The market for hydrogen FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) is developing rapidly, as hydrogen is the only currently available solution for long-range mobility in the future. Howden, a company with over 100 years of experience in compression of hydrogen, has developed a range of products to facilitate the re-fuelling of FCEV's.
The hydrogen Fuel Cell process begins with the electrolysis of water, preferably by use of renewable energy. The pressure of the hydrogen is usually around about 10-30 bar, depending on the electrolysis-method used (PEM or Alkaline), which needs to be raised for the next stage in the process. Forklifts and busses require 350 bar in the on-board storage tank, passenger cars require 700 bar on-board. This means that, to be able to re-fuel in under 3 minutes, the hydrogen needs to be brought to 500 bar or 1000 bar respectively. Our Burton Corblin® diaphragm compressors are designed for this stage of the operation and will pressurise the hydrogen prior to high pressure storage on-site or transport to the refueling stations.