University PEM Water Electrolyzer Test Station – Single Cell (SE300U-PE)

Overview

The University Test Station SE300U-PE is a compact, fully integrated PEM water electrolyser test station for university laboratories and early-stage hydrogen R&D. It provides a controlled bench-top environment for single-cell PEMWE experiments up to 300 W, combining power delivery, DI-water management, gas handling, safety logic and data logging in one chassis (560 (W) × 520 (D) × 660 (H) mm).

Principle of operation

Deionised water is circulated to the anode of a PEM electrolyser. Under programmed current or voltage, water is oxidised to oxygen, protons and electrons. Protons migrate through the polymer electrolyte membrane to the cathode where hydrogen is generated, while electrons are driven through the external circuit. The station records cell voltage/current, temperatures, pressures and product gas flows to quantify performance and efficiency.

Key hardware and specifications

• Power stage: precision programmable DC supply for polarisation curves, dynamic loading and durability protocols (up to 300 W).
• Anode DI-water loop: SUS316 electropolished reservoir (~3.8 L), gear pump with RPM control, flow metering, filtration (micro + ion) and temperature control (RT to ~95 °C).
• Gas measurement & conditioning: mass flow measurement (typical for 300 W: H₂ up to 1 slpm, O₂ up to 0.5 slpm), gas cooling with condensation trap, gas dryer with replaceable desiccant and optional dew-point monitoring.
• Safety & diagnostics: automatic N₂ purge for anode/cathode lines, automated valve sequencing, and crossover monitoring (H₂-in-O₂ and O₂-in-H₂; commonly 0–5% range) for safe operation.
• Pressure control: automatic back-pressure control (commonly 10 bar; higher ranges available by configuration) with stable control for repeatability.
• Optional electrochemical diagnostics: AC-impedance/EIS and HFR capability (10 mHz to 10 kHz) when configured with the appropriate measurement modules.
  
  

Typical applications and integration

The SE300U-PE is ideal for:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate PEMWE teaching experiments
• Catalyst, membrane and MEA optimisation under realistic PEM operating conditions
• Efficiency, durability and start–stop cycling studies
• Method development for standardised PEM water electrolysis protocols

The station can be integrated with complementary research tools such as potentiostats/galvanostats (EIS), electrochemical cells and gas-analysis accessories.

Why ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports Australian and New Zealand labs with local advice, commissioning and integration with related research instruments such as potentiostats/galvanostats (EIS), MEA test cells, gas analysis accessories and broader energy test station platforms.