A lot of research and development goes into making and adjusting the parameters of a successful fuel cell test, but to make sure it all comes together you need a high-quality single cell testing platform that will give consistent results after each use. Working with poor test equipment can cast doubt on your test results and can cause you to need to re-run experiments, which will cost you additional time and resources as well as making you prepare additional samples to test. Nexceris offers multiple solutions for you depending on the size and type of cell you have so that you can be successful in your research.
The ProboStat, A Turn-Key Button Cell Platform
With the ProboStat you get quality, repeatability, and versatility in being able to test your cell in a controlled atmosphere at either very high or lower range temperatures. The base unit is constructed of stainless steel with alumina tubing that when placed inside a furnace will bring your sample up to temperature while protecting the base from heat. Using compression springs and gold sealing rings you get a good seal for your test sample without the mess of other techniques, giving you quick turnaround times between tests and decreasing the risk your sample may break from mismatched thermal expansion (as may happen with sealing pastes). The system can be customized with extra accessories and consumables in the Extensively Furnished Systems, and a high voltage option is available also to expand the scope of your experiments.
Planar Manifold Test Kits Designed for Our NextCells
In order to get you started with your research quickly we have assembled three manifold test kits each built around our NextCell platform in various sizes for single cell testing. Each test kit comes with a manifold set made of Crofer 22 APU which has high thermal stability, low expansion, and most importantly low Chromium evaporation which protects the cell from degrading. You will also receive NextCells, contact pastes, compression seals, and other accessories that will help you kick-start your experiments. We have designed our own compression furnace to pair with the manifold sets that you can use to bring your sample up to temperature while the furnace compression preserves a good seal. This setup allows you to focus on the variables that you want to test and not having to worry about designing the whole system to go around it, freeing up your time to focus on your research.
855 Test Station Controller
To fully automate all the gas flows and outputs for either button cell or planar test system we offer the 855 Test Stand where you can program all the inputs and have the controller run the whole test for you, while outputting data to the software package also included with the system. Program your testing conditions and walk away, giving you more time to focus on other areas of research instead of having to monitor the system all day. Customize the data collection to suit your experiment, it’s that easy. Having a humidifier and heater for the gas lines incorporated into the unit saves you from needing to find multiple solutions, it’s all right there. This complete system will allow you to focus on actually performing SOFC and SOEC research, not on creating the equipment that you will need.
