News

Federal government granted a new research project: „Prevention of Explosive Gas Mixtures During PEM-Electrolysis“ - March 2024

On the 1st March 2024 a new research project started at HIAT with the title: Prevention of Explosive Gas Mixtures During PEM-Electrolysis. The project “Under 1” is developing a process for modifying PFSA membranes or catalyst coated membranes for electrolysis. Naturally, hydrogen is present into oxygen on the anode side due to permeation through the membrane, particularly under pressure on the cathodes. The formation of explosive gas mixtures from 4% hydrogen in oxygen can be potentially dangerous. The aim of this project at the cell level is to minimize this danger over a wide range of parameters by achieving values below 1%. In order to understand the nature of permeation, existing catalyst coated membranes will be extensively characterized at the beginning of the project depending on their hydrogen pressure, cell temperature and current density.

State Government approves new research project: „Development of decentralized hydrogen refueling systems based on innovative PEM electrolysis stacks and directly coupled solar systems“ - January 2023

On December 1st, 2022, the new research and development project "HYSOL-Refuel" started at the HIAT. The aim is to develop hydrogen refueling systems for decentralized energy storage from regenerative energy sources, in this case solar systems, together with the project partner Batarow Hydrogen GmbH. The areas of application of the systems should extend from private homes to smaller commercial locations. The main aspect of the research work for the HIAT is a new type of structure for the PEM electrolysis stack. This includes the development of new and the substitution of existing components in order to achieve a more efficient mode of operation for the hydrogen production to be made available for the fueling system. Batarow Hydrogen GmbH is developing the overall system for the hydrogen refueling system as part of the project. This includes the overarching PEM electroly-sis system and its direct coupling to a solar system, supplemented by the processing of the generated hydrogen, so that ultimately a complete system of hydrogen pressure storage and subsequent refueling technology is available.
More Information (PDF, 85KB)

Federal Government grants new research project: „Developement of an innovative process for coating and quality assurance and for the production of chemically inert mono- and bipolar plates“ - May 2021

The new research and development project “MOBInert” started on March 1st at the HIAT. For the HIAT and the project partner Materion GmbH from Wismar, the aim of the project is to achieve a long-term stable coating of the cathode-side surfaces of mono- and bipolar plates for PEM electrolysers, which for the application of water electrolysis and the associated challenges due to the influences of nascent hydrogen is particularly suitable. In addition to the marketing potential, it is also of great technological importance that an innovative process for coating mono- and bipolar plates is developed until it is ready for the market. The focus is in particular on avoiding the increase in contact resistance on the cathode sides of the monopolar and bipolar plates, as the coating is intended to help prevent corrosion, which is reduced to a minimum, during operation and also when the electrolyzer is at a standstill. The coating makes an essential contribution to increasing the service life of a PEM electrolyzer. The coating of the mono- / bipolar plates is ultimately intended to significantly increase the service life, which, according to the current state of the art, is limited by the achievement of critical cell voltages or overvoltages outside the limit values.
More Information (PDF, 119KB)

Federal Government grants new research project: „Process for the Industrial Production of Catalysts“ - May 2021

On the 1st May 2021 a new research project started at HIAT with the title: Process for the Technical Production of Catalysts. In the project “ScaleCat” existing catalyst systems, which have proven themselves in terms of performance and service life time in fuel and electrolysis cells, are being transferred from the laboratory to the technical production scale. So far, only small batches of up to approx. 5 g of catalyst with typical properties can be produced. The chemistry and number of process steps required for this are complex. This is not cost-effective. The aim of the project is therefore to develop a lean process that allows batches of up to 100 g of catalyst powder.
More Information (PDF, 218KB)

Federal Government grants new research project: „Development of multifunctional flow field gas diffusion layers made of titanium powders for use in PEM water electrolysers with the help of innovative additive manufacturing“ - May 2019

Already on the 1st of January 2020 a new two year lasting research project launched at the research institute HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technologies), concerning the development and integration of multifunctional flow field gas diffusion layers made of titanium powders using an innovative additive manufacturing process for use in PEM water electrolysers. Together with the project partner Element22 GmbH from Kiel, the goal of this project is to develop an innovative additive manufacturing process for the production of GDFs (Gas Diffusion Flowfields). Within the R&D project "GDFby3D-Print", a special cost-reducing component for the anode of water electrolysis is being developed, which combines the functionalities of a flow field and a gas diffusion layer in a single component. Viewed as a whole, a cost-effective component for electrolysis will emerge, which will find its application both at ambient pressures, but in particular also at high differential pressures. With regard to the application scenario of the direct feeding of hydrogen into the high-pressure lines of the natural gas storage network, the hydrogen differential pressure is defined with the target parameter of 100 bar. The overarching goal is to develop a new media distribution component that is specially tailored to the requirements of PEM electrolysis.

State Government approves new research project: „Development of a cost-efficient Differential Pressurised PEM Electrolysis System for Application in Direct-Methanation-Process“ - January 2020

On May 1, 2019, HIAT launched a three year lasting research project to develop a performance-optimized pilot plant to increase the efficiency of biogas plants by means of direct biological methanation. The focus of the R & D project is on the favored application scenario of the revival of existing biogas plants, which are canceled from the previous funding regulations due to the amendment of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (state: EEG 2017). By integrating a biological direct methanation in the fermenter or secondary fermenter of a biogas plant, an increased methane yield and the reduction of the emitted carbon dioxide content is to be achieved. Based on the establishment of a secondary process stream with integrated electrolytic water splitting, the resulting hydrogen gas is prepared and used for the further process steps. The hydrogen gas from the PEM electrolysis is to be fed directly to the biogas production process via the bottom of the fermenter. The goal is to increase the methane yield from the biogas stream by about 20%. As part of the cooperation project pReBinD, the project partners ME-LE Biogas GmbH and HIAT gGmbH will be intensively involved in the development of a biological direct methanation system and a cost-efficient PEM electrolysis system as well as the direct connection of a system container to a running biogas plant. More Information (PDF, 227KB)

Federal Government grants new research project: „Cost-efficient and optimized Sealings for Electrolysis Applications“ - May 2019

On September 1, 2019, HIAT will launch a new research project for the integration of a novel sealing component for use in PEM water electrolyzers. Together with the project partner Laufenberg GmbH from Krefeld, the aim of this project is the development and realization of a process for the production of physically stable and chemically inert special seals. The development of the new sealing component is under constant consideration of the reduction of material and manufacturing costs. Along with a detailed specification, the production of seals made of silicone and special fillers is examined, which have the necessary mechanical stability against the high physical influences of pressure and temperature. The focus of development is also the high chemical inertness of the seal during electrolysis in combination with the aggressive chemical environment of an acidic membrane. All new developments aimed at improving the sealing parameters and reducing costs in production are under constant consideration for maintaining the sealing properties. The overall objective is to replace marketable gaskets with a special gasket, which, in terms of its operating characteristics, stands out from products of industry-specific manufacturers and suppliers that are not adequately sensitized to PEM electrolysis technology. More Information (PDF, 109KB)

Federal Government grants new research project: „Redevelopment of a low-cost phosphoric acid dosing system to extend the lifetime of HT-PEM MEAs at the system level“ - September 2018

On May 1, 2018, HIAT launched another two-year research project to develop an electronic control system for phosphoric acid replenishment of the MEAs (membrane-electrode assemblies) of an HT (high-temperature) PEM fuel cell stack. Phosphoric acid serves as a stored electrolyte in the membrane and electrode material and has a low vapor pressure in conjunction with a high electrolyte conductivity. This favors the characteristically high performance of HT-PEM technology. In practical application, it becomes clear that the operational discharge of phosphoric acid causes a significant degradation of the HT-PEM fuel cell. The goal of the cooperation project "PAAS" (Phosphoric Acid Addition System) is accordingly the redevelopment and integration of a phosphoric acid addition system into a fuel cell system of the specialized company Siqens from Munich. The compensation of the degradation is focused by the targeted automatic tracking of the discharged acid fraction from a reservoir in order to increase the maximum system operating time.

Federal Government grants new research project: „Hydrogen Production for Laboratory Applications“ - June 2018

Since the 1st of March 2018, HIAT has started to work on another two-year research project to develop a performance optimized PEM Electrolysis System for laboratory applications. Therefore, the aim of the project “HyProLAp” is to design a PEM Elektrolyzer with cost-efficient core components, which has state-of-the-art electrical characteristics and operating parameters, but in comparison to the specific production costs, significantly less impact. In cooperation with Denkendorf (Bavaria) based company CGS Wartungsservice a more effective electronic control system, tailored to the needs of water electrolysis, is developed. Furthermore, the development of a cost-reduced laboratory gas system for the quality of hydrogen 6.0 is the distinction from the prior art. With this system, the time until the regular maintenance of the device compared to commercially available providers to be significantly maximized. The expansion of the market for hydrogen gas generators for laboratory applications is to be regarded as global and considering the great potential, with the project partners initially focusing on entering the European market.

Presentation of new Product Line „PEM Electrolyzer by HIAT“ - January 2018

Since the 2nd of January 2018 the HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technologies) promotes the new product line „PEM Electrolyzer by HIAT“, using an independent logo to provide his specially developed and manufactured PEM Electrolysis Stacks. In cooperation with Paperheroes Kommunikationsdesign und Fotografie (TGZ Wismar), Daniela Malchow and Christoph Meyer guided the HIAT from the design concept all the way to the print. The skills to develop logotypes and signets and to design printed media were combined in the new Roll-Up.
More Information regarding PEM Elektrolysis Stacks under Products

Federal Government grants new research project: „Development of a combined Flowfield Gas Diffusion Layer for use in PEM-Electrolyzers - November 2017

Already on the 1st of July 2017 a new two year lasting research project launched at the research institute HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technologies) around the development of an innovative core component for PEM Electrolyzers. Therefore the aim of the project „ELY-GDF“ is to design a combined Electrolysis Gas Diffusion Flowfield. As a new and cost-efficent part of the anode-side of the Water Electrolysis the actual Flowfield Structures and Gas Diffusion Layers get combined to a single component. In cooperation with Schmalkalden (Thuringia) based company MIMtechnik a new process gets developed to produce this component. The applied focus is especially aligned for use in Power-to-Gas applications. The result of the project intends to inject Hydrogen Gas into existing gas grids, produced by PEM Electrolyzers, in a cost optimized way with pressures up to 100 bar (1450 psi).

Federal Government grants new research project: „Development of an innovative Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor which can be directly coupled with Water-Electrolyzers“ - June 2017

Already on the 1st of April 2017 a new two year lasting research project launched at the research institute HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technologies) to develop an innovative electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor. The purpose of the project „HYPER“ is to develop a new kind of an Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor (EHC) concerning innovative design technologies implemented as a double-stage differential pressure concept. Initially the humid hydrogen, preferentially produced by a PEM Electrolyzer, gets into the first anode spaces of the first compression stage. In the cathodes spaces of this stage hydrogen pressure gets build up to 200 bar (2900 psi). The 200 bar compressed hydrogen of the first stage reaches the anode spaces of the second compression stage by interacted closing an opening of the media supplying structures. The aim is to realize hydrogen pressure up to 400 bar (5800 psi) as the output of the EHC. Therefore the future EHC has the ability to step up an input hydrogen pressure of at least 40 bar (580 psi) to 400 bar output pressure with a production rate of 1 Nm³/h. The focus of this project is to substitute mechanical hydrogen compressors with the EHC for use in the hydrogen refueling technology.

State Government approves new research project: „Development of an power and cost efficient high pressure electrolyser for generating of hydrogen up to 200 bar“ - December 2015

On 1st June 2015 a new three year longing research project started in the research institute HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institut of Applied Technology) about the development of a new type of PEM water electrolysis system. It is a cooperation project between the HIAT gGmbH and the innovative industrial company Hydyne GmbH. The State Government Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Eropean Fund for Regional Development support this project. More information

Federal Government granted HIAT new research project: „Development of a novel MEA for the High Temperature Fuel Cell and its Process Engineering for Assembling“ (eco HT-PEM) - September 2015

On the 1st of June, 2015 a new two year longing research project started in the research institute H.I.A.T. gGmbH located in Schwerin for the development of an innovative core component for high temperature fuel cells. The project was laid out as a cooperation research project between the H.I.A.T. gGmbH and another company which will use the new core component for economic fuel cell systems in the lower KW power range. The main focus of the project work exists in the clear reduction of the costs for the MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) as well as increase of the efficiency. More information

Representatives from politics and business attended as part of the Innovation Tour of the metropolitan-industry and chambers of commerce the HIAT - 16.06.2015

On June 16, 2015 innovative entrepreneurs come in the hydrogen Institute Schwerin, to learn about application-oriented, economic research and development in the sectors of hydrogen and fuel cell technology and the distributed energy storage technology. The tour participants were particularly impressed about the business-oriented, product-oriented development of the Institute. More information

The Minister of Energy, Infrastructure and Regional Development Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Christian Pegel visited the Research Institute HIAT gGmbH - 16.12.2014

On December 16, 2014, Energy Minister Pegel visited the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Institute HIAT (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technologies) located at the technological and industrial center eV Schwerin / Wismar (TGZ eV) to get information’s about the current and future research activities in the field of energy storage. More information

Federation approved new research project: „novel composite bipolar plates for use in hydrogen generating“ (NeoHyGen) - July 2014

On May 1, 2014 HIAT gGmbH (Hydrogen and Informatics Institute of Applied Technology gGmbH) started with the participation of Eisenhuth GmbH & Co.KG a new research project on the development of novel mono- and bipolar plates. The focus of the project is to reduce significantly the high production and processing costs of the currently used titanium based mono- and bipolar plates for PEM water electrolysis (polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis). More information

Federation approved a new research project on the subject of cost-effective hydrogen production from renewable energy sources (power to gas) in Schwerin - 31.05.2013

On April 2013, a new research project started at the Institute HIAT in the field of recycling platinum and iridium and the reuse in water electrolysers for hydrogen production. The project is designed as a cooperation research project between the HIAT and three innovative partners. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) via the Central Innovation Programme fund it for SMEs (ZIM-KOOP). More information

participation at the work group "Forschung, Entwicklung und Lehre" of the Landesenergierat M-V - 23.11.2012

In the beginning of November 2012 Energy Minister Schlotmann called the Landesenergierat to life. The task of the National Energy Council is to advise the Department of Energy in developing the country's energy strategy and to submit proposals for action. Therefore the five working groups of the Landesenergierat were set aside. The HIAT engages in the working group regularly and tackles together with specialists and stakeholders from the energy sector current issues. More information

grant for new research project APES - 31.07.2012

The project APES (Advanced PEM Electrolysis System) aims to develop and optimize the structure of a PEM electrolyser. Specifically the development of a novel and efficient 5-layer MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) for PEM electrolysers is a concise project goal. The basis for this project is already set by a platinum-free CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) for PEM electrolysis stacks developed by HIAT.

Municipal Utilitiy Schwerin participates in HIAT gGmbH - 24.07.2012

More research in green energy storage. Read the full Press article (german only).

HIAT at the "Hannover Messe 2012" - April 2012

The HIAT research institute is presenting April 23rd- 27th, 2010 at the Hannover Fair. We'll showcase our latest activities in research & development as well as our network HyPort@Müritz.
We invite you to visit us!

grant for technology-oriented network - 11.2011

Already on 01.07.2011 the HIAT launched together with its partners the network project HyPort@Müritz. The main objective of the network is to establish a "hydrogen region Mecklenburg-Vorpommern". The HIAT gGmbH takes on the project management as a network manager.

fusion of IFM gGmbH and HIAT gGmbH - 30.10.2010

The Research and Development Institutes for hydrogen technology and multimedia technology go together since 09/01/2010.

HIAT at the "Hannover Messe 2010" - April 2010

The HIAT research institute is presenting April 19th- 23rd, 2010 at the Hannover Fair. We'll showcase our latest activities in research & development. Just as a young team of students, that started a spin-off company based on a HIAT patent, will introduce its new range of products and service.

grant for new research project reACT - 01.10.2009

On 01/10/2009 the joint project, funded by the BMBF (PTJ) under the KMU Innovativ, "reACT" - recovery and re-use of precious metals from fuel cells - launched at HIAT. Main objective of the project is the production of electrocatalysts and membrane electrode assemblies based on recycled precious metals.