Blue Line

ENERGY TRANSITION

Environmentally friendly hydrogen driven autos or fuel cell autos are basically electric vehicles. The difference to a „normal- electric” vehicle: in the vehicle you have a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank installed, which create electricity to drive the vehicle. A small battery is used as a buffer or rather a temporary storage and covers during peaks such as by acceleration. Additionally, the battery recuperates energy (movement when braking) and stores the energy. Electrical current is generated in the fuel cell from hydrogen. This occurs by reversing the electrolysis. Hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen react with water, thereby warmth is created, and electrical energy. This electrical energy drives the electric motor. PEM (polymer electrolyte- membrane) a fuel cell, is used in the vehicles. The PEM works as follows: the membrane separates hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen from each other, each then washes around the cathode and anode. The fuel cell only allows hydrogen ions through. On the anode the hydrogen molecules are separated in ions and electrons. The hydrogen electrons have to, because the PEM cannot be penetrated by them, take a detour through a connector over the anode to the cathode: thus electricity is created which loads a traction battery or powers the electric motor of the vehicle.

ENERGY TRANSITION REQUIRES
QUALITY AND ECONOMIC SOLUTIONST

Companies need flexible and efficient automated solutions in order to master the energy transition in the area of electric mobility or even stationary applications. KIENER and  LACOM have extensive experience in automation as well as in the automobile industry and offer you future oriented technologies that provide complete flexible solutions for your production.

FUEL CELL MOUNTING
QUALITY ASSURANCE FROM THE START

One bad MEA is enough, to negatively influence the performance of a whole Stack. Quality control that is conducted to late can cause a high level of waste. The key is to monitor quality inline already, during the whole production process. Through higher automation we can monitor quality continually and efficiently during every process step, with the fuel cell production.

ELECTRODE PRODUCTION
PRECISION IN EVERY PRODUCTION STEP

In order to produce MEAs you need basic steps, which are fundamental, such as coating, separating, and decal transfer process. It is essential to have a seamless quality chain so as to be able to track all production steps and keep the number of mistakes low and the performance level high.

 

MOUNTING PROCESS
Various mounting processes are demanded in of battery assembly. When doing a partial assembly or ZSB-mounting, a semi- automated, fully automated, or manual process could be implemented. With these systems the safety of the workers is fundamental, that’s why special safety steps for working with voltage are required. It is equally important to have a disaster concept. Here the focus is on quick detection and realization of temperature increases, gas, or fluid leaks, or even a fire with a component. After recognition of a danger, it is paramount to transport the component quickly out of the assembly hall.

High flexibility and extensive know-how help KIENER to implement targeted solutions for your demands.

It is a challenge to meet the needed component pieces for the demanded cycle time,  during pre, and partial assembly. The use of highly automated and fast cycle systmes is  required.

In final assembly, on the other hand, the component size of over 2 m in length and the  weight of up to 1,500 kg are decisive factors. Here, all individual parts of the battery must be assembled. This ZSB battery can then be installed in the vehicle. KIENER can meet  these demands with ist processing technology and almost 90% is covered in ist  production.

Typical process battery assembly:
• Mounting- and screwing process
• Joining and pressing
• Fügen und Verpressen
• Sealant or warming paste application
• Insulation or Gappad application
• Welding

TESTING PROCESS

The assembly system contains test stations which perform various testing task.
Before mounting the cells must be tested for geometric damage, the correct weight, or open circuit voltage. Often during the assembly process test are conducted to check the
position, sealant, or application imaging of the thermally conductive paste. These tests are conducted often at the mounting stations directly.

At the end of the line an EOL test is done on the components in total or individual process are checked. These tests include, depending upon the requirements electric test of the proof voltage, resistance test, continuity test, or ampacity of a welding seam to ensure the
quality of the weld.

The testing stations are integrated throughout the complete system from KIENER, to ensure quality.

 

 

 

This partnership has a positive effect in terms of time, costs, sustainability and efficiency.
Give us a call. Phone: +49 / 7363 950-0