Single Cell Alkaline Water Electrolyser Test Station (SE300-AL / SE500-AL)

Overview

The SE300-AL / SE500-AL Single Cell Test Station is a floor-standing, fully integrated platform for controlled alkaline water electrolysis experiments, designed for repeatable R&D and validation in university and industrial labs. It combines DC power delivery, electrolyte (KOH) circulation, gas handling, and automated safety control in a compact cabinet footprint (600 (W) × 1100 (D) × 2000 (H) mm) for consistent performance and durability testing.

Principle of operation

In alkaline electrolysis, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (commonly KOH) provides ionic conductivity. Water is reduced at the cathode to generate H₂ and hydroxide ions (OH⁻), while OH⁻ is oxidised at the anode to produce O₂, closing the electrical circuit. The station stabilises the experiment by controlling electrolyte flow, temperature, pressure, and gas–liquid separation, while continuously logging electrical and process signals.

Key features and specifications

• Models / power class: SE300-AL (~300 W) and SE500-AL (up to 500 W)
• Gas flow measurement: suitable for single-cell outputs (typ. H₂ 1–2 slpm, O₂ 0.5–1.2 slpm; high turndown, e.g., 100:1)
• Electrolyte loop: KOH circulation (typ. up to ~30%), with pump + flow metering, gas–liquid separation, filtering and trap components
• Temperature control: liquid temperature control (typ. RT to ~95°C) with level monitoring and alarms (auto-fill options available)
• Pressure control: automated back-pressure control (commonly 10 bar, with higher-pressure configurations such as 30 bar options)
• Gas quality / crossover monitoring: concentration sensing for H₂-in-O₂ and O₂-in-H₂ ranges used in R&D
• Automation & DAQ: software-driven test programs with data outputs suitable for analysis workflows (e.g., Excel-compatible formats)
• Safety: integrated purge and shutdown logic, including H₂ leak alarm capability
  
  

Typical applications

• Baseline single-cell alkaline polarisation curves, efficiency mapping, and stability studies
• Electrode/catalyst and separator/diaphragm screening under controlled KOH flow and temperature
• Crossover and safety envelope evaluation (pressure, gas composition, long-duration logging)
• Scale-up readiness: validating balance-of-plant behaviours before moving to small stacks
  
  

Why ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports researchers across Australia and New Zealand with local technical guidance, configuration matching (cell hardware, sensors, pressure class), and practical integration with related lab tools such as potentiostats (for catalyst screening), gas analysis, and broader energy test station workflows.