Magazine

PFAS-FREE ALTERNATIVES IN THE EVENT OF A PFAS BAN IN THE EU | The EU-wide ban on perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS for short) planned by the ECHA is currently causing a great deal of concern among many companies. PFAS are characterized by outstanding technical properties and are therefore used in a wide variety of industries. However, it is now known that the chemicals accumulate in humans and the environment and have negative effects on ecosystems and health. Due to the impending ban on PFAS, alternatives with comparable properties are in demand. Fraunhofer IFAM has been working on the development of fluorine-free coatings for many years and offers sustainable solutions for anti-stick, anti-friction, and hydrophobic coatings.

Efficient assembly of large structures: New approaches through automation and digitalization in joining processes

TECHNOLOGIES FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF HYDROGEN | As a versatile energy carrier, hydrogen will play a key role in the long-term success of the energy transition. Fraunhofer IFAM is working with project partners in the flagship hydrogen project TransHyDE to further develop and test technologies for the transport and storage of hydrogen. LOHC technology (liquid organic hydrogen carrier) plays an important role in this.

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.

ARC-PROOF DC CONNECTOR SYSTEMS FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS IN BUILDINGS | In a world where practically all consumers require direct current (DC), DC networks offer immense advantages. Modern semiconductor technologies enable safe utilization, which is accompanied by the advantages of increased efficiency at lower costs. Fraunhofer IFAM has developed a concept for a very compact plug-in system that can transmit high DC power and ensure the required safety through the use of electronics and software.

CHARGING MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEETS - SOLVER-BASED, CUSTOMIZED AND COST-EFFICIENT | The experts in the "Research Data" unit at Fraunhofer IFAM use a specifically developed simulation environment to determine the most cost-effective solutions for operating electric fleets on site for individual scenarios.

STUDY "IMPROVING THIRD-PARTY ACCESS TO DISTRICT HEATING NETWORKS" | As part of the study “Improving third-party access to district heating networks” commissioned by dena, experts from Fraunhofer IFAM have developed a concept that structures the integration of external heat generators, so-called third parties, into large heating networks through regulated processes. This takes into account the requirement of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), according to which operators of district heating or cooling networks with a capacity of more than 25 MWth are required to grant third-party providers of energy from renewable sources and waste heat and cooling access to the network or to purchase and feed in the energy (Article 24, Paragraph 4b).

ALTERNATIVE MAGNETS FOR ELECTRIC DRIVES | The conservation of raw materials is becoming an crucial aspect of the development of electric machines. For instance, rare earth elements are employed the production of magnets for synchronous machines. However, these elements are not only expensive but also in limited supply, which is why they are mostly imported from China. As a result, electric machine manufacturers are actively seeking alternatives. At Fraunhofer IFAM, research is being conducted on materials that are not only more cost-effective but also reduce dependence on rare earth elements. This is of great interest to the industry, given the extreme price fluctuations and China's dominance in rare earth mining.