Nexa® Training System
The Nexa® training system supports students in preparing for the practical application of fuel cell technology. The system makes it possible to easily conduct effective lab experiments on electrical system design on the basis of an integrated industrial fuel cell module.
Areas of application:
- Electrical engineering
- Energy engineering
- Power supply engineering
The training solution for advanced instruction
The Nexa® training system is the ideal solution for advanced instruction in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen technology. In application-oriented experiments, students acquire practical knowledge for determining characteristic curves, efficiencies, load profiles and design criteria of fuel cell systems. Safe handling of hydrogen is also part of the learning concept.
An industrial fuel cell module
The Nexa® training system includes the fully integrated, industrially manufactured Nexa power module. With a power output of 1.2 kW, the module can also be used for operation with higher loads. The module is also available as a system solution for constructing prototypes. Therefore, the material that has been learned can easily be implemented in practice.
A powerful hybrid system
The Nexa® training system is a powerful hybrid system. A battery allows operation of consumers independent of the fuel cell. A central energy management module is used for convenient control of the DC/DC converter, battery load regulator and DC/AC converter. In hands-on experiments the user acquires experience in the design of hybrid systems – from the size of the hydrogen storage unit to the capacity of the batteries.
Optimal preparation for application projects
The Nexa® training system provides ideal preparation for application projects using fuel cell technology. Practical applications, such as emergency power supply, can be designed, configured and simulated with the system. Complete balancing of the entire energy conversion chain makes it possible to analyze system responses and optimize the system design. Load step changes of up to 2 kW are possible.
Extensive visualization of system parameters
The LabView-based software of the Nexa® training system allows visualization, checking and control of the entire energy management process. All current, voltage, power, consumer and efficiency data is visualized transparently at the system and component level.
Safe and easy operation
The modularity of the system facilitates its operation. All electrical and gas engineering connections can be established easily and safely on the front panels. The use of safe low-pressure metal hydride canisters for the hydrogen supply and extensive documentation ensure maximum application safety.
Technical data
- Rated output: 1,2 kW
- Rated voltage: 26 V
- Rated current: 46 A
- Rack: 19''
- Size (WxHxD): 60 x 191 x 60 cm
- Weight: 170 kg
Scope of experiments
The Nexa® training system can be used to conduct lab experiments for system design and optimization of a hybrid system. The following experiments are examples of possible uses of the system:
- characteristic curves
- System efficiency and efficiencies of individual components
- Optimization of the power consumption of the fuel system
- Design of a fuel cell system: Influence of battery capacity and type
Areas of application and fields of study
The Nexa® training system is especially suitable for lab experiments with the goal of teaching application-related knowledge of hydrogen and fuel cells. It can be used in university practicums and in vocational schools. The system is ideal for fields of study focusing on:
- Electrical engineering
- Energy engineering
- Power supply engineering
Included in the package
The product comprises of modules mounted in a 19" rack (included) and is available with three equipment options.
- 19" Fuel Cell Module: Includes the 1.2 kW Nexa® Power Module from Ballard Power Systems. The included pressure reducer enables connection to standard compressed gas cylinders.
- 19" Power Management Module: Includes the complete power management components of the fuel cell system, including On/Off switch and emergency shut-off, DC converter, load regulator and inverter.
- 19" PC Module with Data Recording: The computer and the measuring technology are also mounted in the 19" rack. The LCD monitor is side-mounted on a convenient swivel arm.
- Documentation and Software: Ring binder with set-up, operating and experiment instructions, in addition to LabView-based data measuring and visualization software
Optional:
- 19" Metal Hydride Storage Module: The convenient and mobile version for hydrogen supply. One filling is sufficient for ca. 1-2 days of operation in practicums. Safe refilling through standard compressed gas cylinders.
- 19“ Electronic Load Module: Enables controlled loads to the fuel cell system. Programmable in constant current, power or resistance mode.

