Electrochemical Energy Storage

In order to be able to supply ourselves with renewable energies from sun and wind in the future, we also need electrochemical storage systems. These include batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers. 

The three technologies can be used in a future energy system for both stationary energy supply and electromobility.

With batteries, we are able to store generated electricity and use it in mobile applications. Electrolysers produce hydrogen from surplus electricity. Fuel cells are operated with this hydrogen. Our scientists are investigating new cell designs and manufacturing processes for the carrier components in all three technologies, developing manufacturing processes for them and diagnosing them. They are optimising and demonstrating systems on an industrial scale.

Scientifically or technically, the challenge of electrochemical energy storage is to find solutions to eliminate the trade-offs between efficiency, operating time, comfort, safety and cost. More than 60 scientists are working on this at the Stuttgart and Oldenburg sites.

Specific research and development topics are:

• Fuel Cells
• Batteries
• Elektrolyseurs

In detail:

• Development of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) and electrolysers (PEMEL)
• Development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and electrolysers (SOEC)
• Advanced lithium batteries, especially lithium/air & lithium/sulfur batteries
• Mitigation of cell degradation of fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries; identification of their degradation mechanisms
• Advanced cell concepts for higher power density, longer durability, reduced materials cost and superior robustness of cell
• In-situ and ex-situ investigation of cells with innovative diagnostics, e.g. locally resolved methods
• Multi-scale modeling in cooperation with the section Computational Electrochemistry
• Optimal system design for electrochemical energy technology
• Highly integrated systems for innovative applications in aerospace and electromobility