Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Fuel Cells for Mobility

© Fraunhofer ISE

Fuel Cell Systems

In the research topicFuel Cell Systems, our work focuses on the following fields of work:

 

© Fraunhofer ISE

Characterization of Components, Cells and Stacks

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© Fraunhofer ISE

Characterization of Systems and Peripheral Components

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© Fraunhofer ISE

Development of Stacks and Systems

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© Fraunhofer ISE

Production Research for Fuel Cells

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© Fraunhofer ISE

Modelling and Simulation Performed on the Microscale up to the System Level

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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.

In addition to our research and development on fuel cell systems, we offer our customers characterization services in our laboratory center:

Center for Fuel Cells, Electrolysis and Synthetic Fuels

In the “Center for Fuel Cells, Electrolysis and Synthetic Fuels”, components and sub-systems for hydrogen technology are tested and characterized with scientifically based methods for applications in the fields of PEM electrolysis, PEM fuel cells (particularly for automotive applications), Power-to-Gas (PtG), Power-to-Liquid (PtL) and Power-to-Chemicals (PtC).

Selected Research Projects

 

© Fraunhofer ISE/Foto: Sven Ehlers

HAlMa

H2 and Cation Contamination: Aging Effects, Material and Sensor Development

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© baltic Fuel Cells GmbH

QuBK

Qualification of Fuel Cell Components

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© Fraunhofer ISE

DEKADE

German Canadian Fuel Cell Cooperation: Diagnosis and Development of Components for Automotive Fuel Cells

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© Fraunhofer ISE

BEPPEL

Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers

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Ulf Groos

Contact Press / Media

Ulf Groos

Fuel Cell Systems

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5202

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Matthias Klingele

Single Cell Characterization, Materials, and Production Technologies

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5432

Stefan Keller

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Stefan Keller

Characterization of Stacks and Systems

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5207

Nada Zamel

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Dr. Nada Zamel

Characterization of Contamination Effects

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5432

Dietmar Gerteisen

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Dietmar Gerteisen

Fuel Cell Characterization and Modelling

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5205

Timo Kurz

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Timo Kurz

Development of Stacks, Systems and Test Stations

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5205

Thomas Jungmann

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Thomas Jungmann

Standardization and Test of System Components

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5213

Roman Keding

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Roman Keding

Production Research for Fuel Cells

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5827

Characterization of Components, Cells and Stacks

Multi-channel system with 68 potentiostats
© Fraunhofer ISE
Teststand for spatially resolved characterization of single cells with a multi-channel system with 68 potentiostats.
  • To investigate the cell design, for the material and component selection and the development of operating strategies, we perform spatially resolved measurements on segmented single cells with up to 68 channels and currents up to 790 A. For the characterizations, we make use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
  • To investigate stack designs and develop operating strategies, we characterize fuel cells with currents up to 1000 A. We perform single cell monitoring in the cell stack measuring single cell voltage. For stack characterization on the system level, we trigger periphery components (purge valve, anode recirculation pump, cathode air supply, cooling, etc.).
  • Characterization of cell components and life time investigations on membrane electrode assemblies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, limited current measurement, and CO stripping. 

Characterization of Systems and Peripheral Components

Test stand together with multi channel system
© Fraunhofer ISE
Test stand together with multi channel system for fuel cell stack and system characterization in climate chamber.
  • Screening tests performed on peripheral components under exterme climate conditions
  • Investigation of chemical resistance of cell and system components for use in fuel cell systems. Surface analyses with ESEM/EDX, ICP-MS for the element analysis in liquid solutions i.e. in product water.
  • Field test monitoring, preparation of expert reports and scientific studies

Development of Stacks and Systems

© Fraunhofer ISE
1.5 kW fuel cell system from the ”Enersta“ project.
  • Validating cell, stack and system design for powers ranging up to 50 kW
  • Development of customized fuel cell test stands according to customer specifications
  • Development and experimental validation of control strategies, controls and power electronics
  • Development of safety techniques for hydrogen technology

Modelling and Simulation Performed on the Microscale up to the System Level

Modelling a fuel cell electrode
© Fraunhofer ISE
Modelling a fuel cell electrode with inhomogenious parameter distribution.
  • Analytic modelling of the electrodes, e.g. for investigating performance and degradation depending on potentail- and load cycling
  • Computational fluid dynamics for validating cell and stack designs
  • System modelling for optimizing the system efficiency. We can investigate the effects of different operating strategies

Production Research for Fuel Cells

Screen printing process for catalyst layers
© Fraunhofer ISE
Screen printing process for catalyst layers.
  • Conceptual design of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA)
  • Evaluation of machines, components, and materials (raw materials, pastes and inks, membranes)
  • Paste and ink development inclusive homogenization and characterization
  • Development of processes and methods for quality control along the complete MEA value chain
  • Ex-situ and in-situ characterization of layers and cell components
  • Techno-economic analysis of production processes

Presentations

on the topic Fuel Cell Systems, held at the Deutsche Wasserstoffvollversammlung 2021 and Hannover Messe Industrie (Hannover Trade Fair) 2019

Publications

 

YearTitle/AuthorDocument Type
2021QuBK*: Qualifizierung von Brennstoffzellenkomponenten: Vortrag gehalten bei der Deutschen Wasserstoffversammlung, Berlin, Germany, January 27, 2021
Groos, U.; Klingele, M.; Schneider, P.		Presentation
20203D lattice Boltzmann modeling of droplet motion in PEM fuel cell channel with realistic GDL microstructure and fluid properties
Hou, Y.; Deng, H.; Zamel, N.; Du, Q.; Jiao, K.		Journal Article
2020Abschlussbericht für das Verbundvorhaben "Deutsch-Kanadische Brennstoffzellenkooperation: Diagnose und Entwicklung von Komponenten für automobile Brennstoffzellen" (Dekade*): Laufzeit: 01.01.2017-31.12.2019
Zamel, N.; Gerteisen, D.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Schneider, P.D.; Groos, U.		Report
2020Chemische Degradation von Brennstoffzellen-Membranen: Ex-situ Analyse in Fenton-Tests
Prass, S.; Georg, A.; Zamel, N.		Journal Article
2020Full Parametric Study of the Influence of Ionomer Content, Catalyst Loading and Catalyst Type on Oxygen and Ion Transport in PEM Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers
Alink, Robert; Singh, Rajveer; Schneider, Patrick; Christmann, Kläre; Schall, Johannes; Keding, Roman; Zamel, Nada		Journal Article
2020Fundamentals, Materials, and Machine Learning of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Technology
Wang, Y.; Seo, B.; Wang, B.; Zamel, N.; Jiao, K.; Adroher, X.C.		Journal Article
2020Impact of cyclic mechanical compression on the electrical contact resistance between the gas diffusion layer and the bipolar plate of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Bouziane, K.; Khetabi, E.M.; Lachat, R.; Zamel, N.; Meyer, Y.; Candusso, D.		Journal Article
2020Production of Catalyst Coated Membranes for Low Temperature PEM Fuel Cells: Presentation held at International Conference on Energy and Al, Tianjin, China (R.O.), 09.01.2020-11.01.2020
Zamel, N.; Schneider, P.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Keding, R.; Singh, R.		Presentation
2019Abschlussbericht für das Verbundvorhaben "SoHMuSDaSS: Sate-of-Health-Modellierung und Simulation, sowie Diagnose an Brennstoffzellen, -stapeln und systemen": Teilprojekt: Alterungseffekte an Laboreinzelzellen und Systemen; Laufzeit: 01.08.2015-31.12.2018
Groos, U.; Sadeler, C.		Report
2019Advanced Characterization of Fuel Cell Stacks: Presentation held at Hydrogen and Fuel Cells EUROPE 2019, Hannover, Germany, April 4th, 2019
Keller, S.		Presentation
2019Analysis of Processes Appearing in the Catalyst Layer During the Break-In Procedure of a PEM Fuel Cell: Presentation held at 8th International Conference on Fundamentals and Development of Fuel Cells 2019, Nantes, France, 12.02.2019-14.02.2019
Christmann, K.; Alink, R.; Groos, U.		Presentation
2019Break-In of membrane electrode assemblies - State of knowledge and analysis of processes appearing: Presentation held at FDFC 2019, 8th Fundamentals & Development of Fuel Cells, Nantes, February 14, 2019
Christmann, Kläre; Alink, Robert; Groos, Ulf		Presentation
2019Effect of Fuel Impurities (CO, CO2, H2S) on PEMFCs with Ultra-low Loaded Anodic Catalyst Layers: Presentation held at 8th International Conference on Fundamentals and Development of Fuel Cells 2019, University of Nantes, France, 12.02.2019-14.02.2019
Prass, S.		Presentation
2019Effects of ionomer gradients in cathode catalyst layers: Presentation held at Canada-Germany Workshop "Quality Control for Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers", Freiburg, Germany, 12.09.2019-13.09.2019
Schneider, P.; Zamel, N.; Singh, R.; Christmann, K.; Keding, R.; Klingele, M.		Presentation
2019Fast and Reliable State-of-Health Model of a PEM Cathode Catalyst Layer
Schneider, P.; Sadeler, C.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Zamel, N.; Gerteisen, D.		Journal Article
2019FuelCells4Future - Mit Brennstoffzellen in eine nachhaltige Zukunft?!: Vortrag am Max-Planck-Gymnasium, Lahr, 29.11.2019
Keller, S.; Jungmann, T.		Presentation
2019Latest findings from the canadian-german fuel cell collaboration: Presentation held at HFC 2019, Hydrogen & Fuel Cells, Vancouver, May 23rd, 2019
Groos, Ulf		Presentation
2019Modelling and Validation of Potential-Induced Degradation in the Cathode Catalyst Layer of PEMFC: Presentation held at 16th ModVal 2019, Braunschweig, Germany, 12.03.2019-13.03.2019
Gerteisen, D.; Schneider, P.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Park, J.; Suh, K.-W.; Sadeler, C.		Presentation
2019State-of-Health Modelling and Analysis of Potential-Induced Degradation: Presentation held at 8th Fundamentals & Development of Fuel Cells, FDFC 2019, Nantes, France, February 14, 2019
Scherzer, A.; Sadeler, C.; Schneider, P.; Gerteisen, D.		Presentation
2018Characteristic time constants derived from the low-frequency arc of impedance spectra of fuel cell stacks
Keller, S.; Özel, T.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Gerteisen, D.; Groos, U.; Hebling, C.; Manoli, Y.		Journal Article
2018Elektrodenalterung an Laboreinzelzellen: Vortrag gehalten beim Abschlussworkshop SoHMuSDaSS 2018, Duisburg, Germany, 20.11.2018-21.11.2018
Sadeler, C.		Presentation
2018Heating of low and high temperature PEM fuel cells with alternating current
Kurz, T.; Küfner, F.; Gerteisen, D.		Journal Article
2018LADOG - Brennstoffzelle und Batterie als Dieselersatz: Das Emissionsfreie Kommunalfahrzeug
Keller, S.; Christmann, K.; Heuer, A.		Journal Article
2018Qualifizierung von Brennstoffzellenkomponenten (QuBK): Vortrag gehalten auf der NOW-Vollversammlung, Berlin, Germany, 05. Dezember 2018
Groos, U.; Alink, R.; Zedda, M.		Presentation
2018Selecting The Best MEA for Your Cell Design and Your Operation Strategy: Presentation held at Hannover Trade Fair Group Exhibit Hydrogen & Fuel Cells & Batteries, Hannover, April 24, 2018
Groos, U.		Presentation
2018Simulation von potentialgetriebenen Degradationsprozessen: Vortrag gehalten auf dem Abschlussworkshop SoHMuSDaSS 2018, Duisburg, Germany, 20./21.11.2018
Scherzer, A.-C.; Schneider, P.; Sadeler, C.; Zamel, N.; Gerteisen, D.		Presentation
2017Canadian German Fuel Cell Research Cooperation: Presentation held at HFC 2017, Hydrogen & Fuel Cells, Vancouver, June 5th-6th, 2017
Groos, U.; Gerteisen, D.; Hebling, C.		Presentation
2017Characterization of PEM fuel cells by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: Presentation held at Heraeus Seminar "Next Generation Polymer Membrane Fuel Cell" 2017, Bad Honnef, Germany, 02.-05.07.2017
Gerteisen, D.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Keller, S.		Presentation
2017In-situ testing methods for membrane-electrode-assemblies: Presentation held at EVS30, International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition, Stuttgart, Germany, 09-11 October, 2017
Groos, U.		Presentation
2017A modular fuel cell battery hybrid propulsion system for powering small utility vehicles: Presentation held at 14th IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference, VPPC 2017, Belfort, France, December 11th - 14th, 2017
Keller, S.; Christmann, K.; Sanchez-Arjona Gonzalez, M.; Heuer, A.		Presentation
2016Analyzing the influence of high electrode potentials on intrinsic properties of catalyst coated membranes using impedance spectroscopy
Alink, R.; Schüßler, M.; Pospischil, M.; Erath, D.; Gerteisen, D.		Journal Article
2016Analyzing the Temporal Development of the Cathode Catalyst Layer Properties During Accelerated Stress Tests: Presentation held at Fuel Cells Science and Technology 2016 2016, Glasgow, Great Britain, 13.04.2016-14.04.2016
Sadeler, C.; Gerteisen, D.; Groos, U.		Presentation
2016Einführung in die Normung der Brennstoffzellentechnologie: Vortrag gehalten auf dem Workshop Zulassung, Zertifizierung. Normung 2016, Duisburg, Germany, 16.02.2016-17.02.2016
Jungmann, T.		Presentation
2016Etablierung international harmonisierter Testprotokolle - Forschungsinstitute als neutrale Instanzen: Vortrag gehalten auf dem 3. Marktplatz Zulieferer Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellentechnologie 2016, Berlin, Germany, 10. März 2016
Groos, U.		Presentation
2016German Developments in Fuel Cell Technology
Groos, U.		Journal Article
2016Impedance spectroscopy of PEM fuel cells with large geometric area - challenges and opportunities: Presentation held at Modval 13, Lausanne, Switzerland, March 22nd, 2016
Gerteisen, D.; Scherzer, A.-C.; Keller, S.; Zamel, N.; Groos, U.		Presentation
2016In-Situ Characterization of Single Cells and Their Components: Presentation held at Technical Forum Hannover Trade Fair 2016, Hannover, Germany, 28.04.2016-28.04.2016
Groos, U.		Presentation
2016Investigation of inhomogenieties in automotive fuel cell stacks: Presentation held at Conference "World of Energy Solutions", Stuttgart, Germany, October 11th, 2016
Groos, U.; Keller, S.		Presentation
2016Korrosion von Bipolarplatten in PEM-Elektrolyseuren und Brennstoffzellen
Georg, A.		Book Article
2016Möglichkeiten zur Charakterisierung im Feld - Teststandsentwicklung im Projekt MinimAl-Luft: Vortrag gehalten beim Status-Workshop "Einfluss von Luftschadstoffen auf PEM-Brennstoffzellen", Duisburg, 28. Januar 2016
Groos, U.; Kurz, T.; Ammon, G.; Hahn, D.; Leible, V.; Raimann, P.		Presentation
This publication list has been generated from the publication database Fraunhofer-Publica.