DescriptionThe compression force applied to the fuel cell core has a drastic influence on performances: it modifies the gas permeation, water management and electrical contact between interfaces.
Thanks to the Cell Compression Unit (CCU), you will now be able to precisely measure the influence of compression over MEA and GDL.
The Cell Compression Unit is composed of two parts:
- a high accuracy, programmable electric press having a specific cradle to receive the single fuel cell. The frame is equipped with gas and electric load connections to test stand,
- a specific fuel cell with a moving part transferring the press' compressive force to the active surface of the Membrane-Electrode Assembly.
The cell design achieves gas tightness and compressive force with two separate actions.
The force applied by the CCU piston is only transmitted to the active surface for perfect reproducibility and accuracy.
Test conditions are independent from gaskets type and sample's thickness.
Place your components in the single-cell hardware, the CCU will command and control the exact pressure setpoint with unparalleled accuracy.
The CCU is a fully autonomous, self-regulated unit, equipped with a force sensor, displacement sensor and a graphical touch screen interface.
Key features - Delivers perfect reproducibility of samples testing conditions independently from samples' thickness, softness or material used
- Determination of optimal contact force on CCM
- Simultaneously measures the force applied on sample and thickness variation of sample
- Operates at constant force or constant thickness
- Includes cell heating and temperature control up to 240°C
- Real time graphs display
- Ethernet connection for remote control
Technical Specifications
| CCU models | CCU25 | CCU50 | CCUxx | |
| Compression force range | 500-10.000N | 500-10.000N | Up to XX | |
| Force sensor accuracy | 2%FSR | 2%FSR | 2%FSR | |
| Cell heating | 24V, 2x120W | 24V, 2x120W | 24V, 2x120W | |
| Max. operating temperature | 240°C | 240°C | 240°C | |
| Displacement sensor accuracy | +/-1 µm | +/-1 µm | +/-1 µm | |
| Interfaces | USB, Ethernet, touchscreen | |||
| Gas connectors | 6mm compression | custom | ||
| Electric load interface | 6mm screw | custom | ||
| Software controls | Temperature, force, thickness, sequence programmation | |||
| Dimensions | 510x280x200mm | 520x280x200mm | *** | |
| Cell Models | vC5 | vC25 | vC50 | vCxx |
| Cell active area | 5cm² | 25cm² | 50cm² | Custom |
| Fuel | H2, MeOH, reformate | H2, MeOH, reformate | H2, MeOH, reformate | H2, MeOH, reformate |
| Temperature operation range | 0-200°C | 0-200°C | 0-200°C | 0-200°C |
| Flowfield design | Single serpentine | Single serpentine | 5-fold serpentine | Custom |
| Monopolar plates material | Graphite compound | Graphite compound | Graphite compound | Custom |
Accessories
Gas pressure auto-adjustment
Item ref. CCgpa
Optional device used to compensate the gas pressure inside the cell vs. the compression force applied on the sample.
When used, eliminates compression fluctuations due to reactant gas pressure variations.
Components:
- 2 analog pressure sensors
- Analog/digital converter
- CCU connection
- Software activation
Heating Hose 80cm
Item ref. HH80-LH/HT
Heating hose specifically designed for fuel cell testing.
Used to heat/maintain temperature of reactant gases.
Very flexible with small bending radius for easy cell connection.
- Length: 80cm
- Temperature capability 100°C or 200°C
- Stainless steel construction
- Dual thermocouple (gas + tube skin)
- Bending radius <80mm
- Available in diam. 4/6/8mm
Heating Hose 120cm
Item ref. HH120-LH/HT
Heating hose specifically designed for fuel cell testing.
Used to heat/maintain temperature of reactant gases.
Very flexible with small bending radius for easy cell connection.
- Length: 120cm
- Temperature capability 100°C or 200°C
- Stainless steel construction
- Dual thermocouple (gas + tube skin)
- Bending radius <80mm
- Available in diam. 4/6/8mm
Temperature control module
Item ref. TB2 Designed to supply power to heating hoses and control temperature set point.
2 ways module (one per hose).
