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Answering the fuel-cell compressor question

  • Magazine Article
  • 20AUTP11_02
Published November 01, 2020 by SAE International in United States
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Language:
  • English

The optimum compressor device for a fuel cell depends on vehicle application - and a lot more. An Eaton expert explains.

What's the optimum way to feed air to a hydrogen fuel cell? Since industry interest in fuel-cell (FC) propulsion for ground vehicles was kindled in the 1990s, development engineers have investigated various solutions to supply air to the cathode (input) side of fuel-cell stacks. Prototype stacks have employed Roots-type compressors, centrifugal machines, scroll- and twin-screw-type devices and even miniature Wankel rotary compressors (part of a Ballard Power Systems patent in the early 2000s).

Each technology has benefits and disadvantages, depending on the specific power strategy and application. Eaton Roots-type superchargers have been present on FC development programs at many OEMs. Since then, there has been a bifurcation in the market as industry focus has expanded beyond light passenger vehicles to heavy-duty truck applications, according to Dr. Mihai Dorobantu, director, technology planning and government affairs at Eaton's Vehicle Group.