By turning away from nuclear and fossil fuels, the energy transition has redefined the focus of energy generation and storage. Numerous industries have already started the transition to alternative energy sources. The automotive industry is also facing the challenge of utilizing sustainable energy forms and new production technologies. Therefore, the demand for new energy storage systems and efficient manufacturing processes is steadily increasing.
Energy storage systems are particularly crucial to future mobility if we want to get around and transport goods in a way that conserves resources and is emission-free. If CO2-neutral mobility is to remain affordable and to secure its place in private and freight transport, technical advances and new concepts for manufacturing energy storage systems are crucial to achieve long ranges, high payloads and short charging times.
Demand for battery cells is soaring as a result of vehicle electrification. Electric vehicles, powered by a fuel cell, can serve as an alternative for vehicles with high payloads and long ranges. Generating electricity from oxygen and hydrogen is a way to replace conventional drive systems for trucks, construction equipment or buses and even aircraft and trains while keeping refueling times short.
The "Energy Storage" business unit at the Fraunhofer IPT develops solutions for the serial manufacture of energy storage systems aimed at reducing production costs and achieving high added-value for industry. Our focus is on battery cells and PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells as electrochemical energy converters in combination with hydrogen pressure tanks. We also concentrate on the production technology for generating green hydrogen by electrolysis.