Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKSSave and circular hydrogen technology
The safety and reliability of hydrogen-exposed materials and components are essential prerequisites for establishing hydrogen as a future renewable energy carrier or storage system. Increasing the acceptance of hydrogen by validating and improving the reliability and safety of hydrogen-carrying components are key challenges for emission-free mobility and supply infrastructure. At the same time, the recyclability of the materials used plays a central role in securing raw materials and resources as well as in reducing the carbon footprint. In this context, the Fraunhofer Performance Center GreenMat4H2 will present current analysis concepts and individual validation methods for materials and systems in the field of hydrogen technology at the Hessian joint booth at the Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE (Hall 13, Booth C36).
Reliability and durability of hydrogen-coated systems
At the Hannover Messe, Fraunhofer researchers will present the latest developments in monitoring systems for hydrogen tanks. These work cost-effectively and durably according to the principle of acoustic emission. In addition, evaluation methods and test methods for the reliability and lifetime estimation of polymeric and metallic materials as well as entire systems, such as fuel cells, from the hydrogen economy will be presented. The focus is on commercial vehicles, which carry a combination of battery and fuel cell for energy supply. The multiphysical consideration of all damage influences in mobile systems is the basis of reliability modeling.
Circular economy for hydrogen economy systems and components
With regard to the topic of circular economy, the Fraunhofer expert teams present a sustainable process for the processing of fuel cells. The verified recycling approach of mechanical pretreatment and chemical separation processes is able to separate high-quality material fractions, in particular from valuable catalyst materials such as the metals of the platinum group, from the other materials, in particular from fluorine-based plastics. This ensures that fuel cell technology is sustainable and cost-efficient not only in terms of application, but also in terms of its entire life cycle.
High Performance Center Hydrogen Hessen – Green Materials for Hydrogen
Fraunhofer IWKS and Fraunhofer LBF are pooling their expertise in the Hydrogen High Performance Center Hessen »GreenMat4H2« to develop concepts for a sustainable, geopolitically independent, efficient and secure hydrogen economy. The entire life cycle of products and systems of a hydrogen economy is taken into account, from generation, storage and transport to use and recycling. Fraunhofer LBF focuses on the reliability and durability of systems impacted by hydrogen; of the Fraunhofer IWKS on the circularity and recyclability of components.
In the Rhine-Main area and beyond, the High Performance Center Hydrogen Hessen has established itself as a competence center and exchange platform for the actors of the hydrogen economy.