Sponsored features
Alternatives such as hydrogen, which is available in almost unlimited quantities on Earth, are becoming increasingly important here. 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.
Schaeffler wants to shape CO2-neutral, sustainable and individual mobility with regard to the entire energy chain. However, the problem of global CO2 emissions 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. 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.
Schaeffler recently became a steering member in the Hydrogen Council, a globally active hydrogen interest group based in Belgium. The initiative comprises 81 leading companies from the energy, transport, and industrial sectors. The goal of the members is to drive forward hydrogen technology in the direction of industrialisation.
“We want to shape CO2-neutral, sustainable mobility with regard to the entire energy chain. We will accomplish this by using the enormous future potential of green hydrogen along the entire value-added chain,“ said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “Joining the Hydrogen Council will enable us to further advance and establish hydrogen technologies together with strong partners globally.”
“Hydrogen technology offers enormous potential in this area, both in terms of energy storage and emissions-free drive solutions,” he added. “Our core expertise in materials technology, forming technology, and surface technology will enable the efficient high volume production of key components for the future hydrogen economy and will make a significant contribution to the company’s success.”
To watch a video, click here.
www.schaeffler.co.uk
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.