Fraunhofer ILT is constructing its own hydrogen laboratory, which will provide an ideal environment for optimizing the fuel cell, which is central to hydrogen technology.
Scientists throughout Germany are developing new sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective energy generation and utilization technologies, with hydrogen technology playing a key role. Where energy efficiency and direct use of renewable electricity are insufficient, CO2 emissions can be reduced by producing hydrogen in a climate-friendly manner.
Fraunhofer researchers are working on several projects to improve the cost-effectiveness and demand-driven series production of fuel cells.
Fraunhofer ILT researchers are working on laser processes for producing bipolar plates, which are used in fuel cells. By selectively structuring and coating bipolar plates, their efficiency and functionality can be significantly improved.
The new Fraunhofer ILT Hydrogen Lab will be 300 square meters in size and will house a variety of laser-based experimental facilities of various dimensions and designs. Existing test rigs can be used to evaluate laser-fabricated components for both hydrogen tightness and efficiency.