The project investigates how hydrogen, oxygen, and oxygenated additives influence the formation of carbon nanoparticles (e.g., soot). The aim is to use experiments and modeling to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind particle formation, induction times, and particle morphology. Various experimental methods (shock wave tube, pyrolysis burner, and McKenna burner) are used to cover different reaction conditions. The project is being carried out in cooperation with a Russian research group.

The project investigates the influence of hydrogen on the formation of carbon nanoparticles during the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the particle formation processes at varying C/H ratios and temperatures through experimental and model-based analyses. Various pyrolytic processes (including shock wave, plasma, and flame pyrolysis) and optical measurement methods are used to determine particle sizes, densities, and gas phase compositions. The results are incorporated into detailed chemical models to comprehensively capture the role of hydrogen in particle synthesis.

Research Group 2687 investigates cyclic fluctuations in highly optimized gasoline engines. In the second funding phase, the focus is on hydrogen as a fuel. Due to the special physical and chemical properties of hydrogen (e.g., wide ignition limits, low ignition energy, diffusive thermal instabilities), this requires further development of experimental and simulation methods. The aim is to understand and model the complex chain of causes of cyclic fluctuations and to trace them back causally using spatially and temporally high-resolution experiments and numerical simulations (including large eddy simulation and direct numerical simulation). The research is conducted across multiple locations (Aachen, Duisburg-Essen, Darmstadt, Stuttgart) with a focus on energy process engineering and offers excellent conditions for young scientists and equal opportunities.

This subproject investigates cyclic fluctuations in hydrogen-powered gasoline engines caused by direct fuel injection. The aim is to gain a detailed understanding of the chain of events from injection to ignition to flame propagation. To this end, high-speed optical measurements are performed in a single-cylinder test engine (e.g., schlieren, particle image velocimetry, laser-induced fluorescence, chemiluminescence). The experiments also serve to validate simulation data from other subprojects. Another focus is on the further development of measurement methods for hydrogen and the analysis of complex flows.

The project investigates the separation of short-chain hydrocarbons in trace amounts by means of adsorption at low temperatures (−80°C to 0°C). The aim is to determine how much the loading of the adsorbents and the adsorption kinetics change in this temperature range. To this end, experimental measurements on adsorbent beds are combined with dynamic simulations in order to improve the efficiency of adsorption under practical conditions.

The joint project “Sustainable H2” is developing a training concept that makes the profession of plant mechanic sustainable and future-oriented (especially in the context of hydrogen technology). The aim is to enable trainers to integrate sustainability issues and new technical requirements into training in a practical manner through the central “Train the Trainer” module. The interdisciplinary project team is working together with GSI in Oberhausen and partners from science and industry. The two-year project is funded by the BMBF and the EU with over €1 million as part of the “Sustainable in the Workplace (NIB)” program.

The EnArgus 3.0 joint project aims to further develop the central information system for energy research funding, particularly in the areas of fuel cells, hydrogen, and heat. Building on EnArgus 2.0, the system is to be improved in terms of content and structure through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to better reflect dynamic developments in energy research, develop AI-supported ontologies, and make research topics transparent and accessible to policymakers, administrators, and the public in a way that is tailored to the target audience. The project will run until 2026 and is funded by the BMWi through the Jülich Research Center.

The HyDi.KWK project is developing hydrogen-based and digitized CHP (combined heat and power) concepts to support low-emission and resilient energy supply. The aim is to convert CHP systems to hydrogen, further develop their digital control systems, and better integrate them into volatile energy systems. The project combines experimental investigations, simulations, and a hardware-in-the-loop platform. A central focus is on setting up a test bench for SOFC cells at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

The project is coordinated by the Virtual Institute KWK.NRW and supported by partners such as the Gas and Heat Institute Essen, the University of Duisburg-Essen, and WTZ Roßlau gGmbH. It is funded by EU and state funds as part of the EFRE/JTF program NRW 2021–2027. The project results are expected to contribute to the modernization of the energy infrastructure and strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia as a business location.

The Me2H2 project is researching the iron-steam process as an innovative solution for transporting and storing renewable hydrogen. The aim is to chemically bind hydrogen in iron so that it can be transported efficiently and without the need for fresh water in the form of iron briquettes or pellets. At its destination, the hydrogen can be released again by reacting with water vapor. The iron oxide produced in the process is recycled, creating a closed cycle. The focus is on developing suitable iron alloys on a laboratory scale, which will serve as the basis for later large-scale implementation.

The German-Brazilian BRIDGES project, funded by the BMBFTR, aims to contribute to solving global climate problems through joint research in the fields of solar energy, electromobility, second-life batteries, and green hydrogen. Under the leadership of the Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI), the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), and the University of UFSC (Brazil), an interactive research network with joint laboratories is being established.

Objectives:

• Establishment of a bilateral research network and joint innovation laboratories in Brazil
• Development of sustainable energy storage solutions and climate-friendly technologies
• Long-term cooperation with excellent international researcher recruitment
• Strengthening the innovative power of the participating universities and industry partners
• Increasing the international visibility and competitiveness of the research initiative

The project combines applied research, international partnerships, and technology transfer with a focus on climate-relevant energy issues.

The research profile “Natural Water to Hydrogen” pursues the goal of increasing the sustainability of hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The focus is on AEM electrolysis (anion exchange membrane), a fluorine-free, cost-effective, and scalable technology that does not require rare precious metals.

Research is being conducted into the influence of natural water components (including organic substances, anions, and cations) on the efficiency and long-term stability of electrolysis. The aim is to define the water quality required to enable robust and efficient AEM electrolysis operation, even with minimally treated water.

The profile combines the strategic research areas of water research and nanoscience (catalysis) at the UDE and systematically links water chemistry, electrochemistry, membrane and materials research. It thus makes an innovative contribution to sustainable hydrogen production from renewable energies for future generations.

The TurboHyTec project is conducting research into the optimization of contactless dry gas seals (DGS) used in high-pressure turbomachinery for hydrogen technologies. Seal failures pose a major risk to operational safety and plant availability. The aim of the project is to enable real-time monitoring and lifetime prediction of the seals by developing a digital twin model based on an open-source IoT platform.

Following successful laboratory validation, the system will now be transferred to real machines. AI-supported prediction models and sensor technology are used to identify relevant process variables in order to reliably predict the condition of the seal gap. The project thus lays the foundation for a proactive maintenance and service concept as well as the safe integration of DGS into hydrogen systems.

The sub-project at the University of Duisburg-Essen focuses on two key topics for the further development of turbomachinery in hydrogen technologies:

Water evaporation in radial compressors:

The aim is to analyze the effects of water injection on the operating behavior of radial compressors. While water injection is well established in axial compressors, there is still a lack of research on radial compressors. In particular, the influence of the evaporation location on the compressor's characteristic map is being investigated.

Digital twin for sealing systems:

Building on a previous project, a digital twin model for dry gas seals (DGS) in a real plant is being further developed. Sensor technology, machine learning, and physics-based modeling will be used to analyze process variables and utilize them for predictive maintenance and performance optimization.

The project is funded by the BMWi via the Jülich Research Center and contributes to the further development of efficient, safe, and digitally integrated components for use in hydrogen-based energy systems.

PrometH2eus is a project within the framework of H2Giga that focuses on the application-oriented development of new anode materials for alkaline water electrolysis. The focus is on oxygen evolution at the anode, which significantly influences the efficiency and long-term stability of the electrolysis process. The aim is to identify practical approaches to material development from the outset in order to enable subsequent industrial use. Material synthesis is accompanied by state-of-the-art analytical and simulation methods and continuously optimized under realistic conditions. Promising materials are tested on a laboratory scale (electrode size: 100 cm²) and then further developed into prototype electrodes, which are validated in industrial test stands. A total of 26 partners from science and industry are collaborating in this joint project led by RWTH Aachen University. The results will be incorporated into a guide to practical electrode development, which will be made available to the research community.