❱❱ The Paxton test facility in Sussex has good availability for performing a range of pre-compliance test processes, below left; the modern test chambers can be used for both immunity and emissions testing, below centre; and immunity testing can be performed in the test chamber in short turnaround times, below right
designer generator for EMC compliance testing
cell systems. According to Thomas Wines, senior engineer at Bramble Energy, traditional PEM fuel cells are manufactured using expensive material, employing complex processes – resulting in high-cost technology.
“Our technology, the printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC), is a patent- protected, revolutionary manufacturing method which makes use of existing supply chain routes from the printed circuit board industry. This offers a cost-effective, time efficient and scalable hydrogen fuel cell solution,” says Wines.
TEST REQUIREMENT Bramble Energy was looking for an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing partner to support the development of their new SD04 hydrogen fuel cell generator. In addition to providing testing services, it was important for the test partner to provide engineering support to diagnose any EMC issues that may arise through testing, helping with any further development.
Before working with the team at the
Paxton test facility, Bramble Energy visited the lab to take a tour and to discuss
their test requirements.
“Our hydrogen fuel cell generator is to be placed in a broad range of commercial and industrial environments, so the product needs to satisfy a list of safety and product requirements before it becomes available to the market,” says Wines. Product testing is an essential process of Bramble’s launch of its hydrogen fuel cell generator. The innovative renewable energy technology company needed quality EMC test equipment and product-testing engineers to assist in the testing. “The information and support given by the engineers from the Paxton test facility was professional. The testing process as described is the reason why we chose to test our product there,” Wines concludes.
TESTING The first stage of the project involved EMC pre-compliance testing to gauge the status of the product with respect to emissions and immunity performance. The Paxton test facility was used to conduct pre- compliance tests for radiated emission, radiated immunity and electrostatic discharge. The pre-compliance test findings
highlighted further development work for Bramble Energy to improve any EMC issues. And following the development work, the facility was used again for verification of the design changes to resolve the EMC issues. “It wasn’t just the test facility and equipment that we provided but also our experienced engineers who were there to work with the customer and raise suggestions based on the test result,” says Glass.
TEST RESULTS The good availability of the Paxton test facility provided Bramble Energy with support and feedback for a quick turnaround. Paxton’s experienced engineers were able to diagnose EMC issues and provide a report for their engineers to work from. This allowed Bramble Energy to complete its development work in good time. “The support and progress made was great and hospitality very much appreciated. The reports have been very helpful in gauging our status and planning further development work and were sent through at lightning speed!” says Wines. Bramble Energy has subsequently used
the Paxton test facility to successfully complete formal compliance testing on its SD04 product to BS EN 61000-6-1, and BS EN 61000-6-3.
“Great wrap-around service and genuine interest in the product, which helps. We would recommend the Paxton test facility, but we will regret it as they will get busier,” concludes Wines. T&TH
October 2022 /// Testing & Test Houses /// 27
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