Gamry LPI1010 Load/Power Supply Interface for Batteries and Fuel Cells

Introduction and Application

Alternative energy sources are becoming more prevalent, making fuel cells and batteries crucial for energy storage and conversion. Continuous performance improvement is key, and the LPI1010 Load/Power Supply Interface (LPI) is designed to facilitate this. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful technique for battery and fuel cell development, useful for materials selection and performance evaluation. Fundamental studies and optimization of battery and fuel cell performance benefit from EIS testing and modeling.

Gamry's LPI1010 is designed to handle the low impedance characteristic of batteries and fuel cells, measuring complex impedance over a frequency range of 10 µHz to 100 kHz (upper limit dependent on the electronic load or power supply). It extends voltage and current ranges beyond standard laboratory EIS systems, accommodating large voltages up to 1000V, with models available for 10V, 100V, and 1000V ranges.

System Operation and Measurement Modes

The system utilizes a Bipolar Power Supply to source and sink current from the battery. A sinusoidal excitation signal from the LPI1010 modulates the battery current, which is then fed back to the LPI1010's current input channel. The battery voltage is measured directly by the LPI1010 at its voltage input channel. The system calculates impedance from these signals. The LPI1010 supports EIS measurements in galvanostatic mode or a proprietary hybrid mode.

A typical system configuration includes a Gamry Interface 1010E potentiostat and an LPI1010, working with a Bipolar Power Supply or Electronic Load. A schematic illustrates impedance measurements on a battery, with a similar setup applicable to fuel cells.

Textual description of diagram: A schematic shows the LPI1010 connected to a battery (DUT - Device Under Test) via its current (Ich) and voltage (Ech) input channels. The LPI1010 is also connected to a Power Supply, which interfaces with the DUT. The LPI1010 generates a signal to the Power Supply.

Textual description of graph: A Nyquist plot (Zimag vs. Zreal) shows data for Galvanostatic EIS on a 60.9V battery, measured from 10kHz down to 1 mHz with 0.5 A RMS current. The plot displays impedance values in milliohms (mOhm).

The LPI1010, when used with a Power Supply, measures battery impedance by analyzing the current (I) and voltage (E) at a given frequency to calculate impedance.

Using the LPI to Measure EIS of Fuel Cells

The LPI1010 is also effective for measuring the impedance of fuel cells. It can help identify factors limiting fuel cell efficiency, optimize cell design, and determine anodic and cathodic process mechanisms. EIS is valuable for selecting membranes and studying the impact of membrane performance. Strategic placement of reference electrodes within a cell can enable separate testing of cell subsections, such as the anode, cathode, and electrolyte.

System Information and Models

A complete LPI1010 system comprises an Interface 1010E potentiostat and an LPI1010 unit (available in 10V, 100V, or 1000V models), along with a power supply or load. Gamry Instruments offers complete systems, including power supplies. Older Interface 1010E units may require a factory upgrade to operate with an LPI1010. Customers using their own loads or power supplies might need custom configuration files and calibration cells. Contact Gamry or a local distributor for specific details.

Textual description of image: A representative image shows the Gamry Interface 1010E potentiostat and the LPI1010 100V NF unit, connected by cables.

Available Models and Part Numbers:

General Specifications

*LPI1010 only. Measurement bandwidth is dependent upon your power supply or electronic load.

**LPI1010 100V NF is 1 V full scale.

*** Specifications subject to change without notice.