{"id":6775,"date":"2024-01-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-01T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prod.zbt.compositas.io\/projects\/muscl-zbt-entwickelt-degradationsmodell-fuer-die-optimierung-der-betriebsstrategie-von-brennstoffzellen-lkws\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T14:43:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T14:43:39","slug":"muscl","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/muscl\/","title":{"rendered":"MUSCL \u2013 Degradation Model for Optimising the Operating Strategy of Fuel Cell Trucks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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MUSCL – Degradation Model for Optimising the Operating Strategy of Fuel Cell Trucks<\/h2>\n
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Fuel cell systems can be a sustainable alternative to diesel drives in long-distance lorry transport. In a new research project, ZBT is developing a degradation model to simultaneously maximise the energy efficiency and service life of fuel cells through efficient operating strategies.<\/p>\n

CO2 emissions in\u00a0heavy goods transport<\/b>\u00a0must be significantly reduced in the future. Battery-based solutions struggle with disadvantages in terms of range, weight and charging times, which is particularly relevant for long-distance transport. This is where the\u00a0electrification of lorries using fuel cell systems<\/b>\u00a0comes in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In the recently launched research project\u00a0MUltiSystemControL- MUSCL<\/b>, ZBT, together with the Institut f\u00fcr Regelungstechnik (Institute of Automatic Control) at RWTH Aachen University and the automotive supplier Mahle, is developing a\u00a0model-based operating strategy<\/b>\u00a0for fuel cell lorries in heavy goods transport.<\/p>\n

The project aims to develop and experimentally test an efficient and innovative operating strategy for fuel cell lorries in long-distance transport. The strategy should both\u00a0minimise the energy requirement<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0maximise the service life<\/b>\u00a0of the fuel cells in order to create a sustainable and reliable alternative to diesel engine drives.<\/p>\n

In the first phase, a zero version of all sub-models of the simulation is created. This includes the fuel cell, the fuel cell system, the overall system and the control strategy.<\/p>\n

In phase 2, the simulation is then adapted to the Mahle fuel cell system in order to create a digital twin. Extensive measurements are carried out on the real system in order to validate the simulation.<\/p>\n

In the third phase, an operating strategy will be developed and implemented based on the simulation developed, with the aim of maximising the efficiency of fuel cell operation and extending the service life of the fuel cells.<\/p>\n

The co-operation of the partners enables a\u00a0holistic approach<\/b>, starting with the simulation and adaptation to real systems through to the development and testing of an efficient operating strategy. By bringing together expertise and experience from industry and research, the project aims to help\u00a0advance the use of fuel cells in heavy goods transport<\/b>\u00a0and support the development of more environmentally friendly transport solutions.<\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/h5>\n

MAHLE:<\/b>\u00a0Leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, specialising in drive technology and thermal management.
\nInstitute of Automatic Control (IRT) at RWTH Aachen University:<\/b>\u00a0Researches model-based predictive controls for complex, non-linear dynamic systems as well as optimal operating strategies for hybrid-electric powertrains.<\/p>\n

Project duration and funding:<\/h5>\n

The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and has a duration of 36 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Image Collection<\/h4>\n
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\n \n \"In\n <\/a>\n In the MUSCL project, ZBT is developing a degradation model to maximise the efficiency and service life of fuel cells in truck drives. (click to enlarge)\n\n<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n