Brennstoffzellen – Ingenieurskunst für mehr Nachhaltigkeit

Simon Coners has only recently joined thyssenkrupp. What appeals to him about working for us? The opportunity to play an active role in shaping the energy transition. "The fact that we are working on implementing the energy transition here is what made me want to change jobs," he explains. In his new position, he is responsible for the product development of various fuel cell and electrolyser test benches. He supports projects from the concept and quotation phase through to commissioning at the customer's premises. His work includes concept creation, supplier development and component selection, as well as work in the laboratory and contact and coordination with customers. All of this contributes to making his vision of a more sustainable industry a reality.

The fuel cell: a technology of unlimited possibilities

Coners is currently working with polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. "A PEM fuel cell is an efficient electrochemical energy converter. By converting hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen into water, electrical energy and heat are released," he explains.

Fuel cells have a wide range of applications, from mobility solutions to stationary applications. They play a crucial role in space travel, submarines, ships, medium-haul aircraft, rail transport, trucks, pickups and vans. In addition, stationary fuel cell power plants can help to compensate for energy shortages during dark doldrums and serve as efficient combined heat and power plants. All of this makes the fuel cell a key instrument on the way to a more sustainable future.

The future of fuel cell production

Because of these numerous areas of application for the fuel cell, Simon Coners also sees excellent future prospects for thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering. "The ability to cover the entire fuel cell production process is one of our greatest strengths," explains the expert and is certain: "Those who prepare early for the coming boom phase will ultimately benefit from lucrative business opportunities."

The series production of fuel cells is expected to take place in large factories similar to battery cell production. This enables cost-efficient production, and falling unit costs will also favor integration in more and more applications.

This would also provide thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering with an important prerequisite for the hydrogen economy in Germany and NRW. Because the development of a hydrogen infrastructure - and the mass production of electrolyzers and fuel cells - is the basis for the conversion of industrial processes to green hydrogen and thus for a sustainable industry of tomorrow.

Sustainability also at tk AE: untapped potential

The development of sustainable technologies is an important step for our future, and there is still a lot of potential for companies to improve here. Coners also sees this as a major task. But he doesn't just want to make other industries more sustainable, because his own company also offers many opportunities. He still sees a lot that needs to be done at thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering:

"In the area of sustainability, I see potential for improvement at the Bremen site. The energy systems are outdated (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, ...), the buildings should be modernized, there is no charging infrastructure for cars and no systems for generating renewable energy have been built so far.

My personal goal is to optimize the energy consumption of the test stands.

Our energy systems, from heating to ventilation to air conditioning, could be modernized to reduce our energy consumption. We also lack a charging infrastructure for electric cars. This would make it easier to switch to greener transportation options. And although we live in a time where

renewable energy is becoming more accessible, facilities to generate such energy would improve the sustainability of the site."

Coners has made it his personal mission to find solutions for a better future where some may see problems, encouraging the industry to get on with things. He puts his energy into many concrete ideas and approaches for change every day: "I want to change the current situation by focusing on optimizing the energy consumption of our test stands. By using energy-efficient equipment, improved insulation, automation, regular maintenance and staff training, we can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, we should invest in renewable energy generation facilities and introduce an energy management system to continuously monitor and optimize our energy consumption.

It is time for us to tap into our untapped potential and lead our company on the path to sustainability."

Call for applications:

Would you also like to play a part in decarbonization? An interest in technology and a conviction that the energy transition can succeed are the basic requirements. Working in product development also requires a high level of stamina. You can find relevant jobs here: