Decarbonization of industry and mobility
SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH HYDROGEN
CO2-neutral energy source
Hydrogen for mobility and industry of the future
The energy transition and the decarbonization of industry and mobility are key challenges of our time. In order to achieve climate targets, alternative energy sources are needed in addition to electrification—and hydrogen plays a crucial role in this. As a CO₂-free key technology, hydrogen will replace fossil fuels in the future and significantly reduce emissions. Unlike other environmentally friendly forms of energy generation such as wind or solar power, hydrogen energy is storable. This means that the time and place of production can be decoupled from the use of hydrogen – an important factor for mobility and industry.
On the way to "Mission Zero"
Focus on technological openness
Eberspächer is committed to technological openness: every application requires the ideal solution. Battery-electric technology reaches its limits, particularly in heavy-duty transport, industrial high-temperature processes, and long-term storage of renewable energy. Hydrogen offers a powerful and scalable alternative here. Innovation and industrial implementation capabilities are required for the widespread use of green hydrogen.
Solution provider for hydrogen applications
As an experienced system developer and supplier to the automotive industry, Eberspächer is actively shaping the future of hydrogen in industry and mobility. We see hydrogen not only as an alternative energy source, but also as a strategic pillar in a sustainable energy and mobility landscape. Our products and systems contribute to bringing hydrogen applications into series production efficiently, safely, and economically. With our in-depth industrialization expertise, state-of-the-art automation technology, and decades of experience in series production, we enable the rapid market ramp-up of hydrogen solutions – from mobile applications in commercial vehicles to stationary energy storage.
Based on existing core competencies, we develop and adapt products and systems to the requirements of hydrogen in fuel cell or hydrogen engine applications.
The targeted expansion of our expertise through strategic partnerships is also opening up new business areas for Eberspächer. Based on our industrialization expertise, we are contributing to the scaling of solutions for hydrogen production as well as its storage, and transport.
Fuel cells for stationary and mobile applications
Fuel cells generate electrical energy through the reaction process between hydrogen and oxygen that takes place in the fuel cell stack. This converts chemical energy into electricity and heat. No harmful emissions are produced in the process; only water as a waste product must be separated. Whether for use in heavy-duty applications, aviation, material handling or energy supply, fuel cells operate emission-free and highly efficiently.
Thanks to the expertise of Purem by Eberspächer and Eberspächer VAIREX, our products and solutions contribute to the efficient operation of fuel cell systems in mobile and stationary applications.
WE OFFER SOLUTIONS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CUSTOMER CHALLENGES:
Hydrogen engines as an alternative drive technology
In the mobility sector, hydrogen has great potential, especially for commercial, heavy-duty, and off-road vehicles. As one of the world's leading system providers, Purem by Eberspächer is transferring its expertise in exhaust gas aftertreatment technology to this type of engine. The focus is on reducing the nitrogen oxides and treating emissions from the engine oil path. This is because the combustion of engine oil also produces low concentrations of carbon-based pollutants that require treatment.
For the development, Purem by Eberspächer drew on its expertise in materials science and researched the effects of hydrogen on common steels. These findings formed the basis for the design of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for hydrogen engines used in commercial vehicles.
Industrialization expertise for the widespread availability of hydrogen
One of the biggest challenges for decarbonizing industry and mobility through the use of hydrogen is its availability and the necessary infrastructure. The Eberspächer Group is therefore involved in research projects and consortia and is calling for clear political framework conditions.
Through strategic partnerships, we are also tapping into new business areas and pooling expertise in a targeted manner, for example, for scaling hydrogen production through the process of electrolysis with Topsoe or industrializing a novel form of energy storage and transport with AMBARtec.
Interesting facts about hydrogen
Hydrogen (H2) is the most common element in the universe and is considered one of the keys to the energy transition. It can store and transport energy—and when used, it produces only water instead of CO2. Thanks to its high energy density, hydrogen offers numerous applications in mobility, industry, and energy supply.
Hydrogen is classified by color according to how it is produced—gray, blue, turquoise, and green. The so-called "color theory of hydrogen" describes how the energy carrier is produced and helps to evaluate the carbon footprint of different production processes.
- Green hydrogen: Produced from renewable energies and therefore with a low carbon footprint.
- Gray hydrogen: Produced from fossil fuels (e.g., natural gas), resulting in CO₂ emissions that are released into the atmosphere.
- Blue hydrogen: Also produced from fossil sources, but with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture usage (CCU).
- Turquoise hydrogen: Produced by methane pyrolysis, leaving solid carbon behind, resulting in a low carbon footprint.
Hydrogen can be used in mobility in the form of fuel cells or hydrogen engines. This energy source serves as a clean fuel for cars, buses, trains, and commercial vehicles, but is also used in shipping and aviation, for example. In industry, it replaces fossil fuels, for example in steel production. In energy supply, it can store surplus electricity and convert it back when needed. This makes hydrogen a link between sectors – and a key component for climate neutrality.
A hydrogen engine basically works like a conventional combustion engine – instead of gasoline or diesel, hydrogen is used as the energy source. It is injected into the combustion chamber and mixed with air. Ignition causes controlled combustion, which drives the piston and thus generates mechanical energy. The combustion of hydrogen does not produce CO2, but mainly water vapor. Only small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) can be produced due to the high temperatures – however, these can be effectively reduced with suitable exhaust aftertreatment systems. Purem by Eberspächer has had the relevant expertise in SCR technology for decades.
A fuel cell converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy—without combustion, but through an electrochemical reaction. At its core, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) react with each other. This produces electrical energy (electricity), heat, and water as a by-product. The fuel cell stack is the heart of the system, while the surrounding systems—known as the balance of plant—ensure that it operates safely, efficiently, and durably. The main tasks of balance of plant components include regulating oxygen using appropriate compressors, controlling the hydrogen supply, discharging exhaust air and water vapor, and other components that ensure the durability of the system.
Electric mobility alone is not enough to bring about a sustainable transport revolution. Hydrogen-based fuel cell systems offer an efficient solution for vehicles with high energy requirements, such as trucks, buses, ships, and trains. Hydrogen is also a sustainable alternative in aviation, for example for energy supply. When used in converted combustion engines, hydrogen plays an important role in long-distance and heavy-duty transport. Fuel cell systems will also play an important role in industry and energy supply in the future, particularly for power supply and heat generation.
In the field of mobile applications, power ranges from 3 to 400 kW are covered, for example for material handling (3 to 100 kW), passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (45 to 150 kW), trucks and buses (100 to 400 kW), trains and ships (200 kW), and aviation (100 kW). Stationary applications for energy generation range from 1 to 400 kW. With its portfolio of components and systems, Purem by Eberspächer can serve all performance classes.
The use of fuel cell systems poses a number of technical and design challenges. One key issue is water management. Water is produced inside the fuel cell and must be removed in a controlled manner to ensure that the membrane continues to function properly. This requires components such as water separators and dehydrators/condensers. They remove moisture in a controlled manner without disrupting operation. Noise emissions also play a role. Special silencers are used to minimize sound emissions. Another challenge lies in the optimal conversion of hydrogen in the fuel cell. The aim is to convert the available hydrogen into electrical energy as efficiently as possible. The Purem by Eberspächer Hydrogen Recirculation Blower (HRB) returns unconverted hydrogen, thereby increasing overall efficiency.
The materials used in hydrogen systems require a balance between temperature resistance, safety, and flexibility. Plastic and stainless steel components complement each other depending on the application—adapted to the performance and operating strategy of the fuel cell. Plastics offer advantages due to their low weight and flexibility in processing. Stainless steel is often used for higher thermal loads, such as in system components close to the fuel cell.