FC-42 Evaluation Kit — 360 - 720 W

Laboratory fuel cell system

The FC-42 Evaluation Kit is a modular system periphery that allows to run and evaluate the 360 W and 720 W versions of the industrially produced FC-42/HLC fuel cell stacks from Schunk.

Far less expensive than a fully equipped fuel cell test rig, the system offers all necessary parameters for initial investigation and serves as a platform to start product developments.

Nominal output (single stack): 360 W

Nominal voltage (single stack): 24 V
Nominal current (single stack): 15 A
Hydrogen consumption (single stack): ca. 1.1 sl / min
Dimensions (WxDxH): 130 x 61 x 190 mm
Weight: ca. 2 kg

Operating voltage (Evaluation Kit): 20-45 V

Rated voltage (Evaluation Kit): 24 V

Rated output (Evaluation Kit): 360/720 W

Easy start

The FC-42 Evaluation Kit is a modular system that was specially developed for easy and safe operation and testing of FC-42 stacks up to 720 W. The evaluation package makes it easy to start using the FC-42 stack and therefore speeds up your development processes and the design of prototypes.

Convenient integration of additional measuring technology

The separate stack and media module makes it easy to change the stack. Additional measuring instruments or process-related components can easily be integrated in the lines between the media module and the stack.

Extensive applications

In addition to simplified set-up and operation, the system also enables analysis of the operating behavior of FC-42 stacks in normal operation. With its compact dimensions, the system is also suitable for the design of application-oriented prototypes. The ability to start using the system right away saves valuable development time.

Application examples

Stationary power supply with co-generation
Emergency power and UPS systems
On-board power supply for motor vehicles and boats
Small electric drive system

Components

Operator

The main function of the operator is to supply the stack with hydrogen, oxygen and to regulate the cooling. The operator‘s utility interface is arranged just like the interface on the stack. The operator contains the main switch, the data interface to the controller, input for external power supply and a power output to connect loads.

Stack holder and FC-42/HLC stack

The stack holder holds the FC-42 stack upright and protects it from reverse current with diodes integrated into its cooling plate. The FC-42 Evaluation Kit is available with a 360 W or a 720 W stack, which is already included in the package.

Power supply unit

The power supply unit provides mains power to the operator ensuring that the FC-42/HLC stack can be analyzed excluding own consumption resulting from powering the system periphery.

Controller

The controller depicts the major system parameters on an LCD display. Coolant temperature and excess air can be varied. An additional load button allows for isolating or disconnecting a load. An integrated data interface facilitates controlling the system via PC using the monitoring and control software.

Software

The software is used for communication between the system control and a computer. The software allows for monitoring of all relevant operating parameters, e. g. stack voltage, stack current, coolant temperature and load state. All data can be saved for further editing.

Leak detection set

A hydrogen sensor for monitoring the workplace and testing for leaks, in addition to a special leak test liquid ensure maximum safety during use of the system.

Accessories

Electronic load

The Electronic Load enables the controllable loading of the FC-42 Evaluation Kit and features the following operating modes: constant current, constant power or constant resistance. The load settings can be made manually or via software.

FC-42 fuel cell stack

The FC-42/HLC fuel cell stack series from Schunk is optimized for industrial production. Standardized 360 W module stacks of 360 and 720 W output are available for replacement only.

Hydrogen Supply

H2 Connection Kit

Compressed hydrogen cylinders can be connected easily and safely to the FC-42 Evaluation Kit with the H2 connection kit. A pressure reducer ensures that the system's maximum inlet pressure is not exceeded. Available with DIN, BS and CGA cylinder connection.

Power Curves

: Power Curve 360 W Stack

: Power Curve 720 W Stack

Technical Data

FC-42 Evaluation Kit

General

Operating location: indoor, labs, dry
Ambient temperature: 10 ... 30 °C
Relative humidity: 20 ... 80 % (non-condensing)

Electrical

Starting time: 2 min, cold start to rated output
Operating voltage: 20 ... 45 V
Rated voltage: 24 V
Rated output: 360 W / 720 W

Utilities

Hydrogen quality (recom.): 99.999 %
Hydrogen pressure: 1 ... 11 bar
Hydrogen consumption (360 W): 0 ... 4 l / min
Hydrogen consumption (720 W): 0 ... 8 l / min
Cooling medium: tap water
Coolant pressure: 320 mbar
Coolant flow rate: 240 l / h
Air pressure: max. 400 mbar
Air flow rate: 65 l / min

FC-42 / HLC (single stack)

General

Type/design: PEM fuel cell stack, 42 cells, closed cathode
Cooling: water / glycol
Reactantas: hydrogen air

Electrical

Nominal output: 360 W
Nominal voltage: 24 V (min. 15 V, max. 42 V)
Nominal current: 15 A (max. 30 A)

Thermal

Operating temperature (self humidified): 5 ... 55 °C
Operating temperature (external humidified): < 75 °C
Ambient temperature: 5 ... 70 °C

Utilities

Hydrogen quality: 99.99 %
Hydrogen consumption: ca. 1.1 sl / min at nominal load
Maximum anode pressure drop: 15 mbar
Maximum cathode pressure drop: 35 mbar
Maximum water pressure drop: 150 mbar
Air: ca. 25 l / min at nominal load
Coolant (water/glycol): ca. 3.1 l / min at nominal load

Dimensions

W x D x H: 130 x 61 x 190 mm
Weight: ca. 2 kg

Solar Hydrogen Extension

Product Extension for Solar Hydrogen Production

System for extending the FC-42 Evaluation Kit to a complete independent, hybrid energy system
Photovoltaics, fuel cell and energy storage in one system
Balancing of the entire energy conversion chain
Energy management for an autonomous solar hydrogen system