Chemical energy conversion
Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming. At Bosch Research, we are working on technologies that drive forward the reduction of greenhouse gases, such as electrolysis to generate green hydrogen and high-temperature fuel cells for stationary power generation or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
Reducing CO₂ emissions with chemical energy conversion
Climate change is a global challenge; reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere to mitigate global warming and its associated impacts is a task that all nations must face. Both the industry and private individuals – such as private heating system owners – must also find ways of reducing CO₂ emissions.
At Bosch Research, we are working on essential technologies, which can pave the way towards a future with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced electrolysis technologies and their integration into the energy system of tomorrow are the basis for the production of green hydrogen. Both fuel cells for stationary use and a mobile variant in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) promise to expand the range of applications.
The generation of energy from renewable sources and its local, highly efficient conversion into energy for mobility or heating has a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable energy conversion at Bosch Research
Creating a reliable, economical and environmentally compatible energy supply that focuses on climate protection is indeed one of the biggest tasks of the 21st century. Renewable energies are of particular importance here, although their efficient storage still poses a challenge.
Stationary fuel cells play an important role in environmentally friendly energy supply: The from Bosch (solid oxide fuel cell systems or SOFC systems) produce electricity and heat flexibly and efficiently.
What’s more, they can be operated with various energy sources – with regeneratively produced hydrogen or methane and with natural gas from fossil sources. In this way, they can perfectly balance the fluctuating energy production of wind power and photovoltaic systems: Innovative control algorithms guarantee that the SOFC systems always supply just as much energy as is currently needed. This flexibility ensures that the electricity grids remain stable.
Mobile fuel cells for electric vehicles (FCEV)
A special focus of the innovation field of chemical energy conversion is the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). We are busy working on all components of FCEVs. This requires interdisciplinary teamwork covering a multitude of competencies and scientific disciplines, including system design, sensors, power electronics, electrical turbochargers, hydrogen storages, and electrochemical components. To get FCEVs ready for the mass market, it is essential to bring costs down with innovative manufacturing technologies and processes. At the same time, we must increase reliability by preparing material databases, which catalog important information, like embrittlement under pressurized wet hydrogen. The deep knowledge base along the complete value chain in all components makes Bosch Research unique in this area.
To reduce global warming with all its negative effects, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. This requires imaginative technological solutions such as hydrogen production and storage or fuel cell systems. In the field of chemical energy conversion, Bosch Research is already developing systems that will significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the future.