Paxton Test Facility Supports Hydrogen Fuel Cell Designer and Manufacturer, Bramble Energy, Successfully Complete Formal Compliance Testing
Bramble Energy is an innovator of renewable energy technologies, designing and manufacturing high-performance, low-cost, hydrogen fuel cell systems. Bramble’s Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC™) is a patent-protected, revolutionary design which leverages existing manufacturing routes from the printed circuit board industry to offer a cost-effective, scalable hydrogen fuel cell solution.
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 engineer support to diagnose any EMC issues that may arise through testing, helping with any further development.
Before working with the team at Paxton Test Facility, Bramble Energy visited the test lab to take a tour, and to discuss their test requirements.
Solution
The first stage 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.
Thomas Wines, Senior Engineer at Bramble Energy Limited says: “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!”
Following the development work, the Paxton Test Facility was used again for verification of the design changes to resolve the EMC issues.
Result
The Paxton Test Facility has good availability compared to other test houses, this allowed for Bramble Energy to get support and feedback with 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.
Bramble Energy have subsequently used the Paxton Test Facility to successfully complete formal compliance testing on their SD04 product to BS EN 61000-6-1, and BS EN 61000-6-3.
Thomas says: “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!”