Fueling Innovation: How AGH University Uses Horizon Fuel Cells for Cutting-Edge Research and Education
For over a decade, Professor Magdalena Dudek and her team at AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels in Kraków, Poland, have been pioneering hydrogen-based research and education using Horizon Fuel Cell Stacks. From powering drones and autonomous vehicles to integrating fuel cells into electric bikes, their work exemplifies how hydrogen can transform both research and real-world applications.
Hydrogen in Action: From Classrooms to Prototype
At AGH’s Faculty of Fuels and Energy, Professor Dudek and her students focus on renewable energy and hydrogen integration for various mobile applications. Their projects include:
- Hydrogen-Powered Bikes – Students have designed, built, and tested fuel cell-assisted bicycles, comparing their performance to traditional battery-powered models. Using numerical simulations and real-world experiments, they analyze efficiency, power output, and hydrogen consumption.
- Hydrogen Vehicles & Autonomous Systems – The research group has developed prototypes of electric vehicles, integrating Horizon fuel cell stacks into early-stage models. Their work includes a cargo bike powered by hydrogen, extending range and optimizing power management.
- Laboratory classes for students - Hybrid electrochemical energy sources ( hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell stack with integrated Li-ion battery in the model of an electric car H2Hybrid – Fuel Cell Automotive Trainer
- Drones & Mobile Applications – The team explores the use of hydrogen fuel cells in UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), optimizing energy efficiency for extended flight times.
Why Horizon?
When asked why she chose Horizon Fuel Cell Stacks, Professor Dudek emphasized their flexibility, scalability, and hands-on learning potential:
"Because the Horizon stack is very flexible for research and education. It is very didactic. In my opinion, you have a family of stacks from, for instance, 10 watts to 5 kilowatts. The students compare the properties of the fuel cell stack with increasing power and also gain knowledge about the construction of the fuel cell stack—not only for power but also for the electrical needs of the system, cooling, etc."
She also highlighted how the open construction of Horizon stacks allows students to measure key performance characteristics, such as temperature distribution and heat dissipation, making them an excellent tool for understanding fuel cell systems at a deeper level.
Beyond the Lab: A Complete Hydrogen Ecosystem
AGH University is developing a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, including:
- Solar-powered Electrolysis – Producing green hydrogen for student projects.
- Hydrogen Storage & Compression – Investigating safe and efficient hydrogen storage solutions.
- Fuel Cell System Optimization – Exploring hybrid energy systems, integrating fuel cells with batteries and supercapacitors.
- Research with Industry – Several projects at AGH involve direct partnerships with companies focused on hydrogen mobility and renewable energy. These collaborations provide students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge hydrogen technologies that could soon be used in commercial applications.
- A Complete Hydrogen Ecosystem – Beyond fuel cells, the university has developed a hydrogen production and storage system integrated with solar power. Students learn how to generate, store, and utilize green hydrogen, preparing them for careers in sustainable energy.
Shaping the Future of Hydrogen Technology
AGH University’s research club is training the next generation of hydrogen engineers, equipping students with practical experience in fuel cell systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility.
- Want to see these projects in action? Stay tuned for photos and updates from AGH University!
- Have an innovative project using Horizon Fuel Cell Stacks? We’d love to hear from you!