Test and validate your energy technology at NORCE

At Fantoft in Bergen NORCE offers laboratory facilities for testing small- and medium-scale energy systems, components and advanced equipment. We support industry and research partners with safe testing environments, technical expertise, data logging, supervision and documentation. We can also contribute to design and analysis.

The facilities are relevant for companies, technology developers and research groups working with energy systems, hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolysers, gas-based processes, vibration-sensitive equipment or components that require controlled testing environments.

• Testing of small- and medium-scale energy systems.
• Supervised experiments in secure test cells.
• Continuous data logging and monitoring.
• Testing with hydrogen, methane, ammonia, carbon monoxide and other gases. Our comprehensive gas storage system follows strict safety measures.
• Fuel cell and electrolyser testing.
• Vibration testing according to standards or customer-specific requirements.
• Support in test planning, setup and documentation.
• Access to cleanroom facilities for sensitive equipment.

Below you can read more about our Energy System Lab, Vibration Lab and Cleanroom, and how they can support testing, documentation and technology development.

Energy System Lab

In the energy system lab, you can test your small- to medium-scale energy systems in a secure environment with the possibility of continued supervision and data logging.

It is a modern infrastructure with 5 dedicated test cells equipped for a wide range of experiments and analyses. Each test cell has direct access to 10 different gases and four different power supplies.

Available gases and power supplies

Gases are sourced from an outdoor gas storage unit. The gases allow for versatile testing scenarios towards energy-related experiments.

• Hydrogen,
• methane,
• oxygen,
• nitrogen,
• ammonia,
• carbon monoxide,
• carbon dioxide,
• argon,
• propane, and
• Formier gas (FM5).

• 220V (64Amp AC TN grid),
• 400V (32Amp AC TN grid),
• 24 V (2 Amp DC UPS), and
• 220V (16Amp AC) + 220V UPS

Safety and monitoring

The energy system lab is set up with electrostatic discharge (ESD):

• Dedicated PLS units that trigger Emergency Shutdown System with LEL gases, poisonous gases and fire.
• Electrostatic discharge floor to prevent Static electricity in equipment

We offer 24/7 emergency technical support and possibility for SMS alerts to test manager/test operators

Example of use

If your equipment is exposed to vibration during transport, installation or operation, NORCE can help you test and document whether it meets relevant requirements.

NORCE vibration tests your products according to relevant standards (API 17F) or customer-specific requirements. Depending on the environment where the equipment is to be placed, we tailor tests to suit your needs.

With its expertise in design, calculations, standards, production and testing, NORCE is a perfect partner when it comes to vibration testing of components and equipment.

NORCE has substantial experience in vibration testing for demanding customers within both the space and offshore industries. We know what is required for our customers to receive a valid test certificate.

We will gladly assist in the design phase of your product development.

Equipment/facilities

• Vibrator LDS V804 MK11
• Vibration table LDS LPT 750
• Control unit LDS Laser USB (8 channels).
• Accelerometer Kistler 8732A500/ 8728A500/ 8778A500/ 8776A50M1
• ESD area according to ISO 61340-5-1

Relevant Standards

ISO 13628-6

Our ISO 7 cleanroom can be used for testing and handling sensitive equipment that requires a controlled environment. Contact us to discuss whether the cleanroom is suitable for your project.