BT-202/203 Dew Point Control Systems
The Dew Point Control Systems are designed for the lab that is equipped with gas delivery capability. The following components are included with the Dew Point Control Systems:
- BT-201 Temperature Control System
- BT-104 Saturator (Two Saturators are included with the BT-202. One Saturator is included with the BT-203.)
- Heated Gas Lines (one for each Saturator)
- LabView VIs for communication to Temperature Control System provide the following options:
- Manually enter temperature for each temperature controller
- Automatically set each temperature as a function of time
- Record temperature set points and actual temperatures to a data file
- Calculate dew point to set based on cell temperature and relative humidity desired
To perform fuel cell testing with this system, you will need to supply the following components & equipment:
- Source of compressed gas
- Ability to control the flow of the compressed gas (i.e. mass flow controller or variable area meter)
- Pressurized source of deionized water if you wish to use the auto-fill feature on the saturators
- Fuel cell test hardware
- BekkTech Conductivity Cell for membrane conductivity testing
- Back pressure regulator for tests at pressures greater than atmospheric
- Potentiostat to apply voltage & measure current
- Load box for tests greater than 1 Amp
- Computer and control software if you wish to automate your test procedures and data acquisition
To use the Dew Point Control System with your equipment, you will:
- Connect your 1/4" tubing from your gas flow control device to the gas inlet port of the saturator(s)
- Connect your 1/8" tubing from your source of deionized water to the water inlet port of the saturator(s)
- Connect the 1/4" fitting from the heated gas exit line (that is included with each saturator) to your fuel cell test hardware
- Connect the power cord of your fuel cell test hardware to the power receptacle on the Temperature Control System's Terminal Box
- Connect the TCs into the TC Junction Box receptacles. This will allow each temperature controller to monitor the temperature of each component.
- Connect the USB Director to the Temperature Control Box and your computer (via a USB cable) to allow communication to the temperature controllers from your computer
- Install the LabView VIs for automated communication to the temperature controllers
The Dew Point Control System will control & monitor the temperatures of your components, as follows:
- Saturator Heaters - these heaters are pre-wired to the Temperature Control System's Terminal Box
- Gas Line Heaters - these heaters are pre-wired to the Temperature Control System's Terminal Box
- Cell Hardware Heater - This heater is activated when the power cord is attached to the power receptacle on the Temperature Control System's Terminal Box
To control relative humidity with the Dew Point System, you will:
- Determine the relative humidity desired for your test
- Use the dew point calculator included with your LabView VIs to assist you in determining the appropriate dew point to achieve your desired relative humidity. (See the BekkTech RH Calculator for additional information on this conversion.)
- Set the Saturator's Temperature Controller to the dew point temperature calculated