Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel cell testing with better data. Safer PEM electrolysis.
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.
Meet Mira: A hydrogen powered boat with an Alicat MCRQ mass flow controller
- ATEX Zone 2 IIC certification, requires minimal additional safety infrastructure.
- ± 1.0% accuracy of reading (or ± 0.2% of full scale)
- Upstream valve position, enables precise regulation of downstream feed pressure, supporting target values like the ~2.5 bar commonly seen in fuel cell stacks.
- 4 – 20 mA analog output for high-speed update rates (kHz range)
Applications and use cases
Gas flow and pressure solutions for fuel cell testing
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.
Intrinsically safe mass flow controller for PEM electrolysis
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.
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
Related articles
Safe PEM Electrolysis in Hazardous Zones
In water cracking operations using proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, the close proximity of hydrogen and oxygen...
Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Systems for Marine Innovation
Figure 1: Mira at the official reveal. Hydro Motion Team’s 2025 liquid hydrogen-powered boat. The transition to sustainable...
Photoelectrocatalytic Water Splitting Research
The products of photosynthetic processes such as photocatalysis and CO2 reduction are motivating technological developments in...
Solar Hydrogen Electrolysis Systems
There are two primary ways to generate solar hydrogen: hydrogen produced from solar energy. The first is via a photochemical...
Related products
Ask an engineer
Your flow rate, pressure, and choice of gas can all affect which Alicat instruments work for your application.
Our Applications Engineers can answer your questions and help you find the best option.
Call Us
+1 (888) 290-6060
Live Chat
Ask us a question
Help Near You
Find a local representative
Self Help
Technical documentation