Fuel cell test bench.
INNO VATIVE COMPA N Y OF THE MO N T H
Today’s innovation, tomorrow’s success story When technological systems, complex processes and sophisticated products work reliably, Freudenberg is often involved. The technology group’s highperformance and high-tech products are often hidden while at the same time right in the midst of life – a normal day is almost unthinkable without Freudenberg. The company has wide-ranging material, system and technological capabilities as well as experts in some 60 countries around the world developing cutting-edge products, excellent services and forward-looking solutions. These include seals, vibration control components, technical textiles, filters, specialty chemicals, medical products, and state-of-the-art cleaning technologies. TEXT & PHOTOS: FREUDENBERG
Innovation is a common thread throughout Freudenberg’s successful history. Every day, 50,000 employees work together on international projects and in diverse teams to make sure things remain this way. Freudenberg’s ideals of excellence and entrepreneurial foresight have been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded by Carl Johann Freudenberg in 1849. Today, a broad range of innovations are designed and implemented at Freudenberg. They often provide answers to the important megatrends of our time, such as those in the area of mobility. Freudenberg uses innovations to support the four drive tech72 | Issue 83 | February 2020
nologies: improved internal combustion engines, hybrid solutions, pure electric vehicles and those with fuel cells on board. Components that make classic combustion engines more efficient include CO2reducing sealing solutions and lightweight underbodies. Tailored filter and air spring systems that help passively cool the batteries in the vehicle floor are used in electric and hybrid vehicles. Freudenberg has been helping customers develop fuel cell technologies for nearly 20 years. In 2001, the Group decided to make a long-term investment in this future market and has since become a technology leader and reliable partner. Today,
Freudenberg provides series production of important fuel cell components, such as seals, gas diffusion layers, filters and humidifiers. While the focus in the automotive business is still on components, Freudenberg is becoming a single-source supplier for complete electrical energy systems for heavy-duty applications – especially buses, trains, trucks and ships. These include batteries and mobile fuel cell systems that cover all components, modules and subsystems. The range is being expanded to include integrated hybrid drive systems that bring together the mutual advantages of batteries and fuel cells. Numerous pilot projects illustrate the market’s interest in these solutions. Freudenberg has partnered with Europe’s largest long-distance bus company, Flixbus. In the marine transport sector, the Group is working with the world’s largest shipyard for passenger cruise liners – Meyer Werft – on a future project to develop a new generation of fuel cells that can be used on oceangoing passenger vessels. www.freudenberg.com