Air Squared Projects
Corrosion-Resistant Scroll Hydrogen Blower
The P26H052A-BLDC-SH-SS scroll H2 blower is designed specifically for alkaline fuel cells and utilizes several innovations to operate with corrosive working fluids.
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) are more efficient than Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM) but use alkaline electrolytes that are difficult for standard pumping technologies because of their corrosive properties. Very few efficient, oil-free, and corrosion-resistant pumping options exist for this technology, and none are sized specifically for the needs of Alkaline Fuel Cells.
Air Squared designed the P26H052A-BLDC-SH-SS to pump potassium hydroxide present in the hydrogen gas of an alkaline fuel cell application. Specialty scroll materials, bearing protection, and motor protection resist the effects of the caustic base while maintaining the efficient and oil-free scroll benefits coveted by the entire fuel cell industry.
With minimal space available in the application, the P26H052A-BLDC-SH-SS is designed to be very compact, measuring only 229 mm X 172 mm X 203 mm. To reduce the overall length of the pump, Air Squared designed an alternative to the traditional magnetic coupling interface between the motor and the pump. This alternative requires no additional space when compared to a standard motor, but offers complete protection of the motor’s componentry from the corrosive properties of the working fluid.
Design Specifications
- Suction Volume: 246 cm3/Rev.
- Volume Ratio 1.04
- Inlet Pressure: 20 mbar
- Discharge Pressure: 60 mbar (Nominal), 172 mbar (Maximum)
- Flow Rate: 425 lpm
- Inlet Temperature: 70 ºC (Nominal), 80ºC (Maximum)
- Working Fluid: Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Water Vapor
- Corrosive Element: Potassium Hydroxide
- Operating Speed: 2,000 RPM (Nominal), 2,250 RPM (Maximum)
- Maximum Power: 250 W
UPDATE (November 8th, 2017) – A second generation P26H052A-BLDC-SH-SS design is planned for complettion in late-2018 and will focus on cost reduction.