To mark World Environment Day, Bosch Research provides an insight into its research activities in the field of climate and environmental action.
www.bosch.com/, Jun. 05, 2024 –
June 5 is "World Environment Day". A day that once again raises awareness of the importance of environmental and climate action for a sustainably good life and the future of our planet. Bosch Research is aware of this task and provides technical answers to ecological questions, in line with the guiding principle "We innovate for life". The focus of many of the research activities at Bosch Research is on improving lives through technologically smart solutions that protect the environment and resources. So, we research and develop technologies which contribute to continuously reducing Bosch's product carbon footprint and work on concepts of circular economy.
On the road with electric drives
In the field of electromobility, Bosch Research is researching and developing the technological foundations for the transformation of all types of vehicles: from e-bikes, motorcycles, cars, and trucks to off-road vehicles such as excavators, at all stages of electromobility value creation. This includes semiconductor components, power electronics, electric drives, and overall systems such as the Bosch eAxle. Important questions are e.g.: will copper remain the electrical conductor of the future? Or: can rare earth magnets be replaced by more sustainable and readily available materials? Bosch Research is working intensively in cooperation with leading research institutions worldwide.
From water to hydrogen with the smart electrolysis module
In the electrolysis process, hydrogen is produced from water. Due to the technology's significant importance for climate protection, Bosch founded a new business field in 2022 and plans to invest up to 500 million euros in the technology in the coming years. The electrolysis stack, where the electrochemical process takes place, is the most crucial component. Bosch initially focused on developing a 1.25 MW PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis stack. At the same time, a "smart electrolysis module" is being developed. It combines the PEM electrolysis stack with a control unit, power electronics and sensors. Bosch Research has been a pioneer in this field since 2012 and continuously incorporates its long-standing expertise into product development.
On the road with hydrogen
While electrolysis produces hydrogen from water, stationary or mobile fuel cells convert hydrogen back into electricity. Fuel cells can be used in various areas, such as in industry, buildings as a replacement for natural gas or oil heating, or in commercial vehicles. Mobility based on fuel cell drives promises long ranges and short refueling times due to the high energy density of hydrogen. The current development focus is on achieving series production readiness of the electrolysis stack with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology. Bosch Research is also enhancing the efficiency of fuel cell systems and seeking solutions for more cost-effective and readily available materials.
Decentralized energy for buildings
To provide buildings with decentralized energy, Bosch Research relies on stationary fuel cell systems. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology is designed for future operation with hydrogen and is climate-neutral when using green hydrogen – i.e. hydrogen produced with renewable electricity. The SOFC system is currently in the pilot phase and can already operate with natural gas or biomethane, emitting about two-thirds less CO₂ compared to electricity production in coal-fired power plants1. It achieves an electrical efficiency of around 60 percent at the beginning of life. When waste heat is additionally utilized an overall efficiency of up to 90 percent can be reached.