ElringKlinger receives f-cell award for innovative fuel cell module

ElringKlinger AG has been honored with an f-cell award, which is presented by the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in recognition of innovative fuel cell technologies. The panel was impressed by ElringKlinger's PEM fuel cell module developed over a period of three years.

‘BZM 5’ is the name given to the stack module developed by ElringKlinger for mobile applications and suitable for deployment in material-handling equipment and light commercial vehicles as well as in passenger cars. PEM fuel cell modules are a core component when it comes to zero-emission mobility with hydrogen as a fuel source. A PEM fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen from the ambient air to generate electricity as part of an electrochemical process. This current then supplies the vehicle's electric powertrain.

The PEM fuel cell is considered technologically mature, and ElringKlinger aims to industrialise BZM 5. The majority of components are developed in-house and manufactured with the help of established serial processes. The module supplied by ElringKlinger is a series-ready solution and fit for purpose both from a technical and commercial perspective. 

"The module meets all defined performance targets and fulfills the requirements of various applications in respect of service life and power density," says Dr. Jürgen Kraft, head of PEM Fuel Cell Development at ElringKlinger. The module is available in various power ratings from 5 to 50 kW. "Our stacks have a proven track record spanning several years, often in the most challenging conditions," says Kraft.

The award was presented at the World Of Energy Solutions event, a leading trade show for next-generation solutions in the field of energy and mobility.

In his speech, Martin Eggstein, Head of Department at the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector Baden-Württemberg praised the stack module as an outstanding innovation in one of the most interesting fields of technology.

Drawing on many years of experience as a supplier to the automotive industry, underpinned by fully automated processes in the areas of metalworking, plastic injection molding and joining/coating technology as well as automated assembly processes and in-house tool and mould making capabilities, ElringKlinger has established itself as a preferred partner for the cost-effective manufacture of fuel cell products in large quantities.

"The f-cell Award is fitting recognition of the advanced level of maturity of our fuel cells and clearly demonstrates that we have developed an outstanding product for zero-emission mobility – ready for series production. Innovation within the area of fuel cell technology and components for batteries are an integral part of our corporate strategy," said Karl Schmauder, member of ElringKlinger's Management Board.