The ATS Family of Companies (FoC) offers fuel cell testing services that help companies understand more about their fuel cell systems before they’re utilized in real-world applications.
What is a Fuel Cell?
Fuel cells generate electricity from electrochemical reactions between fuel and air. They generally consist of anodes, cathodes, and electrolyte membranes. During the electrochemical reaction process, hydrogen passes through the fuel cell’s anode and oxygen travels through the cathode. The process continues as a catalyst within the anode divides hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The electrons generate an electrical current and heat while traveling through a circuit, and protons pass through the porous electrolyte membrane. The protons, electrons, and oxygen combine and create water molecules as a byproduct of the electrochemical reaction.
How Do Fuel Cells Differ from Batteries?
Unlike batteries, which store electric energy, fuel cells generate electric energy. Fuel cells and battery cells have several differences, and these differences are important to acknowledge when deciding which of the two options would be the best power source for any given operation or application. Battery cells are rechargeable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, two things that cannot be said about fuel cells. However, fuel cells can operate much longer than batteries and their ability to be refueled is a significant advantage of batteries, which must be changed or recharged which can lead to downtime in certain circumstances.
Our Energy Storage System Testing Services
As battery technology evolves, companies are seeking new ways to utilize energy storage devices for a wide range of applications. Our A2LA-accredited battery testing lab is here to assist as we offer an expansive list of services designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different types of energy storages systems. In addition to our fuel cell testing services, we offer tests for the following:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- NMC batteries
- NiMH batteries
- Flow batteries
- Zinc batteries
- Molten salt batteries
- Sodium-ion batteries
- Lead-acid batteries
We offer an expansive list of chemical analysis, vibration testing, performance testing, and abuse testing services that enable us to thoroughly evaluate how energy storage systems respond to particular environments and stressors. To learn more about our capabilities, submit an online inquiry from or call +1 (888) 287-5227.
