Recycling
Circular Economy for Hydrogen Systems
We integrate recycling and circular economy concepts as early as the development phase. Our goal is the efficient use of critical materials and the return of components and materials to industrial material cycles. To this end, we develop circular fuel cell (PEM, SOFC) and electrolyzer systems and rely on (partially) automated disassembly processes to scale recovery and reuse economically. In this way, we contribute to sustainable hydrogen systems and ensure the long-term economic viability of industrial applications.
Engineering for your Production
Automated disassembly of fuel cell systems
The ramp-up of a sustainable hydrogen economy does not end with the production of new systems. Whether for mobile applications or stationary power supply: to make hydrogen technologies truly environmentally friendly and economically viable, we must start thinking about the end of their life cycle today. At Fraunhofer IWU, we are closing this loop: Using a research facility that is unique worldwide, we are developing processes for the fully automated, non-destructive disassembly of fuel cell stacks, thereby laying the foundation for a true circular economy.
Current recycling processes often involve shredding entire modules. This results in the irretrievable loss of valuable materials and functional components. Our approach is more nuanced. We develop concepts for:
Reuse
Reuse of intact parts
Refurbishment
Reconditioning of used components
Repair
System Repair
Recycling
Material recycling when reuse is no longer possible
The goal is to recover housings, gaskets, and – above all – expensive core components such as bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) by type, regardless of the stack’s application.
The fully automated disassembly machine - Non-destructive separation with micrometer precision
The technical challenge lies in the fragility of the components: bipolar plates are often less than 1 mm thick. To remove them from the composite without causing damage, we have developed a fully automated pilot plant.
It handles the entire process: from data collection and destacking to the sorting of layers by type—all on an industrial scale. This is how we transform stacks of complex waste into an efficient source of raw materials.
Multiple double-sided grippers and special tools for efficient handling and release of joints
Camera systems and sensors for condition and fault detection, as well as adaptive tool changing
Demontage vom Gehäuse bis auf Zellebene für eine optimale Vorbereitung auf das Second Life oder das Recycling
Get started on your technology project today!
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation about your development ideas. We’ll help you develop the technologies and processes of the future. Together, we’ll find the best solution for your challenges.
Contact
- +49 371 5397-1446
- matthias.nagel@iwu.fraunhofer.de