Product Feb. 12, 2025

Hioki Launches ALDAS-Mini Electrolysis Cell Analyzer - Visualizing Dynamic Characteristics of Electrolysis Cells and Optimizing Operational Efficiency

  • ELECTROLYSIS CELL ANALYZER - ALDAS-Mini

Nagano, Japan, 12th February 2025 – Hioki E.E. Corporation is excited to announce the release of the ALDAS-Mini Electrolysis Cell Analyzer, a compact and high-performance solution tailored for advancing research and development in electrolysis cell technologies. The ALDAS-Mini delivers precision analysis of electrolysis cells, supporting the global shift towards sustainable and hydrogen-based energy systems.
Electrolysis cells are integral to producing clean hydrogen, a critical component in achieving carbon neutrality. The ALDAS-Mini offers researchers and engineers the tools to optimize operational parameters, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency by providing insights into cell performance during real-world operating conditions.
 

Development Background

As global efforts to combat climate change accelerate, hydrogen is gaining recognition as a vital element in the world’s energy transition. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global hydrogen demand is projected to reach nearly 100 million tons1 by 2024, highlighting its growing importance in achieving carbon neutrality. As a clean energy source, hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in various sectors, including mobility industries like automobiles and shipping, as an alternative energy storage method to batteries, and as a fuel for power generation through co-firing.

  Hydrogen can be produced through various methods, with one common approach being water electrolysis powered by electricity derived from burning fossil fuels. However, this process emits carbon dioxide, posing challenges to achieving carbon neutrality. In contrast, green hydrogen—produced by electrolyzing water using electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power—offers a sustainable alternative, as it generates no carbon emissions and is gaining traction as a key solution for a cleaner energy future.

Hydrogen production through water electrolysis, however, faces several challenges, including the need to improve production system performance, scale-up processes, and reduce costs. The electrolysis cell, a critical component in hydrogen production systems, plays a central role in meeting these challenges. Researchers, electrolytic cell manufacturers, and hydrogen production equipment developers worldwide are focused on improving the performance of electrolysis cells to advance the technology

The ALDAS-Mini ELECTROLYSIS CELL ANALYZER is designed to measure the characteristics of electrolysis cells during real-world hydrogen generation system operations. With accurate and highly reproducible measurements, it addresses critical issues such as identifying factors of cell degradation, evaluating material properties, and improving operational efficiency. The analyzer also enables impedance measurements in large cells and cell stacks, overcoming limitations of conventional methods and supporting advancements in hydrogen production. Key capabilities include:

    - Performance evaluation of electrolysis cells at high current densities, replicating conditions in operational electrolytic equipment.
    - Durability verification through long-term continuous testing to ensure reliable performance.
    - Material property observation and analysis to explore and identify optimal materials for electrolysis cells.

By enabling comprehensive testing and analysis of electrolysis cells from research to demonstration stages, the ALDAS-Mini plays a vital role in advancing water electrolysis technology and contributing to the global realization of a sustainable, carbon-neutral society powered by hydrogen.
 

Key Features

Innovative Impedance Measurement

Standard Frequency Response Analyzers (FRAs) have traditionally faced challenges in effectively evaluating larger cells or cell stacks. However, the ALDAS-Mini overcomes these limitations, supporting electrolysis currents of up to 500 A*. The ALDAS-Mini simultaneously generates both I-V curves and Nyquist plots, enabling measurements across a wide range of current densities. This capability allows researchers to quantify and compare internal changes in cells under various electrolysis current conditions. Additionally, it provides real-time insights into cell dynamics, including ohmic resistance, charge transfer resistance, and mass transfer resistance, offering critical data to enhance performance and efficiency.

  • * 20 to 500 A (sensor needed will change with rated current) If measurement requirements exceed 500 A, please contact Hioki authorized distributor or reseller.

Ease of Integration

The ALDAS-Mini is designed for seamless setup, requiring no modifications to existing electrolysis equipment. It enables impedance measurements while utilizing the existing DC power supplies for electrolysis, ensuring compatibility and ease of use in diverse research environments.

Simultaneous Multi-Cell Measurement

Supporting up to 8 cells in a stack, the system allows for direct comparisons under identical conditions, enabling the study of material properties and cell performance.

Wide Compatibility

The analyzer accommodates various types of electrolysis cells, including PEMEC, SOEC, AEM and AWE, making it suitable for applications ranging from small-scale research cells to larger cell stack.

Main applications

- Evaluating small (1 cm²) and large electrolysis cells.
- Optimization of Hydrogen Production 
    - Analyze and enhance material properties for higher current densities and longer operational lifespans
    - Evaluate operating conditions to improve efficiency and lower production costs.
    - Monitoring cell health and diagnosing degradation factors.
- Material Research 
    - Investigate new catalysts, membranes, and other materials to improve cell performance.
    - Assess charge transfer and mass transfer characteristics under various operational conditions

For more information, please refer to ALDAS-Mini Electrolysis Cell Analyzer Product website.

Contact us

For inquiries such as quotes, demonstrations, and trial usage, please use Hioki’s contact form for a personalized reply from your closest or most appropriate Hioki representative.

  • The information provided is current as of the date of publishing.
  • Please note that prices, specifications, and other information contained in this texts are subject to change without notice.
  • The company names and product names used in this text are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

About HIOKI

Established in 1935, HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION (TSE: 6866) has grown to become a world leader in providing consistent delivery of test and measuring instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, and sales and services. By offering over 200 main products characterized by safety and quality while meeting an expansive range of applications, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and value of our customers' work in research and development, production and electrical maintenance. Hioki products and services are available around the world through our extensive network of subsidiaries and distributors. For more information, visit us at www.hioki.com.

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