Existing vehicle propulsion and electric power generation systems with conventional and profoundly optimised techniques are the challenging benchmark for mobile and stationary fuel cell applications. Simplification, optimisation and maturity of fuel cells and its balance of plant (BoP) components towards competitive cost, low complexity, high lifetime and reliability are major development objectives for fuel cell systems. Specifically tailored simulation tools and special testing systems covering the entire development process are required.
Mass production of cars with PEMFC based powertrains could become reality when these goals will be achieved. Particularly during operation at very high (desert) and very low temperatures (winter), sophisticated water and heat management concepts/technologies are required for reliable operation.
Very high temperatures and the specific operating conditions of SOFC systems require reliable components and sensors, which are not commercially available today. Together with long lifetime targets and compatibility with frequent thermal cycling, this leads to the need of special testing environments with the possibility of accelerated testing and component tests under application of hardware in the loop (HIL) test methods.