We support the development of membrane fuel cell systems in portable, stationary and mobile applications by characterizing single cells, cell stacks and entire systems. Furthermore, we test peripheral and cell components under extreme climatic conditions and with regard to their electrochemical resistance.
Our service units related to the topic of Fuel Cell Systems:
In our TestLab Fuel Cells, we characterize and test membrane fuel cells and systems with an electric power rating up to 20 kWel.
In the characterization of fuel cells, we particularly emphasise the detailed investigation of local processes. With the help of our 68-channel system for spatially resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of segmented single cells, we can analyse chemical-physical processes with regard to their dependence on materials, construction and operation management.
Our walk-in climatic chamber allows stacks and systems to be investigated over the temperature range from -40 °C to +80 °C and relative humidity values between 10% and 95%. The high throughput of conditioned air, up to 2000 m3 per hour, is notable. To investigate the behaviour of a fuel cell under conditions similar to those in systems, we can also control peripheral equipment such as pumps, ventilators and valves. Inhomogeneities in the stack are identified reliably by single cell monitoring from the cell voltage and cell impedance spectrum.
Furthermore, we offer long-term tests of peripheral equipment, e.g. with hydrogen input and under extreme climatic conditions. In addition, we have access to an underpressure chamber to simulate altitudes of up to 6000 m. We investigate cell components and materials with respect to their electrochemical stability with a three-electrode configuration and by elemental analysis applying ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).
Unsere begehbare Klimakammer ermöglicht Untersuchungen von Stacks und Systemen bei Temperaturen von -40 °C bis +80 °C und relativen Feuchten zwischen 10 und 95 %. Hervorzuheben ist der hohe Durchsatz klimatisierter Luft bis zu 2000 m³ pro Stunde. Um das Verhalten der Brennstoffzelle unter systemnahen Bedingungen zu untersuchen, können wir auch Peripherieaggregate wie Pumpen, Lüfter und Ventile ansteuern. Inhomogenitäten im Stack identifizieren wir belastbar über Einzelzellmonitoring mit Zellspannung und Zellimpedanzspektrum.
Darüber hinaus bieten wir Langzeittests von Peripherieaggregaten z. B. mit Wasserstoffbeaufschlagung und bei extremen Klimabedingungen an. Außerdem steht uns eine Unterdruckkammer für die Simulation von Höhen bis 6000 m zur Verfügung. Zellkomponenten sowie Werkstoffe untersuchen wir hinsichtlich ihrer elektrochemischen Beständigkeit mit Hilfe eines 3-Elektroden-Aufbaus sowie einer Elementanalyse im ICP-MS.
Since the 1990s we are developing low and high temperature membrane fuel cells as well as direct methanol fuel cells. We are working on simulation, characterization, cell and stack design and also on automated systems. Here we show some examples of our developements over the last years:
Mid of 1990s: We developed our membrane strip fuel cell, for which the single cells are series connected in one plane. This development was nominated for the "Deutsche Zukunftspreis".
2000: in co-operation with the university of Freiburg, institute for micro systems technology (IMTEK) we developed a micro fuel cell. With its micro structured flow channels we could leave out the gas diffusion layer.
2002: we replaced the secondary battery of a commercial camcorder with a completely integrated and miniaturized fuel cell system.
2002: presentation of the world's first laptop integrated fuel cell system. With co-ordination of LG Technology Center Europe we developed a demonstration system together with CETI Clean Energy Technologies Inc. and LG Caltex Oil. Within the same year we successfully finalized a prototype system for General Atomics (USA): a planar fuel cell for integration behind the display of a laptop.
2003: Together with Ambient Recording we presented our HyCam - a fuel cell for a professional broadcast camera.
2004: In contract research for Masterflex we developed the powerbox as power supply for a mobile office. The fuel cell power box gives 50 W power.
2005: Within a consortium of small and medium sized enterprises we developed a fuel cell system, which is optimized for operation under outdoor conditions. A fuel cell system was developed, which can be started, operated and stopped in a wide temperature range from -20 °C up to +40 °C.
2007: Fuel cell system as power supply for a mobile robot platform. The fuel cell system has a nominal power of 350 Wel. Hydrogen is supplied out of two metal hydride storages.
2009: Together with a consortium of small and medium sized enterprises and in close co-operation with FWB Kunststofftechnik we developed a 2 W direct methanol fuel cell system, which consists of four modules of injection moulded micro fuel cells. The micro fuel cells are self breathing. The system can power a GPS system for container tracking over weeks.
2010: High-temperature PEM fuel cell stack with patented pressing device.
2011: Low-temperature PEM fuel cell stack with optimized assembly and cooling elements.
2011: together with our partners bebro electronic, Chemetall, DMT, Freudenberg FCCT and TU Bergakademie Freiberg we developed a portable fuel cell system with 100 Wel power for outdoor use and a temperature range from -15 °C up to +50 °C.
2012: Within a Fraunhofer co-operation we realized a rikshaw with a high temperature PEM fuel cell powertrain in combination with a metal hydride storage from Fraunhofer IFAM.
2013: Low-temperature PEM fuel cell system for an autonomous and outdoor energy supply with a power of 1.5 kWel.
2015: Characterization of segmented (automotive) fuel cells regarding their local performance. By using our unique 68 channel impedance spectroscopy one can optimize its cell design or operating strategy.
on the topic Fuel Cell Systems, held at Hannover Messe Industrie (Hannover Trade Fair) 2019-2015, Group Exhibit Hydrogen & Fuel Cells & Batteries of H2FC-Fair.
Please contact us if you want to use or commercialize one of our patents. Here we present a list of the patents granted. Other registered patents are still in the application process.
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
