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High Temperature Systems & Process Development

Research Area Manager: Dr. A. Ansar

The Electrochemical Systems team is developing efficient battery systems and effective und multifunctional fuel cell systems for stationary and mobile purposes. The mission includes both selection of qualified components and targeted system design based on detailed modeling and simulation calculations. Tailor-made system architectures comply with specific applications and their requirements, e.g. for the generation of auxiliary power on board an Airbus A320 aircraft, for propulsion in aviation applications, for mobile utilization or stationary power supply.
All activities within the Electrochemical Systems research area aim towards transferring scientific knowledge from electrochemical fundamental research into practice in consideration of established and industry-oriented engineering processes with verified quality.

Fields of Activities

Development of multifunctional and complex fuel cell systems, e.g. for aviation applications

• Development of coupled systems with hydrogen generation unit and fuel cell system; taking the efficiency and durability of the system into account, as well as the fuel quality.
• Scientific studies of direct electrochemical conversion of different fuels  (methanol, dimethyl ether) as a basis for direct fuel cell systems
• Scientific research in the field of pressurized SOFC up to 8 bar as a basis for hybrid power stations
• Investigation and modeling of SOFC systems for a hybrid power station combining gas turbine and SOFC in the range of some 100 kW
• Strategies of operation for batteries with charging management and fast charging
• Hybrid systems with range extender for battery and plug-in battery systems
• Development of portable hybrid systems with fuel cells
• Development of high-efficient and reliable hybrid systems with direct coupling of battery and fuel cell causing a minimum need for power electronics

Testing Facilities

The following testing facilitites are available for internal and external studies and development:

• Test beds for battery and fuel cell systems from 100 W up to  50 kW
• Testing facilities for specific qualification work, e.g. aviation applications
• Test bench for SOFC-pressurization up to 8 bar and 1000°C