PEFC power stack performance testing procedure : measuring voltage and power as function of current density. Polarisation curve test method. Test module PEFC ST 5-3

This report contains the Test Module TM PEFC ST 5-3 entitled "PEFC power stack performance testing procedure. Measuring voltage and power as function of current density. Polarisation curve test method". It is a testing procedure to characterize the performance of PEFC (polymer electrolyte or proton exchange membrane fuel cell) power stacks in terms of polarisation curves (stack voltage and power vs. current density) under constant current conditions. The module is a general characterization method used in research and development of PEFC power stacks with no target application. It may be used as a baseline measure to qualify stacks and its components in any given application. The Test Module was originally developed and compiled under the Research & Training Network (RTN) FCTESTNET (Fuel Cell Testing and Standardisation). This project was partly funded during 2003-2005 under contract # ENK5-CT-2002-20657 by the 5th European Community Framework Programme on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (FP5). However, the present version of the Test Module is the result of a review undertaken in the frame of the FCTESQA (Fuel Cell Systems Testing, Safety & Quality Assurance) Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP). This project started in April 2006 with funding provide in part under contract # 020161 by FP6. The Test Module is subject to an experimental validation by means of a Round Robin Testing campaign conducted on PEFC power stacks by the partners participating in Work Package 2 of FCTESQA.