PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System Installation at IIITDM Jabalpur

PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System Installation at IIITDM Jabalpur

The PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System installed at IIITDM Jabalpur enables advanced research in hydrogen production using PEM technology. The system supports multi-cell and stack-level analysis, real-time data monitoring, and precise control of temperature, pressure, and electrical inputs, making it ideal for academic and research applications in green hydrogen.

Introduction

Hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation energy systems. To strengthen research and hands-on learning in this domain, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIITDM Jabalpur has installed a PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System.

This advanced platform enables detailed experimentation on hydrogen production, system efficiency, and electrochemical behavior. It provides students and researchers with direct exposure to real-world hydrogen generation systems, aligning academic learning with industry and research demands.

About the Installation

The system has been deployed within the Mechanical Engineering laboratories to support interdisciplinary research in:

  • Hydrogen energy systems 
  • Thermal and fluid sciences 
  • Electrochemical engineering 
  • Renewable energy integration 

The installation is designed as a fully instrumented research test bench, enabling precise control, monitoring, and analysis of electrolyzer performance under varying operating conditions.

Overview of PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System

The PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System is a multi-parameter experimental platform designed to study hydrogen generation through electrolysis.

It is built around a five-cell PEM electrolyzer configuration, which can operate either as individual cells or as a combined stack. This enables both micro-level and system-level analysis of hydrogen production.

Key integrated subsystems include:

  • Electrolyzer Cell Stack with Independent Heating 
  • Programmable DC Power Supply (0–15 V, up to 50 A) 
  • Water Conditioning Unit with Conductivity Control (<1 µS/cm) 
  • Hydrogen Gas Handling System with Separation and Drying 
  • Advanced Instrumentation with Real-Time Data Logging 
  • Comprehensive Safety System with Leak Detection and Auto Shutdown 

The system produces high-purity hydrogen (>99.99%) with controlled flow rates, enabling accurate experimental studies. 

PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System Installation at IIITDM Jabalpur

Advanced System Capabilities

This installation stands out due to its ability to precisely control and analyze multiple parameters simultaneously.

Multi-Cell and Stack-Level Analysis

  • Five PEM cells configurable as single or stacked system 
  • Enables study of scaling effects and stack performance 
  • Supports investigation of cell-to-cell variation 

Precise Electrical Characterization

  • Programmable DC supply with PC-based control 
  • Enables detailed I–V and polarization curve analysis 
  • Supports dynamic load variation for transient studies 

Controlled Thermal and Hydraulic Conditions

  • Independent temperature control for each cell 
  • Adjustable water flow and temperature 
  • Operating pressure up to 2 bar 

Hydrogen Quality and Flow Measurement

  • Integrated gas-water separator and drying unit 
  • Hydrogen dew point up to −70°C 
  • Mass flow measurement for accurate output analysis 

Real-Time Monitoring and Data Logging

  • Continuous tracking of voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and flow 
  • PC dashboard with visualization and CSV data export 
  • Enables research-grade analysis and publication-ready datasets 

Experimental and Research Capabilities

The system enables a wide range of structured experiments and open-ended research work:

  • Polarization curve generation and I–V characterization
  • Hydrogen production rate vs electrical input analysis
  • Efficiency and overpotential evaluation 
  • Temperature and pressure impact studies 
  • Dynamic response to fluctuating power inputs 

It also supports advanced research such as:

  • Electrolyzer performance optimization
  • Stack scaling and system design studies
  • Control algorithm development (PID and advanced control)
  • Degradation and lifecycle analysis
  • Renewable energy coupling and hybrid system studies 

These capabilities make the platform suitable for undergraduate labs, postgraduate research, and funded R&D projects. 

Safety and Reliability Features

Safety is a critical aspect of hydrogen experimentation, and the system integrates multiple protection mechanisms:

  • Catalytic hydrogen leak detection
  • Automatic emergency shutdown system
  • Solenoid-based fail-safe gas cut-off valves 
  • Visual and audible alarm systems 

These features ensure safe operation during both routine experiments and fault simulations, enabling students to understand safety protocols in hydrogen systems.

How This Installation Enhances the Lab

  1. Real Hydrogen Production Experience: Students gain hands-on exposure to hydrogen generation, measurement, and control systems.
  2. Research-Oriented Learning: The system supports thesis work, publications, and experimental validation of theoretical models.
  3. Interdisciplinary Integration: Bridges mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering domains through a single platform.
  4. Industry-Relevant Skill Development: Students develop expertise in Electrolyzer operation and diagnostics, Data acquisition and analysis, System optimization and control .

Academic and Research Impact:

With this installation, IIITDM Jabalpur is now equipped to actively contribute to hydrogen research and innovation.

The system enables:

  • Development of green hydrogen production strategies 
  • Experimental validation of electrolyzer models 
  • Exploration of renewable-hydrogen integration 
  • Preparation of students for careers in hydrogen and clean energy sectors 

PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System Installation at IIITDM Jabalpur

Conclusion

The installation of the PEM Electrolyzer Characterization System at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIITDM Jabalpur represents a major step toward advancing hydrogen-focused education and research.

By combining precision control, real-time data analysis, and robust safety systems, the platform empowers students and researchers to explore hydrogen technologies in depth.

This initiative strengthens the institute’s position as a forward-looking center for clean energy innovation and sustainable engineering research.

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