In order to make the production of green hydrogen more efficient, Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HsH), Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), the Clausthal Centre for Materials Technology (CZM) and the LZH are conducting research into new types of multimaterial components as part of an innovation alliance. For the first time, they want to combine assemblies for particularly low temperatures with those for very high temperatures. This multimaterial design should enable more efficient, more compact and lighter components. Both the mobility sector and decentralised energy supply would benefit from this.

Additively manufactured integrated energy converter

The four partners from Lower Saxony are working together to additively manufacture a functional, integrated energy converter. To this end, they are developing a hydrogen reformer that uses multimaterial components to convert methanol or ammonia into hydrogen. Due to the necessary pressure reduction and high reaction temperatures, high temperature differences occur in one component. It is therefore particularly important that all the materials used, both metallic and ceramic, are well coordinated with each other.

In order to manufacture the components quickly and efficiently, the project partners are developing a process head that can flexibly process both powder and wire base materials. In this way, the partners want to enable a gradual transition between two different materials and thus produce so-called functional-graded materials. The project also includes the characterisation and evaluation of the material systems and components.

About AM2H2

In the innovation network ‘Additive Manufacturing of Multimaterial Components for Sustainable Energy Conversion’ (AM2H2), the CZM is responsible for material development and testing, and characterisation of the materials and components. The LZH is developing laser processes for additive manufacturing, the HsH is conceptualising and manufacturing a process head, while the Institute for Product Development and Device Engineering at the LUH is responsible for simulations and for the construction and design of the system demonstrator. This project is funded by the European Social Fund Plus / European Regional Development Fund.