Imaging Methods for Technology Development and Quality Assurance of Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

The hydrogen-based energy industry is a crucial component in the transition to renewable energy. Hydrogen is relatively easy to transport, can be used flexibly, and is climate-friendly if produced using renewable energy sources.

The hydrogen sector is currently undergoing intensive research to advance necessary technologies and production processes. The goal is to enable the production of components in large quantities, with high quality, and at competitive prices.

The imaging systems of the Fraunhofer EZRT can contribute both to the development of technologies and processes and to production. They help visualize and analyze the quality characteristics and properties of components.

Fraunhofer EZRT has the expertise to develop suitable systems for various tasks in the fields of X-ray and computed tomography, as well as optical processes. Besides technical expertise in all necessary sub-areas, we also possess the application knowledge and experience needed for the successful implementation of industrial projects. Our researchers are well-acquainted with the components currently available on the market and maintain close contact with their manufacturers.

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is used as an energy converter. Its core component is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which consists of a proton-conducting membrane coated with an anode and cathode (catalyst-coated membrane, CCM). Various techniques can be used to produce CCMs, such as ultrasonic coating, doctor blade application, or the inkjet process. These methods can result in process-specific anomalies like cracks, bubbles, streaks, and stripes, as well as inhomogeneities in layer thickness, transfer errors, and defects from mechanical handling. For industrial-scale production, web speeds of up to 20 m/min are achieved using the roll-to-roll process. Given that both the Pt catalyst and the polymer electrolyte membrane are expensive, a fast, inline-capable quality control process is necessary to adjust process parameters before rejects occur.

In the multiPEM project, experimental and numerical analysis, evaluation, and test procedures are being developed to manage the complex multi-physical-chemical stress state of NT-PEM in commercial vehicles, thereby improving their safety and reliability. The project focuses on the entire stack.