FCTec Capabilities

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The DoD Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) conducts comprehensive testing and evaluation of all types of fuel cells. Some of the primary electrical and thermal performance characteristics that can be tested over a wide range of power loads at the FCTec include steady-state and transient power performance (i.e., motor starts), full characterization of the fuel cell thermal heat recovery system and monitoring of system emissions. These tests can be performed in grid-connect or grid-independent configurations. The FCTec is capable of testing fuel cell operating modes including the processing of alternative fuels, dual fuels, and fuel blends. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art control and data acquisition equipment and software for automated control of test parameters and collection of process and performance data. The facility is also equipped with secure Web access for clients to monitor system information and view test data as it is collected and compiled.

The following is a list of the FCTec capabilities:

Altitude Chamber testing sea level to 100,000 feet
EMI Testing in accordance with MIL-STD 461E
Fuel Cell Balance of Plant design and fabrication
Integration of Fuel Cell Power Plants into various vehicle frames
Developing plans and protocols for testing of fuel cell systems
Performing baseline studies of fuel cell safety and reliability issues
Operating fuel cells with different fuels, including fuel blending
Generating and storing hydrogen on site
Storing liquid fuels on site
Evaluating fuel processor performance
Conducting grid-connected and gridindependent testing of complete fuel cell power plants
Applying AC and DC electrical loads to fuel cell systems using various inductive and resistive load banks and load simulators
Evaluating heat-recovery capabilities of fuel cell systems under various thermal load scenarios
Testing fuel cell systems under variable environmental conditions including pressure (altitude), temperature, and humidity
Evaluating shock and vibration effects on fuel cell systems and components
Performing compositional and emissions analyses of fuel, gas, and water streams
Providing computerized process control and data acquisition capability including protected, Internet data access
Testing and operating fuel cell systems continuously, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week