840 fuel cell test system
Elevate your fuel cell research with the 840 Multi‑Range Fuel Cell Test System: power, precision, automation, and safety—packed in a compact, adaptable platform.
As a complete test station for operation and measurement of PEM/AEM/DMFC Fuel Cells, the 840 is ideal for single-cell and short-stack fuel cell research and university programs.
Built on the leading architecture of the 850, the 840 offers higher powers for your larger scale research. The powerful FuelCell5® software package is included for controlling station operation and ZView® is included for impedance analysis.
ADVANCED FEATURES
Researchers choose the 840 Fuel Cell Test System to precisely control, measure, and understand fuel cell performance, durability, and reaction behavior under real-world operating conditions:
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- Turn-key fuel cell testing — Wide-range multi-current electronic load (5/25/50 A, 10/50/100 A) with precision reactant mass flow control for flexible testing of single-cell or short-stack fuel cells.
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- User-friendly FuelCell5® software — Advanced, computer-controlled interface simplifies experiment sequencing, system operation, and high-resolution data acquisition.
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- Robust humidification system — Automated humidifier bypass and heated stainless-steel gas lines ensure consistent dew-point control and stable reactant delivery.
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- Automated gas handling — Computer-controlled anode and cathode gas selection, N₂ purge, and pressure monitoring allow for reliable, repeatable results.
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- Accurate diagnostics — Real-time cell resistance via Current Interrupt, optional impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and high-frequency resistance (HFR), plus high-impedance reference channels for detailed half-cell and full-cell measurements.
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- Safety & automation features — Alarm detection, automatic hardware shutdown, and temperature-controlled delivery lines ensure secure, unattended operation.
NEED MORE FLEXIBILITY?
For single-cell or short-stack experiments with expanded operating ranges, the 850 Fuel Cell Test System delivers reliable, repeatable performance on a familiar, trusted platform.
Inside the System
SPECIFICATIONS
- Load Current Range Configurations –
5/25/50 A; 10/50/100 A; 12/62/125 A; 25/125/250 A - Maximum Load Power – 125 W or 500 W
- Minimum Load Resistance – <2 mΩ (100mV @ 50A at load terminals)
- Current Resolution – 1 mA at low currents up to 100 mA
- Current Accuracy – 0.3% of full-scale current of selected range
- Max. Whole Cell Voltage – 20V
- Max. Reference Electrode Voltage – 9.999V
- Voltage Accuracy – ±3 mV ±0.3% of reading
- Voltage & Current Data Update Rate – 100 Hz
- Whole Cell Sense Input Resistance – > 35kΩ
- Reference Electrode Input Resistance – > 10⁹ Ω
- Wetted Materials – All 316SS
- Fittings – Swagelok® fittings and heated lines
- Mass Flow Control – Software controlled Anode & Cathode
- Purge Control – Automatic N₂ for Anode & Cathode
- Humidifiers – Dual sparger‑type, passivated 316 L with 1650 W heaters per bottle
- Temperature Control – (3) Cell, Anode humidifier, Cathode humidifier
- Cell Thermocouple – Type T or Type K
- Temperature Range – Ambient to 99.0ºC; Optional: 120ºC
- Temp Measurement Accuracy – ±0.25% of span, ±1 least significant digit
- Operating Temperature – 5 – 35 ºC
- Power Source – 110(20A) or 220–240(5A) VAC 50/60 Hz
- Enclosure Type – Single bench top unit
- Size & Weight – 91 x 60 x 60 cm (36 x 24 x 24 in) & 55 kg (120 lbs)
- Alarms – Gas supply pressures (3), Humidifier water levels (2), External (1), System alarm output (1)
- Fail Safe Design – N₂ purge on alarm condition
- Continuous Monitoring – E-stop, voltage, current, temperature, gas contamination & external signals
Included with every Scribner is a set of parts and tools for installing the instrument. Specifically, each 840 includes;
- Tools
- 2 wrenches, 9/16” & 11/16”, for common fittings
- Document Folder
- USB drive with documentation and software
- Calibration certificate
- Cabling
- Cell voltage cable
- Accessory cable: Alarm Port 4pin to Serial Cable
- USB cable connecting test system to computer
- External alarm cable for integrating additional alarm signals
- Components
- Heated cuffs to prevent condensation at cell fittings
- Shorting bar / cable for 885 P/GStat (if ordered)
- Extra Parts
- 8 Type T (or K if ordered) thermocouple connectors for adding thermocouples to 892
- 8 analog circular connectors for adding sensors to 892
- Cell heater adapter for using other commercial heaters through Controller
- Swagelok nuts and ferrules for gas ports x11
- ¼” and 5/8” nuts, bolts, and washers for bus bars x2
INTERNAL OPTIONS
Adds Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and High-Frequency Resistance (HFR) measurements for whole cell, or half-cell, diagnostics, monitoring membrane performance over time and under varying operating conditions from 1mHz to 10kHz.
Automated delivery between dry and humidified gas to the Fuel Cell to enable Accelerated Lifetime Durability Testing and Predictive Failure Analysis of the membrane.
Software controlled Humidifier By-Pass for flowing Reformate / Contaminate Gases, while avoiding humidifier contamination, and operating a stack or cell that doesn’t require humidified gas.
Rapid Due Point Reduction to reduce total testing time and automating humidifier water maintenance by draining the system prior to offline operation.
PRODUCT DOCUMENTS
PRECISION IN THE DETAILS
Enhance your lab setup with accessories and cell fixtures designed for accuracy, repeatability, and ease of use. These add-ons ensure optimal performance, tailored configurations, and seamless integration with your core system—because every detail matters.
PEM & AEM
DMFC & LIQUID/GAS
RFB
Our gas-gas fixture offers superior performance for both Proton Exchange Membrane & Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell applications, making it the ideal choice for a wide range of experimental needs.
Our liquid-gas fuel cell fixture is ideal for liquid fueled cells such as Direct Methanol and Formate Fuel Cell applications. All wetted components of the liquid side are non-metallic and highly chemical resistant. Interchangeable end plates save money, convert back to PEM/AEM with one part.
Our Redox Flow Cell Test Fixture is specifically designed for use with our 857 Redox Flow Cell Test System. All non-metallic flow paths are made with non-corrosive, chemically resistant plastics only. We offer multiple assembly configurations to allow for various gap, electrode type, and thickness.
customize your 840: accessories for smarter science
Optimize your test environment with modular accessories engineered for seamless integration with the 840 Fuel Cell Test System. These tools support advanced diagnostics, automated workflows, and scalable configurations for high-performance fuel cell research.
YOUR PARTNER IN SCIENCE, FROM START TO BREAKTHROUGH
Turnkey Consumables & Integrations
Scribner sources essential consumables and compatible equipment—membranes, sensors, and more—to simplify and support your research workflow.
Professional Installation & Training
Our expert electrochemists provide on-site system setup, commissioning, and user training to ensure confident, efficient operation from day one.
Service, Repair & Calibration
From fast tech support to on-site calibration and factory repairs, Scribner keeps your system running smoothly with reliable service and stocked parts.
Ongoing Support & Warranty Protection
Stay current with software updates, application notes, and optional extended warranties for long-term peace of mind.
TRUSTED BY PUBLISHED RESEARCHERS WORLDWIDE
let’s power your next discovery together
Whether you’re evaluating a new system, troubleshooting in the lab, or exploring collaboration opportunities, our team is ready to help — wherever you are in the world. Fill out the form below and let’s talk innovation!