DuraFuelCell: Multi-scale investigation for the development of durable and efficient hydrogen fuel cell systems for mobile and stationary applications

• Subject Area: Materials Science ; Chemical Solid State and Surface Research ; Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ; Mechanics and Constructive Mechanical Engineering ; Fluid Mechanics, Technical Thermodynamics and Thermal Energy Engineering ; Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528480942

The DuraFuelCell Research Impulse aims to provide a decisive impetus for the implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology in stationary and heavy-duty transportation applications through interdisciplinary and cross-connected knowledge-oriented research. The overall goal is to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of all relevant parts and scales of a fuel cell system as a function of operating conditions in order to positively influence two of the biggest challenges for commercialization: system efficiency and lifetime. This will be achieved by investigating deactivation and its mitigation in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells using a systematic, cross-scale combination of experimental and computational research as well as materials and component development with new spectroscopic, electrochemical and sensoric operando techniques. These investigations start with the elucidation of the first molecular activation and deactivation steps and continue with the analysis of aging effects in single membrane electrode assemblies and in fuel cell stacks up to complete fuel cell systems including balance of plant. The project goals will be addressed in six main research units: A) Understanding fuel cell degradation on a molecular scale, B) Understanding dynamics of fuel cell degradation processes, C) Development of degradation-resistant fuel cell materials, D) Understanding degradation and development of mitigation strategies on fuel cell stack level, E) Impact of balance of plant (gas supply system) on degradation and efficiency in fuel cell systems for heavy-duty transportation applications and F) Understanding degradation and efficiency in fuel cell systems for stationary applications. In addition, three cross-sectional projects will support the six main research units: G) Data-based trend and scenario research, H) Innovative photonic sensors for fuel cell condition monitoring and I) Simulation and modelling of aging processes. The DuraFuelCell Research Impulse therefore bundles expertise in the fields of materials science, electrochemistry, chemical analysis, sensor technology, power electronics, thermal management, vehicle technology, construction and building services engineering, multi-physical simulation, and trend and scenario analysis, thus enabling a holistic and cross-scale view on the fundamentals of fuel cell aging and efficiency as a function of operating conditions in stationary and heavy-duty transportation applications. Close ties with industry and society ensure that the fundamental scientific results are directly transferred to subsequent applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Impulses
• Applicant Institution: Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm
• Participating Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt; Technische Universität Hamburg; Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Maik Eichelbaum
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr.-Ing. Georgios Bikas; Professor Dr. Ralph Blum; Professor Dr.-Ing. Rainer Engelbrecht; Professorin Dr. Uta Helbig; Professor Dr.-Ing. André Leonide; Professor Dr. Jan Lohbreier; Professor Dr.-Ing. Frank Opferkuch; Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Ulmer