Stack Test Station (30–50 kW) – Alkaline Water Electrolyser (SE30K-AL / SE50K-AL)

Overview

The SE30K-AL / SE50K-AL Stack Test Station is a high-power, instrumented platform designed to operate and characterise alkaline water electrolyser (AWE) stacks under controlled, repeatable conditions. It combines DC power delivery with balance-of-plant functions—KOH electrolyte circulation, gas handling, pressure/temperature control, and safety interlocks—to generate credible performance and durability data for hydrogen research and pilot-scale validation.

Principle of operation

In alkaline electrolysis, electrical energy drives water splitting in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (commonly ~30 wt% KOH). The test station stabilises operating conditions around the stack—electrolyte flow, temperature, purge routines, and product-gas management—so researchers can quantify polarisation behaviour, efficiency, degradation rates, and gas crossover without building a bespoke rig.

Key specifications and features

• Power range: up to 50 kW (stack operation and dynamic load protocols)
• Cabinet footprint: 1400 (W) × 2200 (D) × 2000 (H) mm
• Gas flow measurement (typical ranges):
  - SE30K-AL: up to ~150 slpm H₂ and ~75 slpm O₂
  - SE50K-AL: up to ~250 slpm H₂ and ~125 slpm O₂
• Mass-flow control/measurement: turndown up to 100:1 with automated control logic
• Electrolyte loop: RT to ~95 °C temperature control, level monitoring/alarms, liquid–gas separation, and controlled circulation
• Gas conditioning: cooling/trap for condensate management, dryer/dew-point monitoring options
• Safety: auto N₂ purge, gas detection (H₂), alarm signalling and automated shutdown pathways
• Diagnostics: stack/channel voltage monitoring (selected channels); optional AC-impedance/HFR (10 mHz–10 kHz) for advanced characterisation
• Pressure control: automated back-pressure control (high-pressure options available)
  
  

Compatibility and typical applications

Suitable for AWE stacks used in catalyst screening scale-up, materials validation, long-duration durability studies, start/stop cycling, and pilot test protocols. The control/DAQ architecture supports integration with complementary tools (e.g., potentiostats for half-cell catalyst work, gas analysis, or broader hydrogen test station workflows).

Why ScienceGears

ScienceGears supplies these systems with local support across Australia & New Zealand, including selection guidance, installation/commissioning coordination, and integration with related electrochemistry and energy testing instrumentation.