ZBT-Wissenschaftler Salman Fettah und Mounir Kouachi im Labor am Dichtungsdispenser, der Dichtungen auf Bipolarplatten aufbringt

Fuel Cells & Stacks Department

Our goal is to develop efficient, robust, and industrially scalable fuel cells for both mobile and stationary applications. Our work focuses on the components bipolar plate, coating, and sealing, as well as on the clamping concepts of the stacks. We design the individual components and engineer complete stacks. In doing so, we align function and production with a clear focus on the specific application.

Fuel Cells

We develop innovative materials and manufacturing processes for bipolar plates and seals, as well as efficient stack technologies for fuel cells. Our research enables high-performance, long-lasting stacks for mobile, stationary and portable applications. Together with industry partners, we are shaping the fuel cell technology of the future – as the key to climate-friendly energy supply.

Electrolysis

We develop advanced materials and components for electrolysis stacks for hydrogen production via electrolysis. The focus is on cost-efficient, scalable cell components. With our expertise in stack manufacturing, we support partners in the industrialisation of efficient electrolysis systems for the energy transition.

Services

Bipolar Plates (Compound & Metal)
Gaskets
Stacks
Tensioning Concepts: Design and Layout
Qualification and Testing of Stack Components
Production Technologies
Consulting and Studies

Our Potential

We are a team of 15 employees. Our work is supported by extensive infrastructure, enabling us to research the production of individual components and to validate the results in realistic conditions.

Compound Technical Centre
Dispenser Technical Centre
Stack Construction / Cell Construction
Stack Test Stands
Single-cell Test Benches
Ex-situ Analysis (Material Properties, 3D Scan)
Various Software Tools (CAD/CFD/CAM and Multiphysics)

Contact

Head of Department Fuel Cells and Stacks

Dr. Jörg Karstedt

+49 203 7598-1178

j.karstedt@zbt.de

Contact

Team Lead for Metallic Stacks

Lars Kühnemann

+49 203 7598-1257

l.kuehnemann@zbt.de

Contact

Team Lead for Graphitic Stacks

Sebastian Brokamp

+49 203 7598-4286

s.brokamp@zbt.de

Contact

Team Lead Compound Technology

Dr. Marco Grundler

+49 203 7598-1175

m.grundler@zbt.de

Examples of our Work

Heat exchanger plates: ZBT researches graphite PPS as an alternative to PFAS

PFAS could soon be banned. Could graphite polyphenylene sufide be an alternative for heat exchanger plates? The ZBT is developing an extrusion process for this material.

FC_Bio project launched: Making fuel cells more sustainable

Producing “organic” fuel cells: Which petroleum-based materials can be replaced by renewable raw materials? ZBT is working with partner institutes on innovative materials that will make fuel cells even more sustainable.

“FaeBS”: Functional design and testing of an innovative fuel cell system

Within the framework of this industry-oriented cooperation project “FaeBS”, prototypes of a high-performance innovative fuel cell system (BZS) are to be developed and tested in a compact and space-optimised manner using innovative new components. The main focus of ZBT is the qualification of suitable materials for components.