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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Hydrogen technology

Fuel cell
measurements

Unlock deeper insights into PEMFC performance with NPL’s precision testing and consultancy

NPL offers cutting-edge testing and consultancy services for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Our capabilities span from single cell testing up to short stacks. Testing is performed on state-of-the-art, fully automated test stations, ensuring measurement data of the highest quality, consistency and repeatability.  

Our stable platforms support multi-modal measurements by seamlessly integrating online gas analysis or sampling from gas/liquid streams. We often leverage NPL’s broader expertise across materials science and analytical chemistry for ex situ and post-mortem studies with microscopy and spectroscopy.  

What we offer  

We have a range of standard cell hardware with various actives areas from 25 cm2 to ca. 300 cm2 short stacks.  We can adapt our testing to client requirements, but regularly test against recognised standards. Short stack fuel cell testing can also be performed with an anode recirculation loop, simulating practical applications and allowing for investigations into hydrogen utilisation, purge optimisation and more. 

Our current capabilities include:

  • Automated long-duration testing up to 1000 hours 
  • Characterisation using standard protocols e.g., EU harmonised protocols 
  • Operando diagnostics and real-time monitoring 
  • Voltammetry for quantifying ECSA and hydrogen crossover 
  • Accelerated Stress Testing (AST) 
  • Dynamic Load Cycling (DLC) 
  • Online gas analysis and impurity testing 
  • Dynamic dilution of gas streams 
  • Post-mortem analysis (e.g., SEM/EDX, NanoSIMS, XPS) 

Why NPL

  • Trusted by SMEs and multinationals alike, NPL has a proud track-record of delivering high-impact consultancy and measurement services.
  • We are actively involved in international standardisation efforts, including ISO committees and consortia for EU hydrogen consortia, helping shape best practices in fuel cell testing.
  • We collaborate with top academics and institutions within the UK and internationally, bringing the latest materials, techniques and equipment into our services.

Our services

As a government owned research laboratory, we’re trusted by our partners to maintain confidentially, and our opinion is respected by both investors and policy makers. If you’re looking for a partner in hydrogen technologies, explore what we can do for you:

Contact us

Our research and measurement solutions support innovation and product development. We work with companies to deliver business advantage and commercial success.
Contact our Customer Services team on +44 20 8943 7070