Cellcentric, MAHLE to cooperate on supply of components for H2 fuel cell systems
Daimler Truck-Volvo Group JV cellcentric and MAHLE have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the field of fuel cell technology for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications with comparable requirements.
The cooperation focuses on the development and series production of the system component flat membrane humidifier, which plays a supporting role in both 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", claimed cellcentric CEO Matthias Jurytko.
"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", he emphasized.
"We are pleased that cellcentric has chosen MAHLE technology", said Martin Wellhöffer, Corporate Executive Vice President Sales and 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.
MAHLE's flat membrane humidifier plays an important role in a 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.
Instead, the company 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 claims to be driving forward the development of fuel cells, with broad expertise in fuel cell peripherals.
