The TUW H₂ Lab is based on a modular experimental platform from Heliocentris and represents a complete hydrogen cycle: from renewably generated electricity through electrolysis, storage and reconversion back to electricity, with feed-in to an island or public grid. Indoor components (fuel cell, hydrogen and energy management subsystems) are connected via an outdoor unit to movable and fixed photovoltaic modules and a small wind turbine. An integrated electronic load allows defined load profiles to be applied for characterisation and optimisation. Standardised 6 mm safety connectors at the DC and AC output modules allow additional consumers to be integrated.

In terms of research, the TUW H₂ Lab in particular addresses questions on flexible operation of electrolysis, on the dynamic coupling of variable renewable sources with chemical storage, and on energy management optimisation in both island and public grid operation. Fine-grained sensors (temperature, pressure and volume flow at all relevant points, plus electrical quantities at every source and sink) provide the data basis for detailed energy and mass balances and for the validation of physics-based and data-driven models.