In the constant current or constant voltage mode, the Dynaload is ideal for characterizing power output versus hydrogen flow rates. The pulse mode may be used to determine the effects of instantaneous current change; thus, assisting in establishing stability under real world applications.

With it’s high speed response characteristics, the Dynaload may be used to determine the output impedance of the fuel cell. The two established methods include the current dump method and the sine wave method. The current dump method requires the load to transition from a peak current to zero current in less than 10 microseconds. Then the internal impedance is derived from the rate of voltage rise of the fuel cell. Care should be taken when performing this test, because of transient fly-back voltages created by the inductance of the load cables. The sine wave method requires a sine wave current and the measurement of the phase angle between the current and voltage waveforms. This is a little less dramatic than the current dump method and the results are the same.

Similar to the testing of batteries, the Dynaload may be used for fuel cell life cyc le testing.