An Armenian delegation visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF) in Darmstadt. The delegation was led by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. He was accompanied by the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and the Armenian Ambassador to Germany, Viktor Yengibaryan. The visit followed the awarding of the Hessian Peace Prize to Pashinyan.
The central question of the exchange was the contribution that evaluation and monitoring methods can make to the safety and reliability of hydrogen systems. According to its own statements, the Fraunhofer LBF investigates materials, components, and systems along the entire hydrogen value chain—from production through storage and transport to use.
Insights into research and testing methods
Institute Director Tobias Melz welcomed the delegation and presented the Fraunhofer LBF and its research and development competencies. Subsequently, Saskia Biehl provided an overview of the institute's work in the field of hydrogen technologies. Using an experimental setup, the researchers demonstrated how the behavior of materials under the influence of hydrogen and realistic cyclic loads can be investigated.
According to its own statements, the Fraunhofer LBF develops methods that allow the reliability of materials, components, and systems to be practically investigated. This includes material investigations under pressurized hydrogen as well as testing of components and systems under realistic conditions. Additionally, simulations, digital models, and integrated sensor technology are used. This aims to identify critical weaknesses early, design components more safely, and reduce development risks.
Significance for international cooperation
The visit of the Armenian government leadership highlights Armenia's interest in German research expertise in the field of hydrogen. For the Fraunhofer LBF, the exchange offers the opportunity to make its approaches to the safety and reliability of hydrogen technologies visible internationally. How the discussions can specifically translate into cooperation remained open during the visit.
