Fuel cell

Moving from single cells to fuel cell stacks, for example PEM and solid oxide, introduces effects that only appear under series operation, such as cell-to-cell variation and uneven reactant distribution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at the kilowatt scale separates the ohmic, kinetic, and mass-transport losses across the full stack while it operates under a realistic load.

The EIS-capable EL1002 provides a flexible 1kW solution for short-stack fuel cell characterization. The EL1002 supports operation with currents up to 200 A or voltages up to 100 V.

The unique EXT+ connection of the EL1002 allows high sinking currents of up to 680 A, by connecting an additional electronic load. This extended system 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 terminal-voltage reading 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 fuel cell 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.