The Linz engineering site of Bosch, a global leader in the automotive industry, has long been associated with the development of diesel injection systems for commercial vehicles. However, with the increasing demand for clean energy solutions and the push towards decarbonization, the site is now also heavily involved in the development of hydrogen stacks, which are expected to play a key role in the future of green energy.
According to Christian Ganser, who manages the business at the Linz engineering center, the site has a rich history with injectors, which are components used to inject fuel, typically diesel, into combustion engines. The site, which was originally under the Voestalpine umbrella before Bosch took over in 1990, has grown from a handful of employees working on injection pumps to a team of 240 dedicated professionals focused on developing cutting-edge technologies.
One of the key innovations that the Linz engineering center has contributed to is the common rail injector technology, which uses high-pressure fuel injection to improve emissions and efficiency in diesel engines. The injection pressure has increased significantly over the years, with current systems capable of reaching up to 2500 bar, compared to just over 1300 bar in the past. These advancements have helped make diesel engines more socially acceptable and have contributed to the success of diesel engines in commercial vehicles with high power output, reaching up to 2000 hp.
However, with the emergence of “megatrends” in the automotive industry, such as networking, digitization, and electrification, the future of diesel engines has come into question. While commercial vehicles may still rely on diesel engines for the foreseeable future, there is a growing need for transformation topics to keep up with changing market demands and to explore new opportunities.
This is where hydrogen comes into the picture. Hydrogen is recognized as a key component in the decarbonization process, and Bosch is investing heavily in hydrogen technologies at its Linz engineering site. With an investment of 18 million euros, the company is focusing on the development of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources, in contrast to gray hydrogen, which is produced using natural gas.
One of the first projects at the Linz site is the development of an H2 tank valve, which is a highly complex component that includes all safety functions. Ganser explains that a tank is always needed, whether the hydrogen is used for fuel cells or burned directly. However, the heart of Bosch’s hydrogen initiatives at the Linz site is an electrolysis stack, which is scheduled to be launched in 2025.
The electrolysis stack, developed in the Engineering Center, is structurally interesting as it is about the size of a ballpoint pen but weighs as much as two washing machines stacked on top of each other, totaling 2.3 tons. It operates by passing large quantities of ultrapure water through it, applying DC voltage with a connected load of 1250 kW, ultimately producing oxygen and 23 kg of hydrogen per hour. What sets this electrolysis stack apart from the conventional alkali electrolysis is the use of PEM technology, which stands for Proton Exchange Membrane.
PEM technology is more dynamic and better suited for interacting with alternative power sources, as it can quickly respond to fluctuations in the power supply, making it ideal for renewable energy applications. This makes the electrolysis stack a promising solution for producing green hydrogen, which can be used as a clean and sustainable source of energy for various applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes.
The goals of Bosch’s hydrogen initiatives at the Linz engineering site are aligned with the broader push towards decarbonization and the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
