AIXcellSYS develops tailored test benches for the development, validation, and production of advanced fuel cell technologies. Our focus is on test bench solutions for SOFC and SOEC stacks that enable complex processes to be measured, controlled, and reproduced reliably.
We combine media supply, temperature control, electrical operation, safety engineering, automation, and data acquisition into integrated system solutions. The resulting test benches are precisely matched to the stack design, testing requirements, available infrastructure, and development objectives.
Fuel cell test bench engineering requires precision, flexibility, and operational reliability. Standardized solutions often reach their limits in this environment. That is why every system at AIXcellSYS starts with a thorough understanding of your technical requirements.
We consider stack geometry, media routing, temperature ranges, electrical operating modes, safety requirements, instrumentation, and automation as an integrated overall system. Based on this approach, we configure a test bench solution that is optimally tailored to your development tasks.
We deliberately rely on a modular engineering approach. Proven functional modules, standardized interfaces, and established control concepts enable short delivery times, high reliability, and straightforward scalability. Custom adaptations are implemented specifically where required by your application.
Typical configuration options include:
- Custom stack fixtures for different stack designs
- Additional media lines for hydrogen, air, process gases, or customer-specific media
- Modules for exhaust gas treatment, cooling, or dilution
- Flexible instrumentation and measurement point concepts
- Future integration of additional functions and testing procedures through retrofit solutions
Prüfstände, die zu Ihrer Technologie passen
Brennstoffzellenentwicklung stellt hohe Anforderungen an Prozessführung, Messgenauigkeit und Betriebssicherheit. Standardisierte Lösungen reichen dafür oft nicht aus. Deshalb beginnt Prüfstandsbau bei AIXcellSYS mit dem Verständnis Ihrer technischen Aufgabe.
Wir betrachten Stackgeometrie, Medienpfade, Temperaturbereiche, elektrische Betriebsweise, Sicherheitsanforderungen, Messstellen, Automatisierung und spätere Erweiterbarkeit als zusammenhängendes System. Daraus entwickeln wir eine Prüfstandslösung, die nicht nur funktioniert, sondern Ihre Entwicklungsarbeit gezielt unterstützt.
Ihr Vorteil: Sie erhalten keinen Prüfstand von der Stange, sondern ein System, das zu Ihren Prozessen, Ihren Komponenten und Ihren Zielen passt.
SOFC up tp 8kW
SOEC up to 24kW
Power
755x570x550mm³
950°C
Oven
1800x1610x2910mm³
1100kg
Measurements
Air 24 – 1200 slm
Nitrogen 2.6 – 130 slm
Hydrogen 2.4 – 120 slm
CO2/CO/… 2.4 – 120 slm
Steam 3.5 – 15 kg/h
Process temperatures up to 900°C
Media
Stack development is a dynamic process. Geometries, sealing concepts, inlet and outlet configurations, as well as operating conditions, frequently change throughout the development cycle. For this reason, a flexible mechanical interface is a key feature of a high-performance test bench.
Shown on the right is an interchangeable stack plate featuring a stack-specific top side, a universal bottom side, adaptation to stack inlets and outlets, and instrumentation at the inlet and outlet connections.
Advantages of the interchangeable stack plate:
- Faster adaptation to new stack variants
- Reduced modification and setup effort
- Flexible integration of different stack sizes
- Direct measurement at relevant locations
- Improved comparability of test results
- Long-term usability of the test bench across multiple development stages
The mechanical load applied to a stack has a direct influence on sealing performance, electrical contacting, overall performance, and long-term durability. For this reason, AIXcellSYS develops compression systems that are tailored to the stack geometry, temperature range, and testing objectives.
Depending on the application, defined force control, displacement control, force monitoring, and automated motion functions can be integrated. This creates reproducible mechanical conditions that enable meaningful test results and reduce development risks.
Our compression solutions support defined mechanical loading of the stack:
- They provide reproducible testing conditions.
- They enable force monitoring at relevant locations.
- They can be integrated into high-temperature environments.
- They are available as manual or automated concepts.
- They can be used for testing, development, and stack assembly.
When standard modules reach their limits, AIXcellSYS develops customized system concepts for specialized testing, development, and production applications.
Possible adaptations include:
- extended temperature and power ranges.
- Integrated leak testing can be incorporated into the system design.
- Burst pressure and functional testing capabilities can be implemented.
- Additional instrumentation can be integrated to meet specific requirements.
- Interfaces to existing infrastructure can be provided.
- Extensions for pilot production or near-series manufacturing processes can be included.
This results in solutions that are precisely tailored to your requirements while providing flexibility for future developments.
