Donaldson's filters aim to keep fuel cells clean

One of the advantages of the internal combustion engine is that it can function with relatively simple intake air filtration. Provided that dust is kept out, air entering the engine can ensure that the necessary combustion process takes place. So, a relatively simple dust filter will do the job.

By comparison, hydrogen fuel cells are far more sensitive to air quality. Other pollutants can affect both fuel-cell performance and the lifetime of the fuel-cell stack. At the recent IAA Transportation Show in Hanover, Germany, Donaldson Filtration Solutions displayed tailored solutions through its range of cathode air filters. These typically rely on multiple layers - including activated carbon, an acid and base layer, and a dust filter - to screen out sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia, while allowing for customization to protect against butane, toluene and other unwanted compounds.