FCTESTNET: The fuel cell testing and standardisation network

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0075-1

Key words (English)

Economic Aspects; Energy Saving; Forecasting; Meteorology; Social Aspects

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: ENG2-CT-2002-20657

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4b.1 Cleaner energy systems, including renewables

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
EPF Lausanne
Institut de chimie physique
Laboratoire de photonique et interfaces

Abstract (English)

The FCTESTNET project addresses all aspects of fuel cell testing procedures in a top down perspective from the point o view of application-oriented needs and in a bottom up approach from a point of view innovative components. A harmonized s et of requirements and a harmonized view to applications and technology will foster a common language between system integrators and component developers. The availability of a 'common language' in the form of harmonized testing procedures among industry, research institutes and academia will allow a more efficient communication of results.

The objective of the current proposal is to create a network of national and industry research organizations involved in development and testing of fuel cells, fuel cell systems and fuel cell applications. This network will produce proposals for harmonization of test procedures at the level of fuel cell systems down to stacks and cells. For its accomplishment FCTESTNET will concentrate upon two main areas the definition of assessment parameters for objective validation and comparison of fuel cell systems, stacks and cells; the evaluation of the limitations of the existing test procedures and the harmonization of the measurement methodologies. Such harmonization is necessary to enable objective comparison of R&D results and evaluation of technological progress in this field, and i t will be a valuable tool / input for the international standardization bodies working in the fuel cell technology area.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0075-1