{"id":17614,"date":"2026-11-10T08:17:48","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T08:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/degradmap-spatially-resolved-segmented-analysis-of-fuel-cell-degradation-during-cold-starts\/"},"modified":"2026-11-12T22:33:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T22:33:30","slug":"degradmap-spatially-resolved-segmented-analysis-of-fuel-cell-degradation-during-cold-starts","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/degradmap-spatially-resolved-segmented-analysis-of-fuel-cell-degradation-during-cold-starts\/","title":{"rendered":"DegradMap - Spatially Resolved, Segmented Analysis of Fuel Cell Degradation During Cold Starts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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DegradMap – Spatially Resolved, Segmented Analysis of Fuel Cell Degradation During Cold Starts<\/h1>\n

Optimisation of Cold-Start Performance and Service Life of Fuel Cells Using Segmented Measurement Methods<\/h4>\n

As part of the IGF project DegradMap, the ZBT is developing new measurement methods and operating strategies to reduce frost damage in fuel cells and enable safe, rapid cold starts even at temperatures as low as \u221230 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Problem: Cold Start and Degradation of Fuel Cells<\/h2>\n

At low temperatures, residual and product water in PEM fuel cells can freeze, preventing startup or causing irreversible damage to cell components. At the same time, significant temperature and voltage differences arise within the fuel cell stack during cold startup, which can accelerate degradation.<\/p>\n

Investigating these processes has so far been time-consuming and costly. Standardised test procedures are lacking, and conventional measurement methods provide only limited information about local stresses and damage mechanisms. This hinders the development of reliable and durable fuel cell systems for operation in freezing conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Methodology and Application: Segmented Measurements for Optimised Operating Strategies<\/h2>\n

The ZBT combines experimental cold-start and cycle tests with spatially resolved in-situ diagnostics and subsequent ex-situ material analyses. In this process, local temperature, current, and voltage distributions are correlated with damage patterns such as cracks or delaminations in the stack components.<\/p>\n

Based on these investigations, optimised cell and stack designs, more efficient purging and cold-start procedures, and test protocols for evaluating cold-start robustness are being developed. The results are intended to shorten development and testing times, increase the service life of fuel cells, and establish a data foundation for the standardisation of cold-start tests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Project information<\/h2>\n