5. Performance analysis

5.1 Early life performance

During the R&D phases, it is good practice to qualify the various features of the stack (electrical connection, consistency of electrochemical signatures, pressure resistance, absence of leaks). Measuring the polarization curves of each cell (parallel measurements using an ad hoc sampler) provides an accurate map of the stack's quality and its ability to function properly over extremely long periods (lifespan). The state of the art in this field has shown that, when properly designed and assembled, stacks can operate continuously for tens of thousands of hours, with a typical lifespan of around 70,000 hours. Just as cars are not sold with a guaranteed mileage (it depends on driving, location, and maintenance), electrolyzers are not guaranteed with a...