Focus topic Hydrogen: Achieving climate goals with reliable operation

The production of green hydrogen for the decarbonization and defossilization of industrial processes will make a decisive contribution to the achievement of the climate goals. In addition, intelligent integration can make a valuable contribution to energy storage and power grid stabilization. The reliable operation of electrolyzers and systems all along the H₂ value chain is key to minimizing the risks of upscaling hydrogen production.

The upcoming ramp-up and the associated increase in demand for electrolysis capacity pose challenges not only for manufacturers but also for future operators. Production processes, measurement and monitoring procedures, and integration concepts cannot simply be scaled up from manufacturing to industrial dimensions.

Three hydrogen labs with different focuses

Embedding hydrogen in the energy system and in industrial processes poses challenges in terms of deployment behavior and operating models. This is why Fraunhofer IWES operates three hydrogen labs for the testing and validation of hydrogen-relevant components along the value chain: from production via electrolysis to storage and use in PtX processes or fuel cells. In doing so, Fraunhofer IWES is helping the industry to establish a sustainable hydrogen economy. The hydrogen labs have different focuses:

• At the Hydrogen Lab Leuna, the integration in a chemical hub allows testing of the defossilization of processes in the chemical industry under practical conditions.
• The coupling of hydrogen production and wind energy generation as well as the grid compatibility of electrolyzers is being investigated in Bremerhaven. This makes it possible to ensure the security of supply even with a high proportion of renewable energies in the grid. In addition, water supply also plays a role.
• The Hydrogen Lab Görlitz focuses on decarbonizing the manufacturing industry. Here, prototypes for each phase of the Power-to-H₂-to-Power value chain can be tested. The collaboration with Fraunhofer IWU provides valuable insights into the corresponding production processes.

Testing offers of different scales and loads

The offer ranges from stack testing in the 45 kW range up to multi-megawatt testing capacity for operation under real conditions. Dynamic loads are simulated, as are environmental conditions and mechanical loads. Digital simulations accompany the process, describe procedures, and serve to optimize techno-economic key figures. Analyses are carried out across the board in order to develop methods and test procedures for electrolyzer materials and components and to apply them on a laboratory scale. Real-time monitoring of H₂ and O₂ purity, quality and safety control, trace analysis, and parallel process simulation for evaluating and optimizing parameters are also part of the portfolio.

Fraunhofer IWES can draw on many years of expertise in standardization issues in the wind industry. The partnerships with and expertise of pioneering institutions and companies enable Fraunhofer IWES to develop standardized test procedures for hydrogen technologies.