Laser Technology For Hydrogen Technology - Fraunhofer ILT Opens New Research Platform

The success of the energy transition is closely linked to the further development of hydrogen technologies. Making the fuel cell ready for series production is the major goal of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT. To this end, the Aachen researchers are setting up a hydrogen laboratory on more than 300 square meters of laboratory space: A wide range of laser technology test facilities will in future offer public projects and industrial cooperation a research platform that is unique in Germany. On May 5, 2022, the new Hydrogen Lab will open its doors for the first time as part of the "Laser Technology Live" for participants of the "International Laser Technology Congress AKL'22" in Aachen.

In large parts of the world, climate change has developed into an immediate existential threat with global repercussions. According to the Paris Agreement, Germany should therefore become climate-neutral by 2045 - i.e. no longer produce any CO 2 emissions.

In order for the energy transition to succeed, scientists are working not only at Fraunhofer ILT, but throughout Germany on the development of new technologies for generating and using energy, which should be sustainable, efficient and economical at the same time. Hydrogen technology plays a prominent role here. Hydrogen produced in a climate-friendly manner makes it possible to reduce CO 2 emissions wherever energy efficiency and the direct use of electricity from renewable energies are not sufficient. There, hydrogen, which was produced with electricity from renewable energies during periods of overproduction, can replace coal. In turn, peak load power plants operated with hydrogen could ensure security of supply.

With the construction of its own hydrogen lab, Fraunhofer ILT is now creating optimal conditions for further optimizing the fuel cell as the heart of hydrogen technology - right up to series production. On May 5, 2022, the Hydrogen Lab will be officially opened at the "International Laser Technology Congress AKL'22".The wide range of technical equipment in the laboratory in just one area opens up a wide range of possible uses for seamless interdisciplinary cooperation. This gives public projects and industrial cooperation a unique space to achieve synergy effects of all kinds at the highest scientific and technological level.

Optimizing the fuel cell
The activities in the new Hydrogen Lab of the Fraunhofer ILT are embedded in the institute's strategy. In various projects, Fraunhofer scientists are researching how to advance the cost-optimized and demand-oriented series production of fuel cells, to enable the development of their technological and economic potential and to accelerate the structured rollout in industry and society.

Researchers at Fraunhofer ILT are working on optimizing laser technology processes for the production of bipolar plates that are used in fuel cells. The targeted structuring and coating of bipolar plates can significantly improve their efficiency and functionality. The new Hydrogen Lab gives the researchers at Fraunhofer ILT and their partners from science and industry new opportunities to link process results from manufacturing technology with the set performance and functionality goals.

Unique in the German research landscape
A wide range of laser technology test systems for variable dimensions and designs will be available on 300 square meters in the new Hydrogen Lab at Fraunhofer ILT. Along the process chain for the production of metallic bipolar plates, the systems not only cover the laser-related production steps: Rubber pad forming with a hydraulic press, for example, enables the production of bipolar plates in small quantities. The available systems for structuring with ultra-short pulse lasers, for laser-based coating and for high-speed welding and cutting are also worth mentioning. Existing test benches evaluate the laser-manufactured components not only in terms of hydrogen tightness, but also in terms of efficiency. "Of course, there are other well-known research institutions in Germany that deal with hydrogen and with which we are in constant contact," says Dr. Alexander Olowinsky, Group Leader Microjoining at Fraunhofer ILT. However, in terms of the variety of practical possibilities, our new Hydrogen Lab is unique.

With the LKH 2 - Laser Colloquium Hydrogen, the Fraunhofer ILT 2020 has already launched a platform for professional exchange on innovations in the field of hydrogen technology. It took place for the second time in September 2021 and will offer another opportunity for networking next September. The construction of the new Hydrogen Lab now creates optimal conditions for practically bringing together the findings from the various sub-areas at a central location. "We're not waiting, we're going ahead," says Olowinsky, co-initiator of LKH 2 and one of the leaders in setting up the new Hydrogen Lab. “We have recognized the tasks that still need to be solved. We want to work on that now. Not only when it's already too late.«

Public projects and industrial cooperation
The implementation of various projects is conceivable for the future. "This can be both the cooperation with component manufacturers for fuel cells as well as with partners who want to produce production technology such as scanners or tools for process monitoring or test beam sources," Olowinsky is convinced. Current projects could also be transferred to the new Hydrogen Lab. “The systems also cover issues that we came across in the course of ongoing investigations with customers. We expect significant progress because the new machines have significantly fewer restrictions in terms of speed, accessibility and controllability.