-in-class performance for 100W PEM fuel cell testing to support a wide range of single-cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA)/catalyst research applications. These include: PEM fuel cell performance testing; durability and longevity studies; catalyst and membrane development; gas and water management; system optimisation; and electrochemical characterisation.