
As PEM fuel cells move to the forefront of heavy-duty transportation and aviation, development teams are under growing pressure to deliver systems that meet ambitious performance, durability, and efficiency targets. However, advancing this technology is far from straightforward. The challenges are manifold: degradation of catalysts and membranes, complex water and thermal management, and the impact of transient operation such as dynamic load-cycles and start-stop events.
Many engineers still rely on self-built models or generic tools that lack the depth, accuracy, and validation needed for such complex tasks. Without access to degradation models or real-world reference data, they need to make critical design decisions with limited confidence. AVL’s simulation solutions offer a clear alternative: a robust, validated platform that combines stack- and system-level modeling, a rich set of demo models, and automated workflows – all in a user-friendly environment tailored to the way engineers work.
At this AVL SIMpulse event, experts will share their insights how leading teams are using our PEM fuel cell simulation tools to gain deeper insights into the trade-offs between performance, aging, and efficiency. Learn how AVL’s software – developed by engineers, for engineers – can help you reduce manual effort, improve model reliability, and accelerate development without compromising accuracy.
If you’re looking to reduce development risks, accelerate development cycles, and meet durability requirements, this event will provide you with both the strategic context and technical insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Gernot Hacker
Department Manager
AVL Instrumentation and Testing Systems

Christoph Pötsch
Principal Development Engineer Software
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies

Stefan Scheidel
Principal Development Engineer Methodology
AVL Powertrain Engineering

Tanner Bruhn
Development Engineer System
AVL Instrumentation and Testing Systems

Clemens Fink
Senior Development Owner
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
09:00 – 09:10 AM CEST
Opening Remarks and Welcome
Maximilian Sommer
Business Development Manager
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
Reinhard Tatschl
Principal Research and Technology Manager
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
09:10 – 09:40 AM CEST
Market Insights and Key Challenges in Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Testing: Paving the Way for Robust Solutions
Gernot Hacker
Department Manager
AVL Instrumentation and Testing Systems
09:40 – 10:10 AM CEST
Extending Fuel Cell Lifetime: A Simulation-Based Approach to Avoiding Critical States
Christoph Pötsch
Principal Development Engineer Software
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
10:10 – 10:40 AM CEST
PEM-Fuel Cell: Optimizing the Efficiency-Vs-Degradation Trade-off
Stefan Scheidel
Principal Development Engineer Methodology
AVL Powertrain Engineering
10:40 – 11:10 AM CEST
Fuel Cell Stack Virtual Membrane Humidity Sensor: Testbed Validation
Tanner Bruhn
Development Engineer System
AVL Instrumentation and Testing Systems
11:10 – 11:40 AM CEST
Advanced 3D Modeling of Degradation Effects for PEM Fuel Cells in AVL FIRE™ M
Clemens Fink
Senior Development Owner
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
11:40 – 11:45 AM CEST
Wrap-up and Closing
Maximilian Sommer
Business Development Manager
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies
Reinhard Tatschl
Principal Research and Technology Manager
AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies