Components
Fuel Cell Module
The Fuel Cell Module features a 50 W fuel cell stack equipped with an integrated fuel cell controller, hydrogen flow meter, and air supply system. Five LED displays provide clear visualization of all essential operating parameters, including current, voltage, temperature, hydrogen flow, and air supply, ensuring full system transparency during operation.
Electronic Load Module
The Electronic Load Module enables both manual and computer-assisted adjustment of constant current loads for recording fuel cell characteristic curves. An integrated LED display indicates the power output, supporting accurate performance analysis.
DC/DC Converter Module
This module converts the unregulated output voltage of the fuel cell into a stable 12 V DC output. It enables autonomous operation of standard 12 V consumers. Integrated LCD displays show both the useful output power and the internal power consumption of the fuel cell system.
Traffic Light Module
The LED Traffic Light Module serves as a realistic 12 V demonstration load connected to the output of the DC/DC converter, providing a practical example of a typical end-use application.
H₂ Storage Module
The H₂ Storage Module consists of a metal hydride canister with an integrated pressure regulation system. It ensures a safe and convenient hydrogen supply for a full day of laboratory operation—without the need for compressed gas cylinders or an external hydrogen generator.
Software
The included software provides comprehensive support for the experiments described in the instructional manual. It enables data recording, visualization, and export for further analysis.
The real-time visualization of virtual measuring instruments facilitates use in larger groups or lecture environments, particularly when connected to a projector.
Software Features
- Real-time visualization of measuring instruments
- Chronological recording and graphical display of measured data
- Computer-assisted execution of experiments
- Fully automated experimental procedures
ENERGY LABS
OPC UA Ready
What You Get
All voltage, current, temperature, and gas flow measurements from Heliocentris systems are available as structured OPC UA nodes. These data points can be read and written by any OPC UA-compliant client.
What This Means
Instead of accessing individual measurements via a local display, the built-in OPC UA interface enables direct integration of Heliocentris systems with SCADA software, MATLAB/Simulink, PLCs, Node-RED, or any other industrial automation platform.
Connect to Your Existing Tools
| Your Platform |
What’s Possible from Day One |
| SCADA Systems (WinCC, Ignition, zenon…) |
Monitor and control the entire energy system through an industrial HMI, just like a real-world plant |
| MATLAB / Simulink |
Stream live process data for analysis, control design, and hardware-in-the-loop testing |
| PLCs & Automation |
Integrate the system into larger automation environments using the OPC UA standard |
| Node-RED / IoT Platforms |
Build dashboards, log data to databases, and develop smart grid simulations |
| Custom Applications |
Programmatically access all data points using Python, C#, Java, or any OPC UA SDK |
Documentation
Comprehensive documentation is provided to support both instructors and students throughout the experiments. The materials are structured to facilitate guided experimentation, data analysis, and conceptual understanding, ensuring efficient integration into lectures and laboratory sessions.
Optional Accessories
H₂ Connection Kit
The H₂ Connection Kit includes a pressure regulator for standard 200 bar compressed gas cylinders, along with connection tubing and adapters. It is available in two variants: for direct supply to the fuel cell or for filling the metal hydride canister.
Hydrogen Generator HG30
The HG30 PEM electrolyzer enables on-demand hydrogen production in a safe and convenient manner. It replaces conventional compressed gas cylinders for filling the metal hydride canisters. The system includes an integrated safety shut-off with leak detection, ensuring reliable and secure operation.
