High Temperature Electrochemical Test Station

 

This Instrument is specially designed for testing proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using the Probostat fixture with maximum temperatures of 800°C. The test stations can be used for characterization of components, the evaluation of SOFC single cells and for optimization of processes. This system is ideal for researchers and developers to begin or expand their testing of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell button cells.

Unique features:

The Test Station provides control of flow (MKS Type 1179A and 2179A Mass-Flo Controller and Type 179A mass-Flo Meter), heating rate, humidity, back-pressure (Maximum 70 psig), temperature (Type T thermocouple) and pressure for the anode and cathode gases. The station incorporates a DC electronic load. The Station also includes two humidity bottles.

  • This station tests single cells and any stack of up to 10 Volts and 100 amps at 150watts maximum power. An electronic load that is programmable through a GPIB/PC interface controls the voltage and current.

  • Safety features include an anode nitrogen purge, an automatic system shutdown of anode and cathode gas streams, humidity bottles and cell heaters.

  • The ProboStat is a cell for measurement of electrical properties, transport parameters etc. It is also used to find the kinetics of materials, solid/gas interfaces and electrodes under controlled atmospheres at high temperatures.

  • The furnace is 3210 Series Split Tube Furnace with dimensions 3-3/4 in. ID x 12 in. OD x 9 in. long. The heating length is 6 in. The material used in manufacturing is Kanthal A1 and the maximum achievable temperature is 1100OC. Power Input required is 230V AC supply.

Location:

WL210, Department of Materials Science & Engineering,
IIT Kanpur

Contact:

Prof. Krishanu Biswas

kbiswas@ iitk.ac.in 


Figure 1