Fuel cells also need electromagnetic compatibility
We support development engineers in this work by providing tailor-made measuring concepts and type approvals for the electric and electronic components in the fuel cells.
Drive systems powered by fuel cells promise mobility with a minimal carbonfootprint, provided that the hydrogen is produced from regenerative sources of energy. Preparing these systems for series production readiness also, of course, involves taking their electromagnetic compatibility into account.
Upper limit of the hydrogen concentration in the ambient air
Measurement concept for fuel cells
The fuel cell is a high-voltage system
If we consider the design of a fuel cell system, it becomes clear that it is not only the ‘stack’ (the actual fuel cell itself) that has to be measured. We need to focus in particular on the peripheral electric and electronic systems that are necessary for the fuel cell’s operation, such as the DC/DC converter, the electronic control units (ECUs), the pumps and the fans. We carry out measurements on these components with our customary thoroughness and precision, for example on interference emissions, immunity to interference or pulse effects. The regulatory basis for these tests is provided by UN Regulation ECE R10, the OEM’s own specifications or the CISPR/ISO specifications, which, for example, can stipulate tests on interference emissions and the coupling characteristics of high-voltage and low-voltage architectures. The stationary equipment and systems that are connected to the public power supply grid are also tested according to IEC/EN 61000-6-X.
In-house Measurement technology for fuel cell EMC
We carry out the EMC tests on the relevant components of the fuel cell in our absorber chambers for high-voltage applications. This is because the operating voltage of fuel cell systems is similar to that of high-voltage batteries.
As the next step, we are also planning to carry out EMC tests in the eCHAMBER®. The advantage of doing this is that the fuel cell components can be tested in the chamber in combination with the original electric drive system and the original inverter. As this test layout is very close to series production, it provides very realistic measurement results.
Flexible test layouts for fuel cell tests are possible
For our fuel cell tests, we establish a complete process chain for handling the hydrogen. This includes setting up the right storage capacities, the correct inflow and discharge of the gases, sensor systems for monitoring the oxygen and hydrogen concentration in the fuel cell and measuring chamber, leakage tests and a professional risk assessment.
Applying our proven expertise for EMC tests on fuel cells
If EMC problems still occur in the qualification or type approval of fuel cell components, they tend to be electrical or electronic in nature. In that case, our EMC specialists will quickly and competently apply the usual measures to eliminate any interference.
When carrying out EMC tests for fuel cell components, we at Mooser think far beyond the actual tests themselves. Long before the measurements are taken, we work together with you to determine the best test layout, carry out the tests on your behalf and discuss the results with you. We will then support you in eliminating any remaining interference in the components or with other kinds of optimisation. And when we say “we”, we mainly mean a highly trained Mooser employee who will be your contact partner for the entire project. He will respond to your enquiries and wishes, will carry out the tests themselves or delegate them to other experts, and will generally be on hand as a “problem solver” for all your questions and requests after the tests have been completed.
Frequently asked Questions
A fuel cell is based on the principle of electrolysis, which many of us are still familiar with from our chemistry and physics classes at school, but here the process is reversed. In electrolysis, electric current is used to break water down into oxygen and hydrogen. In the fuel cell however, hydrogen from a tank installed in the vehicle reacts with oxygen from the air. Experts also refer to this as cold combustion. This reaction generates electric current and water as the end products. The electric current is then used as a source of energy to power the vehicle.
A vehicle powered by a fuel cell has several advantages compared to an electric vehicle that uses a battery as a source of energy. Like a vehicle that runs on diesel or petrol, it takes just a few minutes to fill the fuel tank with hydrogen. And the driving range with a full tank is also usually higher than that of a battery-electric vehicle with a fully charged battery.
But there are also disadvantages: the entire drive system only makes sense from a CO2-perspective if the hydrogen is produced using energy from regenerative resources. And although the network of hydrogen filling stations in Germany could be described as sufficient, it is not yet very dense. What is more, there is also a very high demand for carbon2-free hydrogen from the steel and cement industries.
Yes and no. According to experts, the actual fuel cell itself, in other words the place where hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air to generate electricity, is neither an emitter of electromagnetic disturbances, nor is it negatively affected by them. However, when we consider the fuel cell as a complete system, with its DC/DC converter, control units and pumps, there are indeed some high-voltage electronic components in which EMC problems can occur, in a similar way to electric motors, batteries or ECUs.
The high-voltage electronic components in fuel cells are tested in a similar way to other high-voltage systems. They are also subject to the same testing standards, such as UN Regulation ECE R10, ISO 11452-X, CISPR 25, ISO/TS 7637-4, LV 123, LV 124 and VDA 320, as well as OEM specifications.
The stationary systems that are connected to the public power supply networkgrid are tested according to IEC/EN 61000-6-X.
We are currently constructing a complete process chain for hydrogen handling: storage capacities, handling and monitoring systems and the associated risk assessments. Together with our comprehensive EMC expertise and our high-performance measuring chambers and laboratories, we can offer you a complete package for the EMC evaluation and optimisation of fuel cells.
