{"id":16709,"date":"2026-07-17T09:20:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/longcell-fuel-cell-lifespan-prediction-and-lifespan-optimised-operation\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T13:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T13:45:28","slug":"longcell-fuel-cell-lifespan-prediction-and-lifespan-optimised-operation","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/longcell-fuel-cell-lifespan-prediction-and-lifespan-optimised-operation\/","title":{"rendered":"LongCell \u2013 Fuel Cell Lifespan Prediction and Lifespan-Optimised Operation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \"Testst\u00e4nde\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n
\n

LongCell \u2013 Service Life Prediction and Service Life-Optimised Dynamic Operation of PEM Fuel Cells<\/h1>\n

How can fuel cell systems be operated more efficiently, with a longer service life, and more cost-effectively? The new LongCell research project is dedicated to addressing this question. <\/p>\n<\/h4>\n

The goal of the LongCell<\/strong> project is to develop a digital twin for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM fuel cells) that realistically simulates aging and degradation processes<\/strong>. Based on this, innovative model-based control strategies<\/strong> will be developed to dynamically adapt fuel cell operation and specifically avoid harmful operating conditions. This is intended to extend the service life<\/strong> of the systems, increase efficiency<\/strong>, and reduce operating costs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Digital Twin and Optimized Control Strategies<\/h2>\n

In this project, the ZBT is responsible for the development and experimental validation of the digital twin<\/strong>, as well as for investigating degradation mechanisms on a specially equipped fuel cell test bench. Building on this, the Institute for Control Engineering (IRT) at RWTH Aachen University is developing model-predictive control strategies<\/strong> that resolve the trade-off between high efficiency and minimal degradation, thereby enabling operation optimised for service life. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

\n \"Grafische\n \n<\/section>
\n

Further Develop Hydrogen Technologies, Strengthen Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises<\/h2>\n

The methods developed will be validated through a combination of simulation and experimentation and are intended, in particular, to provide small and medium-sized enterprises<\/strong> (SMEs) with new tools for the development, design, and operation of fuel cell systems. In this way, LongCell strengthens the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises<\/strong> and contributes to the further development of hydrogen technologies. <\/p>\n

The research project is being carried out as part of the Joint Industrial Research (IGF) program<\/strong>. The goal of the funding program is to enable small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, to gain access to innovative technologies and scientific findings through precompetitive research. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Project information<\/h2>\n

Title:<\/b> LongCell \u2013 Model-Based Service Life Prediction and Service Life-Optimised Dynamic Operation of PEM Fuel Cells<\/p>\n

Term:<\/b> 1 July 2026 – 31 December 2028<\/p>\n

Funding:<\/b> IGF\u2014Industrial Collaborative Research Program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
\nGrant amount:<\/b> 524,764.19 euros<\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/b><\/p>\n