cellcentric and MAHLE cooperate in the supply of fuel cell components

cellcentric, the fuel cell joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group AB, has signed a memorandum of understanding with MAHLE for the development and mass production of the flat membrane humidifier. This component enhances the durability and lifespan of fuel cells in commercial vehicles and other applications.

cellcentric and MAHLE Collaborate on Fuel Cell Components – cellcentric

cellcentric, the 50:50 fuel cell joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group AB, and the technology group MAHLE have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the field of fuel cell technology for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles as well as for other applications with comparable requirements. The cooperation focuses on the development and series production of the system component flat membrane humidifier. Among other things, the innovation improves the durability of the fuel cell and thus ensures a longer service life. The flat membrane humidifier is to be used both in fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles and in stationary systems, such as emergency power generators.

“cellcentric has the intention to become a world leading manufacturer of fuel cells. Our fuel cell is explicitly designed for use in heavy trucks. Accordingly, it meets the high quality requirements of the automotive industry and the relevant standards. With MAHLE, we have a partner at our side that has decades of experience as an automotive supplier as well as broad expertise in fuel cell peripherals,” emphasizes cellcentric CEO, Matthias Jurytko.

“We are pleased that cellcentric has chosen MAHLE technology,” said Martin Wellhöffer, Corporate Executive Vice President Sales & Application Engineering at the MAHLE Group. “The agreement reached between MAHLE and cellcentric represents a valuable step towards a joint strategic future in the development of zero-emission powertrains.”
“The agreement is a vote of confidence in MAHLE’s technological expertise. The fuel cell is an important pillar of our Group strategy as part of our technology-open approach to designing climate-neutral mobility,” explained Martin Weidlich, Member of the MAHLE Management Board and responsible for the Filtration and Engine Peripherals business unit.
The flat membrane humidifier from MAHLE takes on a supporting role in the fuel cell system. In order to work as effectively and efficiently as possible, fuel cells must be supplied with sufficient fresh air and humidity. To ensure the correct moisture content in the fuel cell, conventional humidifiers use small hollow membrane fibers. MAHLE instead uses very thin membranes that are stacked in layers in the humidifier, thereby ensuring effective humidification of the fuel cells. The higher the humidity in the fuel cell, the more efficiently it works and the longer its service life.

MAHLE is a systems supplier for sustainable transportation and focuses on the overall system of powertrain and thermal management. In doing so, the technology group addresses precisely those topics that are particularly important for future emission-free mobility: Range, performance, total cost of ownership, and cabin comfort. At the same time, MAHLE is driving forward the development of fuel cells and has broad expertise in fuel cell peripherals.
cellcentric develops, produces and markets fuel cell systems for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles as its main focus, as well as for other areas of application with comparable requirements. The company leverages the know-how and extensive experience gained from several decades of development work on fuel cells by its predecessor companies and pursues the goal of becoming a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells.

Memorandum of Understanding signed for the development and series production of the flat membrane humidifier system component The component increases the durability of fuel cells and will be used in commercial vehicles as well as other applications

cellcentric presents latest generation of its fuel-cell technology

At IAA Transportation 2022, cellcentric introduces its most advanced fuel cell system generation for commercial vehicles. The new BZA150 features 150 kW net output, enhanced durability, and is designed specifically for emission-free long-haul transport.

cellcentric Unveils Latest Fuel Cell Generation at IAA Transportation 2022 – cellcentric

At the IAA Transportation 2022, cellcentric, the 50:50 fuel-cell joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group, will present its latest innovations on the way to fuel-cell series production. The company will debut its new generation fuel-cell system, with 150 kW net power and an improved design.

The manufacturer of fuel-cell systems, which are primarily used in heavy-duty commercial vehicles to enable emission-free long-distance transport, is thus underlining its industrialization expertise. In hall 24, booth C23 cellcentric presents two fuel-cell systems to the specialized public. Significant improvements in all relevant areas are provided by the new generation BZA150, which is intended for series production. It has a net power of 150 kW, the voltage range is between 650-850 VDC, the service life is approximately 25,000 operating hours, and the weight is around 230 kg.

“Our new development impressively demonstrates the potential of fuel cell technology,” said Dr. Matthias Jurytko, CEO at cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG. “After all, within just one generation, we have been able to increase net power by 36 percent while reducing weight by eight percent. Even more decisive, however, is the improved service life, which is now equivalent to that of a conventional diesel unit in long-distance use.” In the future, two of the newly developed units with a total net output of 300 kW will be used in long-distance trucks (twin system). They will be installed in place of the conventional powertrain.

Also on display at the IAA is the BZA100+ fuel-cell power unit. It has a net power of 110 kW, a voltage range of 600-750 VDC and a lifetime of 3,000 hours with a weight of 250 kg.

Special requirements for energy-intensive use provided

cellcentric not only adapts existing fuel cell technology. For crucial technology components, the company is developing a completely new generation of fuel-cell systems that meet the complex and special requirements of commercial vehicles in the heavy long-distance and heavy-duty sector. cellcentric’s fuel-cell systems enable high loading volumes and payloads as well as the required long-distance capability and flexibility. They keep trucks moving when there is no time to recharge – perfect for long distances and heavy loads and in parts of the world where charging options are limited.

Presentation of the new fuel cell system generation with 150 kW net power output Drastically improved service life and optimized design Specially developed for commercial vehicles with energy-intensive use

Girls’ Day 2023: cellcentric invites 10 girls to discover the fuel cell

On Girls’ Day 2023, cellcentric welcomes 10 girls to explore careers in engineering and science. They will experience an exciting day in Nabern with insights into innovative fuel cell technology for sustainable mobility. Register now on the Girls’ Day website.

Girls' Day 2023: cellcentric Invites Girls to Discover Fuel Cell Technology – cellcentric

On Girls’ Day, girls broaden their range of career choices and learn “among themselves” about professions in technology, crafts, IT, natural sciences, and industry, and can test their skills in precisely these areas. They meet female role models and women in leading positions – this inspires and motivates.

We are happy that cellcentric is part of this initiative this year. Girls can expect an exciting day at the cellcentric site in Nabern, where girls from the 7th grade onwards can get to know different areas and professions at our company, such as design engineer or development engineer. There will also be other highlights, such as insights into our hydrogen and air-powered fuel cell, which enables climate-neutral and sustainable mobility.

Registration is done via the cellcentric profile on the Girls’ Day website. The website also provides step-by-step instructions and an overview of contact persons.

Girls’ Day again on April 27, 2023

On Girls’ Day, girls from the seventh grade onwards can discover professions in which mostly men have worked so far and in which the proportion of women is below 40 percent.

Are you as excited about hydrogen and fuel cell technology as we are? Do you want to learn more about our work at cellcentric? We are here to help.

Girls’ Day 2023: cellcentric invites 10 girls to discover the fuel cell

Girls’ Day again on April 27, 2023

Girls’ Day at cellcentric

Registration for Girls’ Day

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cellcentric and MAHLE cooperate in the supply of fuel cell components

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