LAUDA expands its presence in the hydrogen sector
The temperature control specialist LAUDA recently announced that it had won another major order from a well-known European producer of hydrogen filling stations. 36 sets, each consisting of an SUK process cooling unit and a circulation chiller from the Ultracool product line, will be supplied over a period of just under two years. The SUK unit is responsible for cooling the hydrogen before the refueling process, whereas the Ultracool circulation chiller cools the compressors which compress the hydrogen. Delivery of 20 of these sets will be requested in the current year alone. LAUDA had regularly supplied the filling station producer with single systems from 2020, but then an aggregated order for 14 sets was placed in 2021 for the first time. With a volume of several million euro, the new contract is now the biggest hydrogen order in the history of LAUDA.
There is potential for a large number of further orders, because the market for hydrogen filling stations is growing. According to a study of the Ludwig Bölkow Foundation, the number of hydrogen filling stations will increase to approx. 3,000 by 2030, starting from approx. 1,000 in 2020.
In addition to the production of the currently ordered systems, LAUDA is also working on the next generation of process cooling units. On the one hand, this is being done in the European research project RHeaDHy, which started in February this year and focuses on the development of technology for the refueling of heavy goods vehicles. On the other hand, LAUDA engages in intensive discussion with its customers, in order to drive forward the development in line with the current requirements. Furthermore, in addition to the SUK compact systems currently in use, LAUDA is also planning modular systems that will allow flexible adaptation to both current and evolving requirements. This concept enables refueling station operators to gradually expand their capacity depending on the demand of the end customers, which also means that capital investments can be better distributed over time. As the major order shows, LAUDA is spot-on with its customer focus – the maxim "Empowering Excellence. For a better Future" and the corresponding product quality are convincing.
The research group for AI-controlled status monitoring during the kick-off at LAUDA headquarters in Lauda-Königshofen. @LAUDA
LAUDA starts AI research project with Aalen University
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG is working with the Institute for Drive Technology (IAA) at the University Aalen to develop a PHM (Prognostics and Health Management) system for AI-based status monitoring of constant temperature equipment at automotive test stations. The project has received 424,000 euros in financial support from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism through the InvestBW funding program. Through the project, the world market leader for precise temperatures, LAUDA, will further advance the digitalization of the temperature control technology used digital products from LAUDA.LIVE, and offer customers an innovative solution to increase the lifespan, reliability and performance of LAUDA constant temperature equipment.
Production failures and delays caused by standstills can be limited or even prevented entirely, using AI-supported, predictive or preventive maintenance. In addition, machine learning can be used to develop efficient operating strategies for each application, for example through optimized delivery volume.
“The development of artificial intelligence and the solutions made possible as a result are advancing exponentially,” explains the Managing Director of LAUDA, Dr. Marc Stricker. “Through this innovative research project and close collaboration with Aalen University, we can resolutely follow our successful path towards the digitalization of temperature control technology in continuous exchange with our partners. Artificial intelligence must be integrated in solutions today and offers enormous potential for optimization.”
The interdisciplinary LAUDA project team is composed of multiple departments: Research & Development, Service and Product Management. This will ensure the necessary expertise to determine relevant causes of failures, sensors and data for continued research, and modeling at Aalen University. The project arising from the “DigiServ” network is due to be completed in March 2025. The innovation network DigiServ is a development alliance that aims to structure and automate processes in the service segment.
About LAUDA.LIVE
In LAUDA.LIVE, the world market leader for precise temperatures has bundled a series of new digital products. As a result, all LAUDA temperature control and laboratory solutions function as fully networked and intelligent IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) devices. LAUDA.LIVE offers extensive fleet management functions, as well as sophisticated control and remote maintenance functions that maximize the operating time, reliability and performance of all LAUDA devices.
![[Translate to Englisch:] MP Kretschmann bei LAUDA](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/4/csm_pic_LAUDA_HMI_Besuch_Kretschmann_01_web_23-17-04_roh_0e3cb20e6b.jpg "Picture 1")
Fig. 1: Managing Director of LAUDA, Dr. Ralf Hermann, (left) in conversation with the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann © LAUDA/Robert Horn
Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann visits LAUDA at the Hanover Messe exhibition grounds
Important visit for LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG at Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE exhibition. At Europe’s biggest exhibition for hydrogen, fuel cells, and stationary batteries, which takes place at the Hanover Messe exhibition grounds, the world market leader in precise temperatures was able to welcome Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. LAUDA’s Managing Director for Sales, Dr. Ralf Hermann, personally greeted the Minister-President at the LAUDA booth and explained to him the family company’s temperature control solutions, which have been specially developed for cooling of hydrogen. Efficient, high-performance temperature control technology is needed for electrolysis and the application of liquid hydrogen, one of the key technologies of the energy transition.
“Hydrogen holds great opportunities for medium-sized businesses as part of a nationwide or Europe-wide energy transition strategy,” explains Dr. Ralf Hermann. “Which is why, as a world market leader, we are all the more pleased that our innovative solutions for hydrogen cooling have the interest and backing of the state government.” LAUDA will continue exhibiting its innovative cooling solutions in the hydrogen section of Hydrogen Fuel + Cells EUROPE at Stand B 20 in Hall 13 until April 21st, 2023.
“The increased use of hydrogen is just one of the ways that we can make our economy and society more ecological and sustainable. I am delighted that companies from Baden-Württemberg, such as LAUDA, are contributing to the success of this transformation. Temperature control for hydrogen is one of many fields that play an important role in this area,” said Minister-President Kretschmann.
LAUDA offers precise cooling for hydrogen applications
Temperature control solutions for the cooling of hydrogen are especially utilized for the cooling of electrolyzers in the manufacture of green hydrogen. Likewise, they are also used where hydrogen is used and supplied, i.e. at hydrogen filling stations and in compression cooling. Refueling of heavy vehicles, such as trains or ships, uses liquid hydrogen, which must be heavily compressed. This results in high technical requirements for the systems involved in transport, storage and the actual refueling process. For this purpose, LAUDA offers innovative constant temperature equipment that meet both the particular requirements of hydrogen as an energy source, as well as external factors when refueling.
From left to right: Thorsten Schyle (Head of Plant Engineering Production), Jasper Laug (Business Development Manager), and Alfred Semrau (Head of Plant Engineering Project Management). © lauda.de
LAUDA participates in an EU research project for inno-vative hydrogen fueling in the heavy-duty sector
Hydrogen has a key role to play in managing the energy transition. Hydrogen is extremely important for an environmentally friendly energy system, both for energy storage to supply heat and for future mobility. But this element has its downsides. Powerful cooling devices are needed to handle it. As the global market leader for temperature control technology, LAUDA already offers the relevant technology for electrolyzers and hydrogen fueling. As part of Horizon Europe, the new EU research project RHeaDHy is expanding this expertise even further with the development of innovative and powerful solutions for faster refueling in heavy-duty applications.
4 million euros for European hydrogen development – LAUDA is setting new standards
Launched on February 1, 2023, the innovation project RHeaDHy aims to advance the development of high-performance hydrogen fueling stations. To this end, the European Union will contribute almost 4 million euros in funding to the project. The ultimate goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from freight transport using hydrogen-powered vehicles. However, in order for the solution to be viable, it must be possible to refuel trucks and other means of transport of a similar size within a short time – the target for refueling a truck with 100 kg of hydrogen is ten minutes. In order to do this, the hydrogen must be refueled under high pressure, which significantly increases the temperature. As a member of a consortium consisting of several European partners, LAUDA will be responsible for the development of a high-performance cooling system. LAUDA will also set standards for the future while helping to develop new standards for hydrogen refueling. The project is scheduled to run until early 2027. By the end of the project, near-series technology should be available and installed at two locations: one refueling station will be opened in Germany and another in France.
Refrigeration technology for the hydrogen industry ready for series production
LAUDA has been a strong partner to producers and operators of hydrogen refueling stations since 2015, and in this time, has delivered dozens of systems to various industry leaders. These systems include SUK 350 L process cooling units for cooling hydrogen during refueling, as well as Ultracool line circulation chillers for cooling the electrolyzers during hydrogen production, both of which are serially produced.
In view of the strong market growth in the hydrogen industry and the forecast of around 3,000 additional hydrogen refueling stations by 2030 in Europe alone, LAUDA is preparing to significantly expand its production capacities for SUK units. The Ultracool series has already been prepared for the increase in demand: firstly, investments of around 7 million euros have allowed the multiplication of production capacities. Secondly, work on redeveloping the product line began as early as 2019 to make it more compact, more powerful and more energy-efficient. Several new models will be launched later this year to meet the growing demand for even more powerful units. LAUDA can cover cooling capacities of up to 240 kW with the serially produced Ultracool product line.
The temperature control specialists from LAUDA have committed themselves to provide outstanding performance for a better future (Empowering Excellence. For a better future). Once again, they have shown their willingness to break new ground and devote themselves to pioneering technologies. With the EU research project, LAUDA is also underscoring its expertise in the field of hydrogen cooling and its will to continuously promote innovation and development.
From left to right: Dr. Maximilian Fries and Timur Sirman from MAGNOTHERM, Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA © MAGNOTHERM
LAUDA invests in start-up for sustainable magnetic cooling technology
Together with other investors, temperature control specialist LAUDA has invested in the start-up MAGNOTHERM. With this round of financing, concluding at over 5 million EUR, the multiple award-winning start-up plans to start serial production of its first sustainable refrigerator. LAUDA has been following the development of the promising start-up from Darmstadt since 2019, through its innovative subsidiary new.degree GmbH. The two companies now want to utilize this longstanding relationship and the latest investment of 300,000 EUR to identify strategic reference points for subject areas and projects of shared interest.
MAGNOTHERM was founded out of the Technical University of Darmstadt by the current managing directors, Dr. Maximilian Fries and Timur Sirman, and develops sustainable cooling solutions without the use of conventional industrial refrigerants – which are often harmful to the climate. The start-up uses a temperature-active, magnetic metal to cool a water mixture. In principle, this revolutionary technology can be used for any type of cooling – an advantage that has piqued the interest of the world market leader for precise temperature control: “Equipment from LAUDA is used to control temperature in the applications and processes of major future industries around the world,” explains Dr. Mario Englert, who as Chief Financial Officer is responsible for investments. President and CEO, Dr. Gunther Wobser added: “As the world market leader, we want to make the world a better place with precise temperatures – that is our vision and what we put into practice every day. In the future, energy-efficient systems will be needed that conserve resources and minimize harmful emissions. MAGNOTHERM has taken an important step in the right direction, which complements our technological expertise as a world market leader. With our investment, we are laying the foundation stone for a successful collaboration between the start-up and industry, and can benefit from one another.”
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