Fuel Cells

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, heat and electricity. There are three main components in a fuel cell system: the hydrogen fuel reformer, the fuel stack and the power conditioner. Operating without internal combustion, fuel cells are virtually pollution free.

TUV Rheinland of North America is your partner for the development and testing of this technology including Regulatory Consulting of all safety aspects and assessment of conformity to regulations and standards.

Testing for the U.S. and Canada is conducted in accordance with ANSI Z21.83 "fuel cell power plants." Other standards and guidelines, such as the National Electric Code-Article 692, are also considered during the evaluation based on their applicability.

CE Marking testing for fuel cells typically includes an evaluation to the draft standard IEC 62282 "Fuel Cell Technologies," 73/23/EEC "Low Voltage Directive," 98/37/EC "Industrial Machinery Directive," 89/336/EEC "EMC Directive" and their harmonized standards as applicable. Other directives and standards might be relevant depending on size and design of the fuel system, e.g. 94/9/EC "ATEX Directive," 97/23/EC "Pressure Equipment Directive" and other possible requirements of the country of designated installation.

TUV Rheinland checks the national and/or local requirements of a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in regard to domestic cogeneration into a low voltage distribution network.

These services are performed for the four uses and applications of such technology: Stationary, Residential, Transportation and Portable Power.