Magazine

PROJECT "CITIES IN CHARGE" PROVIDES INSIGHTS FOR THE EXPANSION OF CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE | Many factors must be taken into account when expanding the charging infrastructure for electromobility. In addition to the economic viability of the locations and the possibilities for reducing pollutants, these also include the acceptance of users, whose requirements for charging stations for e-cars are diverse. In order to understand the user perspective better, the "Cities in Charge" project included a Germany-wide online survey at almost 100 charging stations.

EXPANSION OF CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC MOBILITY IN MUNICIPALTIES, COMMUNITIES AND COMPANIES | The charging infrastructure for tomorrow's mobility must be planned today! Energy consumption and emissions in the transport sector have not yet fallen significantly. Decisive action is required now to achieve the climate protection targets of the German government. With the recent significant increase in electro mobility, important steps have already been taken. However, a significant expansion of charging is essential. Fraunhofer IFAM can actively support both - municipalities and companies - that plan and operate charging stations.

AI-CONTROLLED PROCESS MONITORING IN SURFACE PRETREATMENT WITH PLASMA AND LASER TECHNOLOGY | Pretreatment with plasma technology and decoating with laser techniques are precision processes for preparing component surfaces for further processing in the process chain, e.g. for bonding or painting. The slightest fluctuations in process parameters or starting materials can have serious consequences, even leading to component failure. Surface pretreatment processes must therefore be extremely controlled. To counteract process fluctuations, IFAM is researching into making these processes self-adjusting using optical and acoustic monitoring methods in combination with artificial intelligence (AI) and thus making them safer.

THE USE OF LASER AND PLASMA TECHNOLOGY FOR BIOTRANSFORMED SURFACES | Laser and plasma techniques are well researched processes that find wide application in industrial surface treatment in order to clean surfaces or to selectively provide them with properties and functions. These techniques can also be used to engage a biological transformation of production processes and manufacturing methods. In concrete terms, this means that living systems are integrated into technical systems in order to optimize them, equip them with new functions, and make them more stable in the long term. At Fraunhofer IFAM, research is currently being carried out in various areas into how laser and plasma technologies enable and promote the integration of organisms on surfaces.

COUNTERING DIFFUSION AND EMBRITTLEMENT IN THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF HYDROGEN | Green hydrogen will play a decisive role in a successful energy transition. The development of new hydrogen technologies requires techniques and processes that enable the safe production, storage, distribution and use of hydrogen. Central material science challenges are the diffusion of hydrogen and the associated embrittlement of used material. The "Plasma Technology and Surfaces" department at Fraunhofer IFAM is researching how surfaces can be protected against this diffusion and embrittlement by treatment with plasmas or lasers. The focus is on internal coatings for tanks and pipes, but possible applications for electrolysers, bipolar plates, and fuel cells are also being investigated.

DEVELOPMENT OF ROTORS FOR EFFICIENT INDUCTION MACHINES (IM) | Fraunhofer IFAM is developing solutions for more economical and efficient Induction machine (IM). IMs are still widely used in electrical drive applications, particularly in the field of industrial drives. They are robust and cost-effective and can start up directly from the line without a frequency converter if required. Even in vehicle technology, IMs are certainly far from being replaced . New manufacturing approaches continue to offer potential for increasing efficiency, reducing costs and improving production quality.

HOW CAN DRONES AND OTHER MOBILE ROBOTICS BE USED FOR INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS? | Whether it's inspecting the facade of a 20-story (high-rise) building/skyscraper or repairing a wind turbine blade –humans simply aren't made for some quality assurance tasks. In some cases, drones can take over this dangerous job from humans. In the future, they will be used more and more as tools and have the potential to perform their tasks completely autonomously. Fraunhofer IFAM is investigating different possible uses/use cases? of unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles in quality assurance – whether in inspection, maintenance, or repair.

The challenges and solutions for the use of drones in industrial, university and civil sectors require an orderly and coordinated use of the corresponding airspace. To make this possible, a real laboratory is planned on the basis of the implementing regulation EU-2021/664: Based on the U-Space concepts, an integrative airspace for manned and unmanned aviation is to be created.

The new FOREST project of Fraunhofer IFAM and partners will contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector by developing and implementing innovative biobased polymers, additives, and recycled carbonfibers. The goal will be achieved by combining three key-drivers: reduce, recovery, reshape.

INCREASED USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES THROUGH DISTRICT HEATING | District heating plays a major role in the energy transition. Compared to decentralized heating systems, centralized heat generation in conjunction with a heat network enables the integration of renewable heat sources and is a cost-effective alternative, especially in densely populated urban areas. Planning and expanding of the piped heat supply is therefore essential for the energy transition.