In this tech talk, Steven had the pleasure of visiting Nuvera: Advanced Fuel Cell System Testing Facility with Katia Franchi, Applicaion Engineer at Nuvera Fuel Cells.
Learn about Advanced Fuel Cell System Testing Facility
Steven Oji and Katia Franchi show the testing facility that involves supplying hydrogen and air, managing exhaust and cooling, and monitoring safety features like hydrogen sensors and ventilation. At Nuvera Fuel Cells facility, they test multiple modules simultaneously, using a hydrogen supply from a nearby gas producer. They maintain equipment calibration for consistency and run systems for extended periods, accumulating thousands of hours of operation. Reliability is assessed by defining a test plan based on application-specific load profiles, running performance checks, and ensuring safety through proper ventilation and sensors. The facility also prepares for larger and more advanced systems.
At Nuvera’s facility, they have an engine test module capable of testing multiple E45 or E60 modules simultaneously, each producing 45 or 60 kilowatts of power. These tests can be run in parallel or independently, continuously monitoring various parameters. The facility is equipped with sensors and ventilation systems to ensure safety, particularly by preventing the formation of explosive atmospheres. Hydrogen sensors continuously monitor concentration levels, while ventilation fans extract air from the enclosed testing containers to maintain a safe environment.
The testing process includes a detailed test plan focusing on the reliability growth of the system, based on the load profiles of different applications. This involves running the system for extended periods, sometimes accumulating tens of thousands of hours of operation. For instance, they have accumulated 37,000 hours of running time on the E45 and E60 systems. Consistency is ensured by maintaining equipment calibration and using redundant sensors to verify measurements.
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