Schaeffler showcases hydrogen electrolyzers, fuel cells

Schaeffler is showcasing its work in the field of hydrogen electrolyzers and fuel cells and its progress toward the commercialization of green hydrogen at the Hydrogen Americas 2024 Summit and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

Schaeffler says its core competencies – honed through its bearings production that requires exact tolerances in engine, transmission and industrial component manufacturing, along with its team of scientists, technology labs and strategic acquisitions of hydrogen-focused technology companies – equip it to deliver the products and technologies needed to scale the market, the company said.

According to Schaeffler, its experience with cold forming, stamping, coating, sealing and assembly technologies positions the motion technology company as an important player in the construction of electrolyzer and fuel cell stacks.

“As we stand at the cusp of a transformative era, Schaeffler is exceptionally well-positioned to drive the application of hydrogen technology forward,” Jeff Hemphill, chief technology officer of Schaeffler Americas, said. “Its versatility, abundance, and minimal environmental impact make hydrogen a compelling alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offering a pathway toward a more sustainable future.”

In a recent IDTechEx report, "Advanced Li-ion Battery Technologies 2024-2034: Technologies, Players, Forecasts," the company included an analysis of the latest in silicon anode developments. According to the report, maximizing energy density has been one key area of focus in electric vehicle battery development. Optimizations in cell and battery pack designs, alongside the use of higher nickel NMC and NCA cathodes, have led to steady improvement in battery energy density over the past 10-15 years. The energy density limit from current design and material iterations has largely been maximized. However, a promising contender is emerging on the horizon to offer a step-change improvement – silicon. IDTechEx forecasts the market for silicon anode material for Li-ion batteries will exceed $24 billion by 2034.