Test and inspection technology

Camera, leak and quality inspection

Leak and quality inspection with a camera at an MEA or BBP

We use camera-based quality gates to detect defects or contamination on individual parts such as BBP or MEA prior to stacking. Depending on the customer's requirements, we can detect geometric features, pre-damage or contamination in the μ range, thus avoiding high defect costs in the further value chain.

Leaks, especially in the hydrogen cycle, must be avoided at all costs. Stacks or systems must therefore be tested for leaks before they are operated with hydrogen. Standard measurement methods are available for this purpose. Even the smallest leak rates, e.g. for individual components in the range of 0.0001 mbar∗l/s, can be reliably measured using tracer gases such as helium while maintaining process times.

In addition, there is a wide range of other possible (in-line) quality monitoring systems that can be tailored and designed with you on a project-by-project basis.

Conditioning

Stack testing of a fuel cell


Probably the most important and at the same time most complex test in the fuel cell environment is the stack test or conditioning. All peripheral components around the actual fuel cell stack such as media conditioning, cell voltage monitoring (CVM) and recirculation are carried out here. This allows the heart of a fuel cell system to be tested for all quality-relevant parameters. At the same time, the stack is conditioned or run in here in order to achieve full performance when delivered.

Experience shows that a fuel cell stack has a significantly different leakage rate after conditioning. It therefore generally makes sense to carry out the leak test again after conditioning.

We support you with our experience from our own laboratory tests.

End of Line (EoL) test bench

End of Line (EoL) test bench by thyssenkrupp


The EoL (system) test bench is located at the end of the production line and simulates the real operation of the fuel cell system by means of a test run. In addition to operating the fuel cell stack, this test run includes checking the balance of plant components within the fuel cell system (pumps, sensors, etc.). Depending on the requirements, a test run can take from a few minutes to several hours, which is why we focus on optimising the cycle time, for example through fast filling and emptying of the coolant or customer-specific adaptation solutions. With many years of experience in building production test benches for the automotive sector, we meet all the requirements for smooth production, from intuitive operation and our own measurement software to our maintenance and calibration service.

Based on our standards, we customise your test stand for all performance classes.

Advanced Data Management System (ADM)

Concept image for advanced data management in plant engineering

In addition to pure production technology, we also offer you a standardised machine and quality monitoring concept as well as production control and data management with evaluation. Optimised for fuel cells and electrolysers, the system is based on our solution for our automotive products, which has been in use there for more than two decades. You can benefit from this in production applications such as product quality assurance and system availability. Issues such as preventive maintenance, lifecycle records, etc. are no longer a challenge.

Capture the right data at the right time to minimise your production costs and increase quality!

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