The test bench for PEM fuel cells has been designed and manufactured by group members to study and characterise stacks with an electrical power of 3 kW. The distinctive and unique design feature of this installation is that it has two independent lines (dual system) for each of the reagent gases (H₂ and O₂) since the dynamic range of the current mass controllers cannot cover all the necessary flow values with just one controller. Consequently, a flow rate from 0.024 lN/min to 100 lN/min can be obtained.

It also has a bubble humidification system responsible for providing the required temperature and moisture conditions for the reagent gas currents, especially for low-temperature PEM fuel cells, and a water intake system that uses a countercurrent exchanger to quantify the amount of water generated by chemical reaction in the fuel cell. It also has two other systems: the measurement and control system to ensure the reagents reach the fuel cell with appropriate flow, pressure, temperature and relative humidity parameters; and the safety system to prevent accidents or minimise damages if they occur. Specific software was developed in LabVIEW by group members for the automatic control system.

A furnace has been added to the test bench to heat up to temperatures of 200° to perform tests in single cells or small high-temperature fuel cells. In this case, it is a Fagor built-in furnace model FAR FC 801 X, with dimensions of (60x60x58) cm. This equipment has an internal fan that manages to maintain a suitable atmosphere at a homogenous temperature.

Front image of the dual test bench

Back view of the dual test bench