Electrolyzer

Moving from single cells to electrolyzer stacks introduces effects that only appear under series operation, such as cell-to-cell variation and bubble and mass-transport behaviour. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at the kilowatt scale separates the ohmic, charge-transfer, and mass-transport contributions while the stack operates under realistic load.

The EIS-capable EL1002, powered by a power supply, provides a flexible solution for short-stack electrolyzer characterization. Such a system supports operation up to 1 kW, with currents up to 200 A or voltages up to 100 V.

With an adequate power supply, the unique EXT+ connection of the EL1002 enables EIS measurements up to 1 kW and DC operation up to 68 kW at voltages up to 100 V.

Synchronous per-cell measurement shows which individual cells limit performance. It also reveals how flooding, drying, and catalyst degradation develop across the stack, which a single voltage measurement cannot provide.

Optional PAD42 card extensions enable synchronous measurements on individual cells within a stack, half-cell characterization, and cross-sectional analysis, allowing more detailed evaluation of electrolyzer stacks.

The system can be controlled either through Zahner Lab software or integrated into automated setups via C++, Python, or WebSockets.

The EL1002 is used as an extension of an IM7 or IM7x potentiostat.