For hydrogen technology to become a key to the energy transition, it needs to make a decisive step forward: toward broad application. The main factors holding back this longed-for breakthrough, however, are the high costs of expensive materials and complex manufacturing processes for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is tackling these challenges and working hard to develop cost-efficient and scalable solutions. At Hy-fcell 2024 in Stuttgart, the Aachen-based institute will be presenting pioneering innovations in Hall 4, Stand 4E51, transformations that help to make production processes considerably more economical and sustainable at the same time.
Laser-based drying of electrodes: energy efficiency, speed and space savings in fuel cell production
As the demand for fuel cells grows, it is becoming increasingly important to make production processes more efficient. Yet, a key challenge remains: drying the wet-applied electrode layers for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Conventionally, this process is carried out in large convection ovens, which consume a great deal of energy and take up considerable space in a production hall.
Fraunhofer ILT has developed a laser-assisted drying technology that addresses these issues. The use of lasers, which expose the electrodes selectively, reduces the drying time from several minutes down to just a few seconds. This drastic reduction in drying time significantly increases production speed, particularly in the roll-to-roll process. Furthermore, this process reduces energy requirements compared to conventional gas-powered continuous ovens. In addition, the laser system requires considerably less space, which enables a more compact and flexible production line.
"By developing a laser-based roll-to-roll process for the production of membrane electrode units, we are making an important step towards making fuel-cell manufacturing processes more efficient. With our laser-assisted drying technology, we are setting a new standard that not only increases production speed, but also optimizes energy efficiency and space utilization," explains Manuella Guirgues from the Thin Film Processing group at Fraunhofer ILT.
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
