30 years of CVM from SMART TESTSOLUTIONS
by Silke Thole |
Image: Shutterstock
Cell voltage monitoring was long a concern for development departments and test benches. Today, it is a key component for the safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of electrochemical energy systems. With the increasing complexity of fuel cell and electrolysis applications, the role of cell voltage measurement has changed fundamentally.
SMART TESTSOLUTIONS has been developing solutions for single-cell voltage measurement (Cell Voltage Monitoring, CVM) for over 30 years – from the first laboratory applications right through to integration into production-ready systems. This anniversary provides an opportunity to examine why CVM is a key technology today.
From development tool to system-critical function
In the early years, Cell Voltage Monitoring served primarily to improve our understanding of electrochemical cell systems. Developers used cell-specific measurement data to analyse degradation mechanisms, define operating windows and validate new stack designs.
However, with the transition from pilot projects to industrial applications, the requirements have shifted significantly. Today, CVM is no longer merely a diagnostic tool, but an integral part of the overall system. Cell voltage data feeds into control units, safety concepts and operating strategies – in both fuel cell powertrains and electrolysis plants. This significantly increases the demands on measurement accuracy, signal stability, scalability and long-term availability.
Image: SMART TESTSOLUTIONS
Why experience in cell voltage monitoring is crucial
At first glance, measuring cell voltage may seem trivial. In practice, however, it is not. A large number of channels, limited space, electromagnetic interference, temperature ranges from −40 to +105 °C, and service life requirements of tens of thousands of operating hours place high demands on measurement systems and their integration.
What’s more, CVM does not operate in isolation. Reliable measurement data can only be obtained when CVM works in conjunction with mechanical systems, cabling, communication and higher-level system architectures. It is precisely at this interface that it is determined whether CVM delivers added value in real-world operation – or becomes a source of errors.
Three decades of experience show that successful cell voltage monitoring is less a matter of individual components than of a well-designed system architecture.
One technological approach – from the test bench to series production
SMART TESTSOLUTIONS has therefore always taken a holistic approach. CVM solutions are developed to be usable throughout all phases: from research and development, through validation and prototyping, right through to series implementation.
Importantly, our solutions are complete systems comprising measurement technology, mechanical components for mounting the CVM on the fuel cell or electrolyser, and the necessary contacting of the individual cells in the respective cell stack. Cell contacting in particular is often a tricky business. Over the past 30 years, SMART TESTSOLUTIONS has developed many different variants and can therefore draw on a wealth of experience when implementing voltage tapping on the cells.
What begins on the test bench is specifically developed for industrial applications – with a focus on robustness, reproducibility and integrability. This allows development data to be utilised consistently and insights from the early stages to be transferred directly into series production. This consistency is a crucial factor, particularly in hydrogen and energy systems, where safety, availability and efficiency are closely interlinked.
Personal exchanges at international hydrogen events
For SMART TESTSOLUTIONS, 2026 marks 30 years of cell voltage monitoring. Throughout the year, we will be exploring this topic in various formats – with the aim of contextualising technological developments and showcasing practical, real-world applications. We will also be attending leading hydrogen trade fairs and conferences this year. We kick off from 19 to 21 May with the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam. You’ll find us there at the German Pavilion, stand number 4B90k. In the autumn, you’ll also find us at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg.
At both events, we will be available for personal discussions about cell voltage monitoring, test systems and measurement solutions for fuel cells and electrolysers.
Don’t want to wait that long? Then get in touch directly with Davide De Giorgi or Markus Schuster. Simply send an email to info@smart-ts.de.
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