Science and industry see great potential in alkaline AEM electrolysis and expect rapid technological development in the coming decade. Fraunhofer IFAM and Sunfire are now starting the “Integrate” funding project together with Canadian partners to test the promising technology on an industrial scale.
The abrasion from wear and tear on the brake system of cars currently causes 20% of the fine dust emissions in traffic. Because of the serious effects, especially of the finest particles, on our health, the EU is enormously tightening the permitted release of such particles with the updated emissions directive (Euro 7 standard). One way to reduce wear and thus maintain these emission values is to coat the gray cast iron brake discs currently used. Current solutions are not only expensive, these brake discs are also very heavy, which reduces the range, especially for electric vehicles.
Resource-saving lightweight brake disc
Fraunhofer IFAM in Dresden now has a solution for this. Together with partners, the institute is developing a sustainable, resource-saving and wear-free lightweight brake disc with adapted brake pads. This brake made of ceramic-reinforced light metal composite materials will be suitable for private transport as well as for selected applications in rail transport and trucks. The entire system of brake pads and brake disc is almost wear-free, which not only reduces the release of fine dust, but also makes regular replacement of the brake discs unnecessary and massively reduces the need to change the brake pads. This not only saves the owner costs, but above all also saves energy and resources for the production of spare parts.
Brake recycling strategy
In addition, Fraunhofer IFAM and its project partners optimize resource and energy efficiency from the production of the raw materials to a recycling strategy. The weight of the new brakes is at least 30% lower than that of the gray cast iron brake discs currently used. Reducing the vehicle mass, especially unsprung, rotating mass, leads directly to a reduction in CO2 emissions and at the same time improves driving dynamics.
The market launch of this system is almost within reach. Perhaps the first series vehicle equipped in this way can be purchased as early as 2030.
