Brushless DC Rotary Motor Improves Efficiency in Fuel Cell Applications

The designers and manufacturers of fuel cells are continually striving to improve the efficiency of their products. A design challenge facing the engineer relates to reducing the power demands of the many electrical systems that support fuel cell operation. Blowers, compressors, and pumps are necessary for fuel pump operation, but are considered parasitic electrical loads. Since they require power from the fuel cell itself they impact overall system efficiency. To be truly effective in fuel cell applications, the motors used to drive the pumps must be lightweight, compact, and as efficient as possible in order to provide more energy for the intended application.