Fuel Cell Technologies

What Fuel Cell Technologies does

Fuel Cell Technologies, Inc. (FCT) is a privately held, New Mexico-incorporated manufacturer of fuel cell testing hardware, founded in 1993 by Chuck Derouin (President/CEO) and Don McMurry (V.P. Software). Both founders previously spent over 15 years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Fuel Cell Core Research Program, giving the company deep roots in the foundational period of modern fuel cell technology development and providing the technical foundation for its product designs.

The company's product platform consists of LabVIEW-based test stations, an optional AC Impedance measurement capability using the Sines Correlation Method on National Instruments hardware, precision-machined Poco Graphite Block cell hardware (sized 5 to 100 cm² with serpentine flow patterns), and Nafion-tubing-based humidification systems built into type 316 stainless steel bottles for dew-point humidification. Active catalog items include the Mini-Test Station ($16,500), Low Flow Humidification Systems ($10,200–$14,400 with and without analog mass flow controllers), Poco Graphite Blocks ($790–$1,200 across sizes), cell hardware assemblies (quote-priced due to gold-content volatility), humidity bottle assemblies ($1,500), and stand-alone controllers ($1,095). The company has discontinued manufacturing of full-scale Fuel Cell Test Stations, narrowing its commercial scope to smaller stations, components, and accessories while maintaining service to existing customers.

FCT operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through its own storefront (online catalog, account registration, and quote-based ordering for custom configurations) supplemented by a seven-country network of regional representatives covering China (Hesen Electric), Japan (Hohsen Corporation), Korea (Scitech Korea), Malaysia (Horizon FC Malaysia), India (Sinsil International), Israel (Weis Scientific), and Turkey (Interelektro). Pricing is fixed and one-time across the catalog, with international orders incurring an additional 10% handling fee and multi-currency support (USD, EUR, GBP). The customer base is horizontally defined — fuel cell R&D laboratories at universities, national labs, and corporate research groups — and the company positions itself as a 'World Standard' supplier of fuel cell testing hardware with a power range of 2 mW to 5 kW.

Name

Fuel Cell Technologies

Legal name

Fuel Cell Technologies, Inc.

Website

https://fuelcelltechnologies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Fuel Cell Technologies is a privately held New Mexico manufacturer of fuel cell testing hardware — LabVIEW test stations, AC Impedance systems, Poco Graphite cell hardware, and Nafion humidification — serving R&D laboratories globally through e-commerce and a seven-country representative network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fuel Cell Testing Equipment

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEUAFABAK

Formation, Testing & Quality/Metrology Equipment for Batteries

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Energy Storage & Grid Flexibility (Batteries, Hydrogen Storage, Demand Response)/Battery Materials, Cells & Packs Manufacturing

Keywords

• Fuel cell testing equipment
• Hydrogen R&D hardware
• AC impedance test stations
• Gas humidification systems
• Fuel cell cell hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Albuquerque

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of fuel cell test stations, humidification systems, cell hardware, and accessories. Products are sold directly through e-commerce with pricing ranging from $790 to $16,500 for individual items.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Fuel Cell Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells fuel cell testing hardware and components for R&D laboratories, including Mini-Test Stations, custom full-scale Fuel Cell Test Stations, Low Flow Humidification Systems, humidity bottle assemblies, and single Cell Hardware ranging from 5 to 100 cm2 with matched Poco Graphite Blocks. Systems are controlled by proprietary LabVIEW-based software and can be ordered with an optional AC Impedance measurement module, supporting power ranges from 2 mW to 5 kW.

Product overview

Fuel Cell Technologies offers a portfolio of fuel cell testing hardware and components for R&D applications. The core product line includes Mini-Test Stations and full-scale Fuel Cell Test Stations (now discontinued) for testing single cells and stacks, with power ranges from 2 mW to 5 kW. The product ecosystem integrates humidification systems and humidity bottles (using Nafion tubing for dew-point humidification) that work with cell hardware assemblies. Cell Hardware products consist of paired Poco Graphite Blocks in various sizes (5-100 cm2) with machined flow patterns, gold-plated connectors, and aluminum end plates. The company also offers stand-alone controllers and the entire system is controlled via LabVIEW-based software with optional AC Impedance capability for accurate impedance measurements using the Sines Correlation Method with National Instruments hardware.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mini-Test Station Compact test station for low current fuel cell testing, designed to be used with a customer's Potentiostat as a load. Includes analog mass flow controllers for Anode and Cathode gas streams, humidity bottles with preheaters and temperature controllers, and a cell temperature controller with manual backpressure (0-60 psig). Priced at $16,500.
• Low Flow Humidification System Gas humidification system featuring dual temperature controllers including output gas line heaters, on/off bypass valves, sight glass for each humidity bottle, and automatic water fill. Includes anode and cathode low flow humidity bottles with 1 meter of Nafion tubing each. Priced from $10,200 to $14,400.
• Low Flow Humidification System with Analog Mass Flow Controllers Gas humidification system with analog mass flow controllers featuring digital LED readout and potentiometer. Available in flow ranges of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 sccm. Includes anode and cathode low flow humidity bottles with 1 meter of Nafion tubing each. Priced from $10,200 to $14,400 depending on flow range.
• Low-Flow Humidity Bottle Assembly Humidity bottle assembly made from type 316 stainless steel with welded Swagelok fittings. Contains Nafion tubing coiled in a stainless steel spring for support to provide dew-point humidity. Includes flex heater, insulation, type T thermocouple, and sight glass. Priced at $1,500.
• 5 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 5 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined serpentine flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and two cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing due to gold cost volatility.
• 10 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 10 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing.
• 16 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 16 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing.
• 25 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 25 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing.
• 50 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 50 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing.
• 100 cm2 Cell Hardware Fuel cell hardware assembly for 100 cm2 cell testing. Includes pair of Poco Graphite Blocks with precision-machined flow-pattern, gold plated connectors, aluminum end plates, Swagelok fittings, thermocouple well, and cartridge heaters. MEA not included. Quote required for pricing.
• 5 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 5 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern. Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $790.
• 10 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 10 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern. Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $790.
• 16 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 16 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern (standard is single serpentine). Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $790.
• 25 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 25 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern (standard is triple serpentine). Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $840.
• 50 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 50 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern. Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $1,050.
• 100 cm2 Poco Graphite Blocks Pair of Poco Graphite Blocks for 100 cm2 cells with customer-specified flow-pattern (standard is quad serpentine). Machined from blank pyrosealed block; flow paths are not pyrosealed so gases/liquids contact raw graphite. Priced at $1,200.
• Dual Humidification Temperature Controller Stand-alone temperature controller with SSR for humidity bottle and preheater. Controls dual temperature zones for gas humidification systems. Does not include humidity bottle. Priced at $1,095.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered regional and minor.

• Hesen Electric Co., LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for China market. Contact: Juddy Zheng. Phone: 86-21-64077304. Email: [email protected]
• Hohsen CorporationregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for Japan market. Contact: Kazuo Tagawa (President). Phone: (03)5718-0023. Email: [email protected]
• Scitech Korea Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for Korea market. Contact: Alex Ahn. Phone: (02) 986-4413. Email: [email protected]
• Horizon FC Malaysia Sdn BhdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for Malaysia market. Contact: Joseph Koh.
• Sinsil International Pvt. Ltd.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for India market. Contact: Dr. Ramesh Krishnamoorthy. Phone: 022-25895077/8694. Email: [email protected]
• Weis ScientificregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for Israel market. Contact: Ayala Lubel. Phone: 9724-644-1575. Email: [email protected]
• InterelektroregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional representative for Turkey market. Contact: Mustafa Ertan. Phone: 90-312-285-2500. Email: [email protected]
• Ion Power (MEA Distributor)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) Distributor on customer support page. Website: http://www.ion-power.com/catalystcoatedmembranes.html

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Arbin Instruments: Supplies battery and fuel cell testing systems used in cell and stack-level R&D and production. Direct competitor in fuel cell test stations serving similar university and OEM lab customers as FCT.
• Scribner Associates: Specializes in fuel cell and electrochemical test equipment, including fuel cell test stations and impedance analyzers. Directly comparable to FCT as the most recognized specialty competitor in fuel cell R&D test hardware.
• Bio-Logic: Manufactures electrochemical workstations and impedance analyzers widely used in fuel cell and battery R&D. Comparable to FCT in serving laboratory electrochemical testing buyers with bench-scale instrumentation.
• Gamry Instruments: Designs and builds potentiostats and electrochemical measurement instruments for fuel cell, battery, and corrosion research. Overlaps with FCT on impedance and electrochemical performance characterization for fuel cell R&D.
• Maccor: Provides fuel cell and battery test equipment for laboratory and production environments. Comparable to FCT in product category and customer base, with broader scale across the energy storage test market.
• HORIBA FuelCon: Offers fuel cell test stations and evaluation systems for stacks and short stacks under the HORIBA group. Closest large-scale direct peer to FCT in fuel cell-specific test station hardware.
• Greenlight Innovation: Supplies fuel cell test stations, load banks, and related instrumentation for fuel cell R&D and QC. Directly comparable niche specialist competing with FCT for the same laboratory customer set.

Broad incumbents

• AMETEK (Solartron Analytical): Through Solartron Analytical, AMETEK offers precision electrochemical and impedance analyzers used in fuel cell and battery research. A larger, diversified instrumentation incumbent whose offerings overlap with FCT's AC impedance capabilities.
• Keysight Technologies: Global electronic test and measurement leader offering power analyzers, source measure units, and impedance analyzers applicable to fuel cell characterization. Broader portfolio than FCT, but addresses overlapping buyer workflows in electrochemical and electrical performance testing.

Others

• NI (formerly National Instruments, now Emerson): Provides the National Instruments data acquisition and modular instrumentation hardware (referenced explicitly by FCT in its Sines Correlation Method) that underpins many fuel cell test platforms. Functions as both a critical supplier dependency and an adjacent ecosystem player rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fuel Cell Technologies