Co-operation Profile

The FRAUNHOFER Institute IFAM-Dresden is involved in the development of new metallic and composite materials as well as innovative powder metallurgical technologies. We offer services ranging from material testing as an accredited lab up to the development and fabrication of prototype-like systems. In view of HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS we aim at the development of reversible hydrogen storage systems up to the prototype level for portable (cartridges), mobile, and stationary applications. From the materials point of view, the main emphasis is put on conventional metal hydrides, Mg-based lightweight metal hydrides, complex hydrides, and composite materials which are employed in a nanostructured form, thus, improving the hydrogen storage capacity and the hydrogen sorption kinetics (large "internal surface", high defect concentration etc.). High-energy ball milling, melt spinning and melt casting are the methods of materials synthesis we apply. A proper choice of the storage material allows to tailor the properties of the final storage system regarding storage capacity, storage kinetics, and system costs. Further, we perform long-term cycle studies of H2 storage systems and conduct safety tests.

In a hydrogen-based energy cycle, hydrogen storage technologies are the mediators between H2 generation and its use in FCs. As an institute for applied research, we are therefore looking for both INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATIONS and joint activities with other research groups (e.g. EU projects) in the fields of H2 PRODUCTION as well as CONSUMPTION. Here, the main emphasis is put on portable and mobile applications where particularly high gravimetric and volumetric storage densities as well as a simple thermal management are required. industry sectors of interest:
- FC Manufacturers (portable electronics, automotive sector etc.)
- H2 Producers (from renewable and fossile sources)
- Fuel Distributors
- Energy Trading Companies etc.