Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain Testing & Research
A fuel cell uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells have gained popularity as a future green energy source not only in the automotive world but also for stationary power production, due to its high energy density, high efficiency and low environmental impact emissions (water is its only emission). Southwest Research Institute’s fuel cell testing and research laboratory helps industry professionals develop new fuel cell technologies and extend lifetime, test reliability, and increase performance of current fuel cell systems.
SwRI performs a variety of hydrogen powertrain and fuel cell testing in accordance with SAE and other specifications. Additionally, we are working with industry consortia to develop specialty tests and benchmarking procedures for fuel cell electric vehicles (FEVS).
Fuel Cell Stack Testing Capabilities
Fuel cell power systems consist of layers of membranes, catalysts and other assemblies that generate electricity when hydrogen is combined with oxygen. Multiple fuel cells can be combined in series to form a fuel cell stack. A stack coupled with an appropriately sized balance of plant (BOP) creates as fuel cell system which can be used to provide power for personal, vehicle or stationary power applications. SwRI performs fuel cell stack testing for automotive and power generation applications. SwRI’s fuel cell testing services for stacks and systems include:
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- Fuel cell stack performance benchmarking
- System component fuel cell testing
- Stack and system performance and diagnostics
- Dynamic/transient response testing
- Cold startup test / Durability test
- Accelerated stress test
- Cycling tests (temperature, humidity, pressure and load)
- Compound angle tilt table / Cell flooding test
- Altitude simulation test
- Pressure proofing
- Vibration and shock test
- Surface damage test
- Chemical exposure / Contamination test
- Membrane and catalyst development
- Coating technology development
- Controls development
- CFD model simulations
Fuel Cell Research Resources
SwRI leverages a variety of tools and resources to provide fuel cell research and testing. From an onsite supply of liquid hydrogen running 24/7 to specialized spectroscopy, we’re equipped to problem solve and help our clients advance fuel cell technology for the future of the hydrogen economy.
- NHR 9300 high-voltage battery test systems
- Liquid hydrogen supply
- Environmental chambers (-40°C to 60°C)
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy
- Cyclic/linear sweep voltammetry
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
- Galvanostatic charge method
How is SwRI helping with decarbonization?
Watch the video of our cutting-edge nominal 4,000 kg liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank supplying 150 kg/hr of hydrogen at up to 350 bar for fuel cell and H2 ICE tests.
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Benchmarking of the 2021 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle
Gain insights into a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, its operation and powertrain control system.
Related Services
SwRI has a multidisciplinary team dedicated to hydrogen energy research and hydrogen powertrains to deploy decarbonization technologies across several industries, including:
Find more automotive and electric vehicle solutions below:
For more information, contact Low Carbon Technologies or call +1 210 522 5165.