The Advantages Of Mass Flow Meters & Controllers In Fuel Cell Test Stands

Fuel cell test stands consist of systems for mixing, delivering, and humidifying gases, all of which depend on reliable flow measurement and control. A typical test stand uses several thermal mass flow controllers (MFCs) of various flow rates to deliver the precise amount of blended gases to the fuel cell. Since the test stand must imitate normal operating conditions, these flow controllers must react to process signals quickly – much like a car accelerator – to provide a true test of the desired performance. In addition, the MFCs must have a broad turndown to mimic low and high fuel consumption rates. Many fuel cell test stands use MFCs that do not have the performance capabilities to adequately test fuel cells.

For research, development or manufacturing of fuel cells, engineers need test tools to evaluate and validate fuel cell technology. Test systems must provide flexible data acquisition, monitoring and control to precisely handle the fluid for fuel cell operation and experiments. As research engineers constantly incorporate new measurements into their tests, they need reliable, accurate and flexible test systems to help shorten development cycles, increase quality, and lower the cost for all stages of fuel cell development, from research and design validation to manufacturing.