Fuel cell systems will play a central role in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. They offer decisive advantages over battery-based drives due to their high energy density and short refuelling times, particularly in heavy goods transport and in agricultural and construction machinery.
However, the efficiency of fuel cells can be impaired by air pollutants in the cathode path. Optimising the dimensions of the pollutant filter can prevent irreversible power losses.
Optimised cathode air filters
In order to better understand how pollutant gas filters can be designed efficiently, ZBT and its partners in the KaLiBer project are recording exemplary pollutant gas concentrations on agricultural land, in construction site areas and in harbour areas and investigating the combination of air filter and fuel cell in-situ. The aim is to develop future cathode air filters based on these measurements with the following aspects in mind:
- Reduction of air filter change intervals
- Customised filter concepts for various applications
- Extending the service life of fuel cell stacks
Our contribution
As part of the joint project, ZBT is focussing on the development of a test methodology for air filters on a laboratory scale and the establishment of corresponding qualification capacities. To this end, a test rig is being developed and constructed and high-precision analytics are being integrated in order to detect the concentrations of harmful gases before and after the filter element. The integration of the filter in the fuel cell cathode train makes it possible to test the filter performance under realistic conditions. Among other things, this test setup enables the following findings to be obtained:
- In-situ influence of pollutant gas and filter types on the fuel cell
- Effects of air pollution on MEAs in non-road applications
- Exposure to harmful gases at locations with high air pollution
Expected results and benefits
The experience and results from the project should enable a well-founded assessment of filter quality and a more precise definition of replacement intervals. This will make a significant contribution to the optimisation of fuel cell systems for applications under demanding environmental conditions.
The KaLiBer research project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) as part of the 8th Energy Research Programme.
BMWK joint project KaLiBer - Development and verification of cathode air filters for stationary fuel cell systems in the maritime, construction site and agricultural sectors; sub-project: Filter testing methodology and investigation of harmful gas influence on the cathode
Network coordinator:
Hydac FluidCareCentre
Project partner:
- Forschungszentrum Jülich
- ZBT
- Zeppelin Power Systems
Project Management Organisation:
Projektträger Jülich
Associated partners:
- PowerCell Deutschland
- Orten Fahrzeugbau
- AGCO
Project duration: 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2027
Funding reference: 03EN5043C
