In hydrogen-based fuel cell systems, temperature control is an essential function, as any error in optimising the system can have a negative impact on energy conversion. Airflow, which facilitates cooling of the system to compensate for unexpected temperature fluctuations, is an important aspect of successful regulation. For Globe, precision in these areas requires an understanding of mass flows, temperature drops and flow distribution in an efficient circuit, which requires a lot of time and physical testing.

Simulation as a key element

Globe uses Ansys simulation as part of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to accelerate validation of cooling loop performance and reduce the number of system iterations required to verify temperature requirements. Simulating the cooling loop in the context of the entire fuel cell system will also help Globe engineers better understand the airflow required and identify any physical adjustments needed to optimise system performance. Through this approach, Globe was able to reduce development costs by more than $150,000, according to Ansys. Today, simulation is a key element of Globe's approval process. It provides fast and accurate results on the way to system certification - an activity that should greatly accelerate system scaling capabilities in the future.

Safe function in the real world

"The transport sector plays a key role in global decarbonisation - speed and reliability are critical," says Dr Bernhard Wienk-Borgert, co-founder and chief technology officer at Globe Fuel Cell Systems. "Globe's R&D team relies on Ansys simulation combined with CADFEM's consulting services to accelerate the development of our innovative solutions and ensure they work safely in the real world while meeting our customers' carbon neutrality goals."

Immediate scaling opportunities for fuel cell technology

"Achieving carbon neutrality is a huge challenge. We need innovative solutions like hydrogen fuel cell technology to address the current climate crisis," says Prith Banerjee, Chief Technology Officer at Ansys. "Simulation provides immediate scaling opportunities for fuel cell technology that can reduce the development time and cost of the fuel cell stack. This quickly opens up numerous opportunities in markets that were previously only utopia for our customers."

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