Imagine a battery that doesn't wear out, even when pushed hard in a big truck. This work creates a tougher 'heart' for hydrogen fuel cells that can handle high heat without breaking down. It's like upgrading a standard engine to a heavy-duty industrial version that lasts much longer.
Hydrogen fuel cells for heavy trucks fail too quickly due to high heat and harsh operating cycles. This leads to high maintenance costs and short vehicle lifespans.
A durable Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) and a set of degradation models. These were validated in a short stack prototype.
If you are a truck manufacturer dealing with fuel cell degradation in long-haul fleets — this project developed a durable membrane electrode assembly that targets 20,000 hours of operation. This ensures vehicles stay on the road longer without expensive power-stack replacements.
If you are a chemical supplier dealing with material failure at high temperatures — this project developed a catalyst coated membrane tailored for 105°C operation. This allows for the production of high-performance components that meet strict heavy-duty durability standards.
If you are a stack integrator dealing with unpredictable fuel cell lifespans — this project developed degradation models to predict MEA lifetime. This enables faster health assessments and more accurate performance predictions for the end customer.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the project aims to reduce costs by using a low platinum loading of 0.30 g/kW.
The project aims to reach TRL 4, meaning it is validated in a short stack prototype rather than full industrial scale.
Based on available project data, the project includes an objective to define an exploitation strategy, but specific licensing terms are not yet disclosed.
The project analyzes truck mission profiles to define operation protocols and draws implications for system management and Balance of Plant (BoP) components.
The project runs from February 2023 to November 2026, focusing on reaching TRL 4 by the end of the period.
The project is highly industry-driven with a 75% industry ratio, featuring 9 industrial partners out of 12 total members. This strong commercial presence, including specialized companies like Symbio, Chemours, and Heraeus, suggests a direct path from lab results to industrial application, supported by the DLR as coordinator.
Contact the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) regarding MEA durability results.
Contact us to connect with the PEMTASTIC industrial partners for TRL 4 licensing opportunities.
