Fraunhofer LBF develops methods for reliable hydrogen systems
The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF will be presenting developments for the analysis and optimization of hydrogen systems at the Hannover Messe from 20 to 24 April. The focus will be on holistic methods for investigating the reliability of materials, components and systems along the entire hydrogen value chain.
Hydrogen applications in fuel cell vehicles, electrolyzers and storage systems are exposed to complex mechanical, thermal and electrical loads. At the Hannover Messe | Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe in Hall 11, Stand E20, Fraunhofer LBF will be presenting solutions that address these challenges.
Consistent approach for greater reliability
Fraunhofer LBF takes a holistic approach: test methods and simulations enable the realistic representation of combined loads in the laboratory. This allows reliability, service life and degradation mechanisms to be assessed at an early stage - even before complete systems are built.
Monitoring systems for hydrogen tanks are also used to ensure safe and efficient operation in stationary and mobile applications. Structural-mechanical models and digital twins visualize the local stresses and damage mechanisms. This provides manufacturers and users with well-founded insights into the robustness and efficiency of their systems.
Focus on fuel cell systems
Especially in the field of mobile applications, such as commercial vehicles, fuel cell systems place high demands on reliability and long-term stability. Fraunhofer LBF is developing innovative test and simulation methods that systematically record the interaction of mechanical, thermal and electrochemical loads.
Specially designed test environments enable detailed investigations of individual cells, stacks and complete systems. Experimental diagnostics and simulation help to identify critical failure modes and develop accelerated test procedures - a decisive step for efficient and targeted system development.
Barrier coatings increase resistance
In addition to condition monitoring, the targeted adaptation of proven materials using barrier coatings enables a significant increase in hydrogen resistance. Fraunhofer LBF is developing methods for evaluating the barrier effect under realistic conditions in which hydrogen atmosphere and cyclic mechanical loads are combined. The aim is to reduce hydrogen permeation and sustainably increase the service life of components.
Added value for the industry
With its holistic approach, Fraunhofer LBF supports companies along the entire value chain - from material development to system integration. The methods developed accelerate product development, enable a well-founded evaluation of reliability and service life and optimize materials, components and system designs. In this way, the institute increases the safety and cost-effectiveness of modern hydrogen systems and contributes to the sustainable establishment of hydrogen technology in industrial applications.
