AVL Solutions Outside the Automotive Sector.
What are the strategies, challenges, and potentials in the aviation, rail,
marine, and industrial energy markets? And how can AVL score with its
expertise and experience in the fuel cell sector? An interview with Sascha
Heinecke (Director Sales Industry Solutions) and Helmut Iancu (Global
Business Segment Manager – Fuel Cell).
;hEt roPe Ho JYeP GePPW TPE] in the new QErOetW#
,eineGOe An important one. From the perspective of “new
mobility”, the main question is how and where synergies can
be created and potential tapped. One project that immediately
comes to mind is BALIS, which was implemented in
collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
-EnGY The BALIS project was an important milestone for us
and DLR, showing how innovative methods and complex test
solutions from the automotive sector can be transferred and
scaled up to the higher performance classes required by the
aviation industry.
%nH whEt EFoYt JYeP GePP TroNeGtW in the rEiP WeGtor#
,eineGOe We are currently in talks with two rolling stock
manufacturers, one in Europe and one in the US, about
supplying testbeds and other AVL technologies.
-EnGY There are many rail lines around the world that cannot
Fe electrified or tLat woYld Fe e\tremely diƾcYlt to electriJy.
In the US, for example, fuel cell technology can be used to de-
carbonize long stretches of the rail network.
;hEt GhEPPengeW Ere oYr GYWtoQerW JEGing in terQW oJ JYeP
GePP teGhnoPog]#
-EnGY We are dealing with a rapidly developing technology with
a vast range of applications. The challenge for our customers
is standardization in order to scale. Our modular solutions help
in imTlementing aTTlicationsTecific TroNects witL standardi^ed
and expandable modules.
,eineGOe In addition to the technical challenges, there are also
questions regarding the acceptance of the technology in terms
of security, for example, in the aviation sector. However, this is
liOely to Fe overcome Fy , wLen we will see tLe first JYel
cell-powered aircraft.
;hEt oTTortYnitieW Ho ]oY Wee Jor JYeP GePP teGhnoPogieW in
the QErine WegQent#
,eineGOe The trend in shipping is towards complete
hybridization, and we serve this segment holistically. This
includes our fuel cell solutions, as well as power electronics
and battery technology, which need to be adapted and
integrated. We have also decided to collaborate with market
partners in order to achieve an early learning phase and scaling
of our products.
;hEt W]nergieW GEn Fe EGhieveH F] GoQFining JYeP GePPW with
other teGhnoPogieW#
-EnGY ;Lat comes to mind first and Joremost is electrolysis,
i.e., the sustainable production of hydrogen, which is now a
major focus for AVL. Transferring our expertise and experience
with fuel cells in this area will help us to achieve technological
success quickly.
Fuel Cell Power in
New Industries
2024