Schaeffler develops and manufactures key components for fuel cells
Schaeffler has recognised the enormous potential of hydrogen technology as an energy carrier of the future and has developed key components for fuel cells and fuel cell stacks called ‘metallic bipolar plates’.
The company is using its traditional core expertise in materials technology, forming technology, and surface technology in this development work. Its main strength here is that it is strongly diversified in the industrial and automotive sectors and so is involved at every point in the energy chain, from the generation of energy through to its use in vehicles.
“We want to shape CO2-neutral, sustainable and individual mobility with regard to the entire energy chain,” said Uwe Wagner, Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler. “The problem of global CO2emissions cannot be solved with purely battery-driven vehicles alone. Heavy goods vehicles in particular will require alternative energy storage systems and hydrogen in combination with the fuel cell offers outstanding opportunities here. Hybrid storage systems, i.e. the combination of a battery and hydrogen, are also an attractive solution for achieving a longer range in passenger cars.”
Schaeffler has been focusing on the value added chain of key components for the fuel cell for some time and is using its traditional core expertise here. Bipolar plates are produced by precise forming and coating in the thin-layer range, which once stacked form the core of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell stacks are energy converters, which let H2 react with O2 to form water. The electricity generated during this process can be used to power the vehicle's electric motor. Schaeffler's portfolio for optimised fuel cell systems is expanded by additional areas of expertise, such as electronic control systems, special foil-air bearings, smart thermal management modules or components for passive hydrogen recirculation.
At the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, under the motto “Making mobility sustainable and autonomous” Schaeffler will publicly present its holistic approaches for future, sustainable energy chains and CO2-neutral mobility solutions, including its expertise in fuel cells. The exhibits on the trade show stand will also include the new Schaeffler electric motors in various output classes, which are now going into high-volume production and solutions for intelligent rear wheel steering.
Schaeffler develops and manufactures key components for fuel cells
Modified on Wednesday 16th October 2019
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Schaeffler develops and manufactures key components for fuel cells