27 April 2026
New research enables prediction of bearing damage in hydrogen environments
New results shows how much hydrogen is required for rolling element bearings to become damaged in hydrogen environments. The results make it possible to predict failures and can be used to plan maintenance and improve reliability in the growing hydrogen industry.
As hydrogen becomes an increasingly important part of future energy systems, the demand for reliable components in the infrastructure is rising. In hydrogen compressors, rolling element bearings are critical for stable operation. At the same time, hydrogen can enter the bearings and degrade the mechanical properties, leading to premature failure.
In her doctoral thesis, Lisa-Marie Weniger, doctoral student in Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology, has studied how hydrogen affects bearing steel and how damage develops.
“Hydrogen can enter the bearing steel and cause bearings to fail much faster. This is a challenge as reliable compressors are crucial for the hydrogen infrastructure,” says Lisa-Marie Weniger.
Critical hydrogen levels identified
A key contribution of the research is the identification of how much hydrogen is required to cause damage. The results show that there is a critical concentration range where the risk of failure increases significantly.
“We have been able to determine a critical hydrogen concentration range in bearing steel where the risk of premature damage increases. This makes it possible to better predict when problems may occur,” says Lisa-Marie Weniger.
The research also shows that the cyclic loading in rolling element bearings, where the material is repeatedly deformed, makes the steel even more susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
Lisa-Marie Weniger, doctoral student in machine elements at Luleå University of Technology.
New knowledge for industry
In addition to the experimental findings, the research has contributed new methods for studying how hydrogen affects bearings. A new test rig has been developed to analyse damage and changes in material properties under the influence of hydrogen.
The results can be used to guide material selection and maintenance intervals in hydrogen systems. This can reduce the risk of downtime and contribute to more cost-efficient operation.
“The goal is for these results to be used as guidelines for when bearings can be used and when maintenance is needed. In this way, we can contribute to a more stable and cost-efficient hydrogen infrastructure,” says Lisa-Marie Weniger.
Contact
Lisa-Marie Weniger
- Postdoctoral researcher
- 0920-493672
- lisa-marie.weniger@ltu.se
- Lisa-Marie Weniger
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