For a flow-through cell (the typical configuration for single-cell testing), a stoichiometry ratio of greater than one is required since some fuel and oxidant is not consumed by the fuel cell. The user should verify that the anode and cathode flow rates are set sufficiently high to provide the cell with the fuel and oxidant it needs. The cell Sense + (red) and Sense – (black) small leads should also connect to the cell fixture terminals. See the test station manual for connection diagrams and instructions. Special cables are available from Scribner Associates for testing large cells at currents of up to 500A. Normally, 4 gauge (4 AWG) wires are used for a test system operating at up to 50A and 0 gauge is sufficient for test stations with 100A capacity. The user should first verify that the fuel cell is attached with large gauge wire to the test station’s ‘+’ and ‘-’ load terminals. This document describes some basic checks and tests to verify the functionality of the test station when used with a typical single PEM fuel cell.
This leads the researcher to question whether there is a problem with the fuel cell or the test station. 620 PEM/AEM Water Electrolysis Test Stationĭuring testing of fuel cells, sometimes current cannot be successfully applied.