Advanced testing for efficient hydrogen scale-up
We work on scaling up and improving our electrolysers for green hydrogen production.
As part of this process, we have developed and continuously enhanced the necessary test benches, giving us first-hand insight into the sector’s technical requirements.
Our test benches operate at two scales prior to final-scale systems and requirements, ensuring the reliability of each component:
- Electrochemical evaluation: Comprehensive and precise analysis of the cell.
- System validation: Testing the operation of the stack as a whole at its minimum representative scale.
Certified for operating pressures up to 30 barg.
Complete thermal management (heating and cooling).
Autonomous operation and remote monitoring.
Programmable controlled shutdown and automatic shutdown in the event of alarms.
IDEX50
Designed for experimentation with alkaline cell components, particularly electrodes, under real operating pressure and temperature conditions.
- Relatively small cells, ranging from 20–60 cm2.
- Compatible with single cells and short stacks.
IDEX500
Designed for experimentation with short alkaline technology stacks.
- Scaled-up cell components, ranging from 200–600 cm².
- Cell interaction phenomena: parasitic currents, flow distribution between cells, thermal management, transient management and cell-to-cell voltages.
- Validation of mechanical scale-up: seals, tightening, breaking limits, degradation, and thermal and pressure cycling.
Technical specifications
| IDEX50 | IDEX500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Alkaline | Alkaline |
| Maximum current | 50A | 500A |
| Maximum voltage | 15V | |
| Maximum operating temperature | 80 °C | |
| Size | 2.85 x 0.85 x 2.60 m (length, width, height) | 2.90 x 1.20 x 2.60 m (length, width, height) |
| Weight | 1500 kg | 1600 kg |
| Enclosure | Enclosed with transparent panels and hood | |
| Operating modes | Constant current, constant voltage, programmable profiles | |
| Interface | Main interface integrated into the test bench via a touchscreen operator panel (HMI). Remote monitoring capability. | |
| Test stack/cells | ✓ | Not available |
| HTO and OTH measurements included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Humidity, flow rates, multi-cell voltage / ATEX extraction | Optional | |