Our lab facilities include a whole array of set-ups for experimental evaluation to improve and develop fuel cells, stacks and Topsoe PowerCores™.

Routine evaluations

Changes in fuel cell composition or raw materials are routinely evaluated by microscopy using SEM and TEM to track changes in microstructure, chemical composition and distribution. SEM and TEM are also used to track changes in layer thickness or contact betwen the layers in a fuel cell.

These methods are used to evaluate the effect of long term use on the cell. Knowledge of changes in microstructure and distribution of for example impurities is essential when predicting and improving the lifetime of our fuel cells.

Physical properties

The physical properties are tested for development and for quality assurance purposes. For example we test the gas tightness and mechanical strength of fuel cells.

Electrochemical properties
The electrochemical properties of our fuel cells are tested employing conductivity measurements and impedance characterization.

Metallic stack components
Metallic stack components are tested to evaluate corrosion and degradation behavior. Stacks are tested in pilot test units to evaluate stack performace under different temperatures, fuels, flow levels, fuel and air utilizations.

Topsoe PowerCore™ testing
The Topsoe PowerCore™ systems and components are tested in simulations as close to real life operating conditions as possible. Topsoe PowerCore™ designs are developed in close collaboration with external partners, and solutions to the resulting strict requirements for size and effectiveness are tested in-house.