In the Research Impulse titled, “DuraFuelCell: Multi-scale investigation for the development of durable and efficient hydrogen fuel cell systems for mobile and stationary applications” professors from seven Faculties at the Ohm are investigating hydrogen fuel cell technologies in stationary and in heavy-duty transportation applications following an interdisciplinary and networked research approach. The joint project, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) comprises 9 subprojects. The grant represents strong recognition of the quality of fuel cell research at the Ohm and an opportunity to strengthen the knowledge-oriented and interdisciplinary research in the field of hydrogen. The collaborative network researches two of the biggest challenges currently facing the commercialisation of hydrogen technology: efficiency and durability of fuel cell systems. The knowledge-oriented research is conducted in collaboration with eight companies, three municipal services, and the Technical Universities of Hamburg, Munich, and Darmstadt.

The Research Impulse also expands the Institute for Applied Hydrogen Research, Electro- and Thermochemical Energy Systems (H2Ohm) and the Campus Future Driveline to a hub for fuel cell research in transportation and stationary applications with a unique collaborative network. The DFG is funding the collaborative network with a grant of around 5 million euros (plus a 22% project allowance). The grant supports the qualitative and quantitative improvement of hydrogen and fuel cell research at the Ohm through personnel, scientific infrastructure, and the structural framework for research in these fields.