Advancing Hydrogen Mobility: Enhancing Fuel Cell Reliability in Commercial Vehicles
Key Ideas
  • Hydrogen fuel cells show promise in electric mobility for commercial vehicles, with Fraunhofer researchers focusing on improving reliability.
  • New reliability assessment methods are being developed to deepen understanding of complex loads on fuel cells, potentially enhancing safety and efficiency.
  • The online event on April 15 will showcase innovative approaches like vibration analysis and diagnostic methods for fuel cell stack evaluation.
  • Fraunhofer LBF experts are combining experimental tests and simulations to analyze the impact of vibrations on fuel cell stack reliability and propose enhancements.
Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a promising solution for the future of electric mobility, particularly in the commercial vehicle industry. Fraunhofer researchers are addressing the challenges associated with implementing these fuel cells by focusing on enhancing their efficiency and reliability. The use of low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in commercial vehicles exposes them to various complex mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical stresses. The effects of these stressors on the safety and reliability of fuel cell stacks are currently underexplored, prompting the development of new reliability assessment methods to offer a deeper insight into these complexities. The 'multiPEM' project led by Fraunhofer involves researchers from four institutes collaborating on innovative analysis and evaluation methods for assessing the reliability of fuel cell stacks under multiple physical and chemical stresses. The upcoming online event on April 15, 2025, will present the latest findings from this project, covering topics such as the impact and evaluation of vibration effects and pollutants, new diagnostic methods involving computer tomography and magnetic field analysis, and microstructure analysis. Interested parties from the industry and business sectors focusing on the future of mobility are encouraged to register for this event. Fraunhofer LBF experts are actively developing test methods at the laboratory level to quickly and flexibly assess system reliability, even without the completed vehicle. Their approach combines experimental tests and simulations in diverse physical environments, with a specific emphasis on analyzing the influence of vibrations on fuel cell stack reliability. New testing approaches on shakers are being designed to derive enhancements for fuel cell stacks. Overall, the efforts by Fraunhofer researchers highlight the dedication to advancing hydrogen mobility by enhancing the reliability of fuel cell technology in commercial vehicles, thus paving the way for more sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
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