Hydrogen

Hydrogen fuel cell testing with better data. Safer PEM electrolysis.

Photo of a student holding a hydrogen fuel cell
Hydrogen fuel cell testing relies on accurate flow verification and rich data. For those making their own fuel cell test bench or manufacturers of hydrogen electrolysis and fuel cell testing skids, Alicat® instruments offer multivariate flow and pressure measurement with digital communication that easily integrates into your testing software.
Photo of a student holding a hydrogen fuel cell

Use CODA™ Coriolis flow controller and P series pressure controllers for hydrogen electrolysis

  • CODA Coriolis controller measures flow directly as mass with liquid accuracy as good as 0.2% of reading or 0.05% FS
  • High turndown (2 – 100% of full scale) liquid control at high pressures and wide temperature range (−35° – 70° C)
  • PC series controllers can be configured to control backpressure with accuracy as good as ± 0.125% of full scale accuracy
  • PC Series pressure controller uses integrated PID control to respond quickly (~30 ms) to rapid pressure fluctuations

Applications and use cases

Gas flow and pressure solutions for fuel cell testing

Mass flow controller fuel cell system tips diagram
Alicat mass flow and pressure instruments can be used for hydrogen fuel cell testing, diagnosis, and system regulation. Fast response times and 10,000:1 turndown ratios can ensure stable temperature regulation or back pressure control. Choose from differential pressure mass flow controllers for high flow, or miniaturized Coriolis instruments for high pressures with low flow rates.
Mass flow controller fuel cell system tips diagram

Intrinsically safe mass flow controller for PEM electrolysis

PEM electrolysis diagram
When using hydrogen electrolyzers, the close proximity of hydrogen and oxygen requires continuous monitoring. In a (CID2) hydrogen lab, a PEM electrolyzer was configured with meters to measure hydrogen and oxygen output, warning operators of any cross‑contamination. Using IS‑Max™ lead to faster detection of faults, safer shutdowns, and less risk of dangerous hydrogen‑oxygen mixtures forming.
PEM electrolysis diagram
Cover of the Alicat PDF on fuel cell systems

Advantages of electronic flow and pressure control for hydrogen PEM electrolysis and fuel cell testing.

From direct regulation of electrolysis and fuel cell system processes to test benches for membrane and catalyst verification, we provide process solutions so you can focus on creating a more sustainable future.

Use Alicats for:

  • Electrolysis & fuel cell system pressure regulation
  • Multi-gas control in fuel cell test stands
  • Back pressure of hot-wet hydrogen from fuel cell stacks
Cover of the Alicat PDF on fuel cell systems

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