SOEC Stack Test Station (SE1K-SO / SE3K-SO) – High-Temperature Water Electrolyser Test System

Overview

The SE1K-SO / SE3K-SO SOEC Stack Test Station is a high-temperature electrochemical test platform designed to characterise solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) under controlled steam and gas conditions. It combines precision gas flow measurement, steam generation, and furnace-based temperature control with integrated safety interlocks and automated control software—supporting reproducible research on SOEC performance, durability, and degradation mechanisms.

Principle of operation

SOEC stacks convert steam to hydrogen (and oxygen) at elevated temperatures, reducing electrical energy demand via improved kinetics. This test station delivers controlled reactant streams to the anode/cathode, manages humidification/steam supply, and logs cell/stack electrical behaviour (I–V, constant current/voltage operation, and optional impedance/HFR diagnostics).

Key features and specifications

• High-temperature furnace for SOEC operation (box furnace capability up to ~900 °C, configuration dependent)
• Steam/evaporator module (heated chamber capability around ~200 °C) to stabilise humidified/steam feed
• Heated gas/steam lines with line-heater capability up to ~600 °C (direct gas heating)
• Mass flow measurement/control with high turndown capability for research-grade flow stability
• Automated N₂ purge (anode and cathode) for safe start-up/shutdown and emergency sequences
• Optional: back-pressure control, exhaust cooling, and mechanical stack loading/pressure control for contact repeatability
  
  

Compatibility and applications

Compatible with button cells and short stacks (based on fixture design), and suited to:

• SOEC performance mapping (polarisation curves, efficiency studies)
• Materials screening (electrodes, interconnects, seals)
• Long-duration durability and cycling protocols
• Co-electrolysis research (configuration-dependent)
  
  

Why ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports Australian and NZ researchers with local technical guidance, configuration alignment to your stack hardware, and ecosystem integration (e.g., potentiostats/impedance modules, gas analysis add-ons, and complementary electrochemical cells and energy test stations).