IEC TS 62282-7-1:2010

Fuel cell technologies - Part 7-1: Single cell test methods for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)

IEC/TS 62282-7-1:2010(E) covers cell assemblies, test apparatus, measuring instruments and measuring methods, performance test methods, and test reports for PEFC single cells. This Technical Specification is used for evaluating:
- the performance of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for PEFCs;
- materials or structures of other components of PEFCs;
- or the influence of impurities in fuel and/or in air on the fuel cell performance.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-2010
• ICS: 27.070 - Fuel cells
• Technical Committee: TC 105 - Fuel cell technologies
• Drafting Committee: MT 103 - TC 105/MT 103
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 27-Jan-2017
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: IEC TS 62282-7-1:2017 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 7-1: Test methods - Single cell performance tests for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC TS 62282-7-1:2010 - "Fuel cell technologies ­– Part 7-1: Single cell test methods for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)" is a Technical Specification from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It defines standardized test methods, required equipment and reporting practices for laboratory single‑cell testing of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The specification is intended to ensure reproducible evaluation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), cell components and the effect of fuel/air impurities on single‑cell performance.

Key topics and requirements

This Technical Specification covers the full test chain for PEFC single‑cell evaluation, including:

• Cell components and sizing - guidance on MEA dimensions, gas diffusion layers (GDLs), gaskets, flow plates, current collectors and clamping hardware.
• Cell assembly and leak checks - assembly procedures, orientation, gas connections and verification of gas tightness.
• Test station setup - minimum equipment requirements, schematic test station layout and control limits for fuel cell test rigs.
• Measurement principles - instrument uncertainty, measuring methods, units and data quality practices.
• Gas composition - fuel and oxidant composition considerations for controlled testing and impurity tests.
• Test preparation - standard test conditions, conditioning, ambient control, repeatability and reproducibility.
• Performance tests - steady‑state I–V (polarization) tests, IR (internal resistance) measurement, limiting current, stoichiometry, temperature/pressure/humidity effect tests, overload, long‑term operation, start/stop and load cycling.
• Impurity influence tests - procedures to evaluate the effect of contaminants in fuel and air on PEFC performance.
• Reporting - required test report items, data description and sample test input/output tables.
• Informative annexes - examples of flow plate designs, alignment, conditioning, leak tests, cycling profiles and test report templates.

Practical applications

IEC TS 62282-7-1:2010 is used to produce comparable, repeatable laboratory data for:

• MEA development and characterization (catalysts, membranes, coatings)
• Material and component evaluation (GDLs, flow-field designs, seals)
• Performance benchmarking across research groups and suppliers
• Contamination/impurity screening for fuel and air quality requirements
• Durability and cycling protocols for R&D and pre‑qualification

Who should use this standard

• Fuel cell researchers and laboratories
• MEA and component manufacturers
• Test‑house and certification bodies conducting PEFC lab evaluations
• Product developers and quality engineers defining acceptance testing

Related standards

• Other parts of the IEC 62282 series on fuel cell technologies and system‑level testing (refer to IEC/TC 105 publications)

Keywords: IEC TS 62282-7-1:2010, PEFC, polymer electrolyte fuel cell, single cell test methods, MEA testing, fuel cell performance, I‑V characteristics, fuel cell impurities.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC/TS 62282-7-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Fuel cell technologies –
Part 7-1: Single cell test methods for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)

IEC/TS 62282-7-1:2010(E)
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IEC/TS 62282-7-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Fuel cell technologies –
Part 7-1: Single cell test methods for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
X
ICS 27.070 ISBN 978-2-88910-984-5
– 2 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5
INTRODUCTION.7
1 Scope.8
2 Normative references .8
3 Terms and definitions .8
4 General safety considerations .11
5 Cell components.11
5.1 General .11
5.2 Sizing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) .11
5.3 Gas diffusion layer (GDL) .12
5.4 Gasket .12
5.5 Flow plate .12
5.6 Current collector.12
5.7 Clamping plate (or pressure plates).12
5.8 Clamping hardware .12
5.9 Temperature-control device.13
6 Cell assembly.13
6.1 Assembly procedure.13
6.2 Cell orientation and gas connections .13
6.3 Leak check.13
7 Test station setup.14
7.1 Minimum equipment requirement.14
7.2 Schematic diagram.14
7.3 Maximum variation in test station controls (inputs to test).15
8 Measurement .16
8.1 Instrument uncertainty.16
8.2 Measuring instruments and measuring methods .16
8.3 Measurement units .18
9 Gas composition.18
9.1 Fuel composition .18
9.2 Oxidant composition.18
10 Test preparation .19
10.1 Standard test conditions .19
10.2 Ambient conditions .19
10.3 Frequency of measurement .19
10.4 Repeatability and reproducibility .19
10.5 Maximum permissible variation in measured values.20
10.6 Number of test samples .20
10.7 Leak check of gas circuit with inert or test gas .20
10.8 Initial conditioning and stable state check.20
10.9 Shutdown .20
10.10 Re-conditioning .20
11 Performance tests .21
11.1 Steady test .21
11.2 I-V characteristics tests .21

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 3 –
11.3 IR measurement .22
11.4 Limiting current test .22
11.5 Gain tests .23
11.6 Gas stoichiometry tests .24
11.7 Temperature effect test.24
11.8 Pressure effect test .25
11.9 Humidity effect tests .25
11.10 Fuel composition test.26
11.11 Overload test .26
11.12 Long-term operation test.26
11.13 Start/stop cycling test .27
11.14 Load cycling test.27
11.15 Impurity influence tests.28
12 Test report.29
12.1 General .29
12.2 Report items.30
12.3 Test data description.30
12.4 Measurement condition description .30
12.5 Test cell data description.30
Annex A (informative) Flow plate .31
Annex B (informative) Cell component alignment .33
Annex C (informative) Leak test.34
Annex D (informative) Initial conditioning .35
Annex E (informative) Shutdown .36
Annex F (informative) Reconditioning .37
Annex G (informative) I-V characteristic test .38
Annex H (informative) Start/stop cycling test.40
Annex I (informative) Load cycling test .41
Annex J (informative) Test report.43
Bibliography.48

Figure 1 – Test station schematic diagram for single cell testing.15
Figure 2 – Typical testing flowchart.19
Figure A.1 – Design for flow plate (single serpentine flow channel) .32
Figure A.2 – Design for flow plate (triple serpentine flow channel) .32
Figure B.1 – Single cell assembly using typical components .33
Figure I.1 – First load cycling profile .41
Figure I.2 – Second load cycling profile .42

Table 1 – Parameters and units .18
Table G.1 – Current density increments if maximum current density is known.38
Table G.2 – Current density increments if maximum current density is unknown .39
Table J.1– Test input parameters.45
Table J.2 – Test output parameters.46

– 4 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
Table J.3 – Functional performance before the measurement step (start up and
conditioning) .46
Table J.4 – Functional performance during the polarization step .47

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES –
Part 7-1: Single cell test methods
for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
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specification when
• the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard,
despite repeated efforts, or
• the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the
future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard.
Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC 62282-7-1, which is a technical specification, has been prepared by IEC technical
committee 105: Fuel cell technologies.

– 6 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
105/241/DTS 105/253A/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62282 series, under the general title: Fuel cell technologies, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be be
• transformed into an International standard,
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
This Technical Specification describes standard single-cell test methods for polymer
electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs); it provides consistent and repeatable methods to test the
performance of single cells. This Technical Specification is to be used by component
manufacturers or stack manufacturers who assemble components in order to evaluate the
performance of cell components, including membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) and flow
plates. This Technical Specification is also available for fuel suppliers to determine the
maximum allowable impurities in fuels.
Users of this Technical Specification may selectively execute test items suitable for their
purposes from those described in this technical specification. This document is not intended
to exclude any other methods.
– 8 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES –
Part 7-1: Single cell test methods
for polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62282 covers cell assemblies, test apparatus, measuring instruments and
measuring methods, performance test methods, and test reports for PEFC single cells.
This Technical Specification is used for evaluating:
a) the performance of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for PEFCs,
b) materials or structures of other components of PEFCs, or
c) the influence of impurities in fuel and/or in air on the fuel cell performance.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC/TS 62282-1:2010, Fuel cell technologies – Part 1: Terminology
ISO/TS 14687-2:2008, Hydrogen fuel – Product specification – Part 2: Proton exchange
membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications for road vehicles
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
anode
the electrode at which fuel oxidation takes place by the removal of electrons from the fuel to
+
the external electric load, concurrent with the release of protons (H ) to the polymer
electrolyte
3.2
catalyst
substance that accelerates (increases the rate of) a reaction without being consumed itself
The catalyst lowers the activation energy of the reaction, allowing for an increase in the
reaction rate. This is also referred to as an electrocatalyst, as defined in IEC/TS 62282-1.
3.3
catalyst-coated membrane
CCM
term used to describe a membrane (in a PEFC) whose surfaces are coated with a layer of
catalyst to form the reaction zone of the electrode

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 9 –
3.4
cathode
the electrode at which oxidant reduction takes place, facilitated by the donation of electrons
+
from the external circuit and protons (H ) from the polymer electrolyte, followed by the release
of reduced oxidant products (water)
3.5
clamping plate (or pressure plate)
frame used to compress the cell components together to maintain electrical conductivity and
sealing
3.6
current collector
conductive material, which can consist of metals, graphite or composite materials, that
collects electrons from an anode or disburses electrons to a cathode
3.7
electrode
catalytic layer that facilitates either an oxidation or reduction reaction, and has both electronic
and ionic conduction.
3.8
flow plate
conductive plate made of metals, a material such as graphite, or a conductive polymer that
may be a carbon-filled composite, which is incorporated with flow channels for fuel or oxidant
gas feed and has electrical contact with an electrode
3.9
fuel
hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gas that reacts at the anode
3.10
fuel cell
electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant to electrical
energy (DC power), heat and reaction products
The fuel and oxidant are typically stored outside of the fuel cell and transferred into the fuel
cell as the reactants are consumed.
3.11
gas diffusion electrode
GDE
component on the anode or cathode side comprising all electronic conductive elements of the
electrode, i.e. gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer
3.12
gas diffusion layer
GDL
porous conductive component placed between an electrode and a flow plate, to serve as
electric contact and allow access of reactants to the electrode and the removal of reaction
products
3.13
gasket
sealing component which prevents the reaction gas from leaking out of a cell

– 10 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
3.14
limiting current density
the current density where the cell voltage sharply decreases to near zero
3.15
maximum current density
the highest current density specified by the manufacturer allowed for a short time
3.16
membrane electrode assembly
MEA
component of a fuel cell (3.10) consisting of an electrolyte membrane with gas diffusion
electrodes (3.11) on either side
3.17
minimum cell voltage
the lowest cell voltage specified by the manufacturer
3.18
open circuit voltage
OCV
the cell voltage at zero current density with the cell under operating conditions
3.19
oxidant
oxygen or oxygen-containing gas (e.g., air) that reacts at the cathode
3.20
polymer electrolyte
polymer resin membrane having proton exchange capability in which current is carried by the
movement of such ions from an anode to a cathode
3.21
polymer electrolyte fuel cell
PEFC
fuel cell that employs a polymer electrolyte membrane as an electrolyte, which is also called a
proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)
3.22
power
measure calculated from the voltage multiplied by the current at a steady state (P = V × I)
3.23
power density
measure calculated by dividing the power by the geometric, electrode area
3.24
rated current density
maximum current density specified by the manufacturer of the MEA or single cell for
continuous operation
3.25
rated power density
maximum power density specified by the manufacturer of the MEA or single cell for
continuous operation
TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 11 –
3.26
rated voltage
minimum cell voltage specified by the manufacturer of the MEA or single cell for continuous
operation
3.27
single cell
cell typically consisting of an anode flow plate, MEA, cathode flow plate and sealing gaskets
(see Annex B for additional information)
3.28
single cell test
test of the fuel cell performance based on a single cell
3.29
stoichiometry
molar ratio of the fuel (or oxidant) gases supplied to the cell to that required by the chemical
reaction, as calculated from the current
4 General safety considerations
An operating fuel cell uses oxidizing and reducing gases. Typically, these gases are stored in
high-pressure containers. The fuel cell itself may or may not be operated at pressures greater
than atmospheric pressure.
Those who carry out single cell testing shall be trained and experienced in the operation of
single cell test systems and specifically in safety procedures involving electrical equipment
and reactive, compressed gases. Safely operating a single cell test station requires
appropriate technical training and experience as well as safe facilities and equipment, all of
which are outside the scope of this technical specification.
5 Cell components
5.1 General
A single cell of a PEFC shall be composed of all or some of the following components:
a) an MEA,
b) gaskets,
c) an anode-side flow plate and a cathode-side flow plate,
d) an anode-side current collector and a cathode-side current collector,
e) an anode-side clamping plate and a cathode-side clamping plate,
f) electrically insulating sheets,
g) clamping or axial load hardware which may include bolts, washers, springs, etc.,
h) temperature-control devices,
i) other miscellaneous parts.
5.2 Sizing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA)
The electrode area shall be as large as needed to measure desired parameters. A suggested
electrode size should be approximately 25 cm , though larger cells having larger electrodes
may give more relevant data for practical applications. The active electrode area shall be
reported and shall be the smaller of the two electrode active areas. The approximate
uncertainty in the area measurement shall be reported also.

– 12 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
5.3 Gas diffusion layer (GDL)
A gas diffusion layer shall be made of highly gas-diffusible, electrically conductive and
corrosion-resistant materials.
5.4 Gasket
The gasket material shall be compatible with fuel cell reactants, components and reaction
products, and cell operating temperature. It shall prevent gas leakage.
5.5 Flow plate
Flow plates shall be made of materials that have negligible gas permeability, but high electric
conductivity. Resin-impregnated, high-density, synthetic graphite, polymer/carbon composites,
or corrosion-resistant metal, such as titanium or stainless steel, is recommended. If metal is
used, the plate surface may be coated/plated (e.g., with gold) in order to reduce contact
resistance. The flow plate should be corrosion-resistant and should provide a suitable seal.
A serpentine flow channel is suggested. Further information about a suggest design is given
in Annex A. The flow field configuration shall be documented in the test report.
The flow plates for testing shall allow the accurate measurement of cell operating temperature.
For example, flow plates may have a small hole on an edgewise face in order to
accommodate a temperature sensor. In this case, the hole shall reach the centre of the flow
plate.
NOTE If the objective of testing is to evaluate the design of a particular flow channel, it is not necessary to use
the suggested flow plate design.
5.6 Current collector
Current collectors shall be made of materials that have high electric conductivity, such as
metal. Metal collectors may be plated with contact-resistance-reducing materials, such as
gold or silver; however care must be taken in choosing the coating material. It must be
compatible with the cell components and reactants and products.
They should be thick enough to minimize voltage drop over their surface area. They should
provide an output terminal for wire connection.
If metal flow plates act as current collectors, independent current collectors are not required.
5.7 Clamping plate (or pressure plates)
Clamping plates (or pressure plates) shall be flat and smooth-surfaced, with their mechanical
properties strong enough to withstand the bending force being applied when clamped with
bolts.
If the clamping plates are conductive, they shall be insulated from the current collectors in
order to prevent short-circuiting.
5.8 Clamping hardware
Clamping hardware shall have high mechanical strength in order to withstand the stresses
generated during installation and operation. Washers and springs may be used to maintain
constant, uniform pressure on the single cell. A torque wrench or other measuring device shall
be used to set exact pressure on the cell.
It is recommended to electrically insulate the clamping hardware.

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 13 –
5.9 Temperature-control device
The single cell shall be provided with a temperature-control device (for heating/cooling) in
order to maintain it at a constant temperature and with a uniform temperature profile along the
flow plate and across the cell. The temperature-control device may be programmable to follow
a fixed temperature profile. The temperature-control device shall have means to prevent over-
temperature.
There are multiple ways of achieving this requirement.
One simple way is to convectively cool and electrically heat the clamping (pressure) plates.
The heating can be achieved by attaching a skin resistance heater to the external surface of
the plate. An alternate method is to insert a cartridge heater into a hole in the plate.
In either case, care is required to maintain isolation for electrical safety.
6 Cell assembly
6.1 Assembly procedure
Cell assembly procedures have large impact on the repeatability of fuel cell data. Specific
procedures shall be documented for the following assembly operations:
a) membrane alignment, including identification of anode and cathode sides,
b) diffusion media (i.e., GDL) alignment, including identification of anode and cathode parts,
as well as the sides to be placed facing the membrane and flowfield,
c) gasket/seal placement,
d) alignment fixtures or jigs to be used, if any,
e) compression procedures and specifications, such as diffusion media compression values,
bolt tightening order, compression springs, and final torque specifications.
NOTE Pressure may be checked by pressure-sensitive paper/film.
Typical alignment of cell component is shown in Annex B.
After assembling, the isolation between the clamping plates and current collectors shall be
checked.
6.2 Cell orientation and gas connections
A cell shall be operated in an orientation which facilitates product water removal. The cell
orientation shall be documented.
Many flow patterns can be used; the flow pattern shall be documented. Examples are given in
Annex A.
6.3 Leak check
The differential pressure on the membrane is the most critical. The maximum differential
pressure specified by the manufacturer should not be exceeded.
The cell must have minimal external and internal leakage. Examples leak-check procedures
are given in Annex C. In principle, the leak-check procedure consists of injecting an inert or
test gas into both the anode and cathode sides. By using a suitable pressure difference, the
nature and direction of the leak can be ascertained. The maximum pressures, the nature of
the test gas and leakage rates shall be documented. If a leak is detected, other tests, such as
bubble test, may be performed to further delineate type and nature of leak.

– 14 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
7 Test station setup
7.1 Minimum equipment requirement
A fuel cell test station is required to conduct the testing of the single cell. The minimum test
equipment functionality in order to meet the intention of the single cell test procedure includes
the following test parameters:
a) reactant gas flow rate control – to meter the flow rate of fuel and oxidant gases to the fuel
cell at the desired stoichiometric ratio;
b) reactant gas humidification control – to humidify the reactant gases to a specified dew
point prior to delivery to the fuel cell. The recommended water resistivity is at least
–4 –1
1 MΩ⋅cm (or at most a conductivity of 10 S m ).
NOTE The gas transfer lines between the humidifiers and the cell should be heated, at minimum, 5 °C to 10 °C
above the dew point temperature to minimize condensation. The lines should be insulated to minimize heat loss.
c) reactant gas pressure control – to regulate the reactant gas pressure within the fuel cell;
d) load control – load bank to draw a specified current from the cell. It should be capable of
operating in either constant current or constant voltage mode;
e) cell heating/cooling control – to heat or cool the single cell to the desired operating
temperature;
f) cell voltage monitoring and data acquisition – instrumentation to measure and record the
cell voltage throughout the test;
g) test station control – test station must be capable of controlling the above parameters;
h) safety systems – a safety system is needed that is capable of automatically (or manually
with audible alarms) shutting down the test in the event of a failure. A nitrogen purge
capability is recommended for the anode and cathode circuits. Interlocks triggered by
high/low cell voltage, pressure and temperature and gas leaks are also recommended.
Adequate ventilation should also be provided.
7.2 Schematic diagram
Figure 1 is a schematic block representation of the major sub-systems required in a test
station to conduct fuel cell testing.

TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 15 –
TTest staest stattion ion
controlcontrol
Load Load Fuel cell Fuel cell
controlcontrol temperature temperature
controlcontrol
TTest staest stattion ion
controlcontrol
OxOxidant idant
OxOxidant idant HHeated eated
eexxhausthaust
inletinlet CCathode athode pipepipe
CCathode athode
LoaLoad d CCathode athode
flofloww
humidificationgas
ccontontoorr
pressure pressure
Fuel cell Fuel cell
control
humidification
ll
control contrcontrolol
under under
testtest
Fuel Fuel
inletinlet
AAnode node AAnode node
AAnode node
pressure pressure
humidificationgas
flofloww
contrcontrolol
humidification
control
control
HHeated eated
Fuel Fuel
pipepipe
eexxhausthaust
CCeell ll
vvoltage oltage
monitormonitor
IEC  1239/10
Figure 1 – Test station schematic diagram for single cell testing
Materials used for all components which will be in contact with humidified gas or humidifier
water shall be compatible with the gas or water to prevent the extraction of impurities from the
material. Example materials include stainless steel and fluoro-plastics.
The gas humidification system shall be designed to avoid removing the test impurities from
the gas stream prior to the gas entering the cell.
NOTE Impurities are given in ISO/TS 14687-2:2008, Hydrogen fuel – Product specification – Part 2: Proton
exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications for road vehicles.
If this test is not to be executed, a bubbler saturator can be used for fuel humidification.
Variations to this configuration are acceptable providing that the functional requirements of
this document are met.
7.3 Maximum variation in test station controls (inputs to test)
The fuel cell test station shall have the following recommended maximum variation in its
controls:
a) current control ±1 % relative to set point;
b) voltage control ±1 % relative to set point;
c) cell temperature control ±1 °C at set point (at steady state);
d) humidity dew point control ±2 °C at set point (at steady state);
e) flow rate control ±5 % relative to set point;
f) pressure control ±3 % relative to set point.

– 16 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
8 Measurement
8.1 Instrument uncertainty
The maximum instrument uncertainty for the measurements (test outputs) in the tests shall be
as follows:
a) current ±1 % of maximum expected value;
b) voltage ±0,5 % of maximum expected value;
c) temperature ±1 °C;
d) dew point ±2 °C;
e) flow rate ±2 % of maximum expected value;
f) pressure ±3 % of maximum expected value.
NOTE At low current, voltage and flow rates, the uncertainties may be very large with respect to the measured
values.
8.2 Measuring instruments and measuring methods
8.2.1 General
Measuring instruments shall be selected in accordance with the range of values to be
measured. The instruments shall be calibrated regularly in order to maintain the level of
accuracy described in 10.1. All measuring devices must be calibrated to traceable standards.
8.2.2 Voltage
A voltage meter shall be connected to the anode and cathode flow plates or current collectors,
minimizing the influence of electrical contact resistances. The electrical contact resistances
between the connections of the voltage meter, either anode and cathode flow plates or output
terminals of anode and cathode current collectors, shall be measured and reported, if not
negligible.
8.2.3 Current
A current measuring device shall be located in the current-carrying circuit of the cell. The
current-measuring device may consist of a low-impedance ammeter or a calibrated shunt
resistor, which develops a precisely known voltage reflecting the current flowing. The current
may also be measured using the features of an electronic load.
8.2.4 Internal resistance (IR)
Recommended IR measuring methods are a current-interrupt method and an electrochemical
impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. An AC resistance method using AC milliohm meter is
also acceptable. Although the frequency of the milliohm meter is typically 1 kHz, the value of
the measurement frequency should be reported.
Plus/minus sense leads of these measuring instruments shall be connected to the output
terminals of cathode and anode current collectors, respectively.
8.2.5 Fuel and oxidant flow rates
Fuel and oxidant flow rates shall be measured by means of a volumetric meter, a mass flow
meter, or a turbine-type flow meter. If such a method is not practical, flow measurement by a
nozzle, orifices, or venturi meter is recommended. The location of a flow meter shall be
upstream of the humidifier.
TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 17 –
If the flow meter requires pressure compensation, a static pressure measuring port shall be
located immediately upstream of the flow meter to be corrected.
8.2.6 Fuel and oxidant temperature
The recommended sensor for direct temperature measurement is a thermocouple, resistance
thermometer with a transducer or a thermister.
The temperature sensor shall be located immediately downstream of the single cell. It is
recommended to position another sensor immediately upstream of the single cell.
If the fuel and/or oxidant flow meter require temperature compensation, the sensor for such
correction shall be located immediately upstream of the flow meter.
8.2.7 Cell temperature
The recommended sensor for direct temperature measurement is a thermocouple, resistance
thermometer with a transducer or a thermister.
The temperature sensor should be located as close as possible to the center of the cathode
active area. Ideally, it should be at the center of both anode and cathode flow plates. (See 5.5
and Annex A for more details.)
8.2.8 Fuel and oxidant pressures
For measuring fuel and oxidant pressures, calibrated pressure transducers are the preferred
method. Other acceptable methods include calibrated manometers, dead-weight gauges,
bourdon tubes or other elastic type gauges.
A static pressure measuring port shall be located immediately upstream of the single cell. If
necessary, another pressure-measuring port shall be also placed immediately downstream of
the single cell.
Connecting piping shall be checked to verify that it is leak-free under working conditions in
advance of the performance tests. Liquid water in the piping must be avoided.
If pressure fluctuations occur, a suitable means of damping shall be installed in an effective
position.
Pressures shall be measured as static pressures with the effect of velocity considered and
eliminated.
8.2.9 Fuel and oxidant humidity
For measuring fuel and oxidant humidity, a chilled mirror, aluminum oxide, bulk polymer
resistive or capacitance type hygrometer can be used to obtain humidity values, depending on
the fuel and oxidant temperatures.
Humidity shall be expressed as a dew-point temperature.
A humidity measuring port shall be located upstream of the single cell, or the humidity sensor
can be in the reactant gas before testing commences. In the case of using ambient or
synthetic air as oxidant, the dew point shall be measured and reported.
8.2.10 Ambient conditions
It is recommended that the ambient temperature, pressure and humidity shall be measured
and recorded.
– 18 – TS 62282-7-1 © IEC:2010(E)
For the direct measurement of ambient temperature, thermocouples with transducer or a
resistance thermometer with transducer is recommended.
For the direct measurement of ambient pressure, a mercury barometer is recommended.
For direct measurement of ambient humidity, a hygrometer is recommended.
8.3 Measurement units
Table 1 identifies the parameters and their measurement units for the tests.
Table 1 – Parameters and units
Parameter Unit
Temperature °C
c
Fuel and oxidant pressures kPa
Dew points of fuel and oxidant °C
a
3 –1 3 –1
Fuel and oxidant flow rates (NTP) cm min , cm s
Fuel and oxidant stoichiometries
Current A
–2
Current density A cm
Voltage V
Output power W
–2
Power density W cm
Area-specific cell resistance
Ωcm
b
–1
Fuel composition (mol) mol
b
–1
Oxidant composition (mol) mol
a
NTP = normal temperature and pressure: 0 °C and 101,325 kPa (absolute). Unless otherwise noted, NTP is
used for the flow rate.
b
–1
Impurities shall be listed as (μmol) mol .
c
ISO recommends using absolute pressure (kPa), if possible. If gauge pressure is used, it should be noted as
s
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