Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Solare Wasserstoff-Tankstelle am Fraunhofer ISE mit vom Fraunhofer ISE seit Jahren betriebenen Brennstoffzellenfahrzeugen.
Fuel Cells for Mobility
© Fraunhofer ISE
Fuel Cell Systems
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Profile
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.
Labs
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).
Characterization of Components, Cells and Stacks
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.
Research Projects on this Topic
- DEKADE – German Canadian Fuel Cell Cooperation: Diagnosis and Development of Components for Automotive Fuel Cells
- SoHMuSDaSS – State-of-Health Modeling and Simulation as well as Diagnostics on Fuel Cells, Stacks and Systems
- BEPPEL – Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers
- AutoStack-CORE – Automotive Fuel Cell Stack Cluster Initiative for Europe II
- HAlMa – H2 and Cation Contamination: Aging Effects, Material and Sensor Development
- QuBK – Qualification of Fuel Cell Components
Characterization of Systems and Peripheral Components
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
Research Projects on this Topic
Development of Stacks and Systems
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
Research Projects on this Topic
Production Research for Fuel Cells
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
Research Projects on this Topic
- DEKADE – German Canadian Fuel Cell Cooperation: Diagnosis and Development of Components for Automotive Fuel Cells
- Resource Efficiency – Development of Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells based on Environmentally Friendly and Energy-Saving Raw Materials
- HyFab-BW - HyFab-Baden-Württemberg
Modelling and Simulation Performed on the Microscale up to the System Level
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