H2Extend 2.0: Hydrogen recirculation fan for stable long-term operation

For fuel cell systems: hydrogen recirculation fan for stable long-term operation

Fuel cell systems must be durable, efficient and cost-effective if they are to be a reliable, environmentally friendly alternative for mobile and stationary applications. To achieve this, it is necessary to consider not only the components of the fuel cell stack, but also the peripheral components.

That is why ZBT is working with its partners on the H2Extend 2.0 project to develop a high-voltage hydrogen recirculation blower (HRB) that is designed for stable long-term operation with up to 40,000 operating hours.

Objectives of the H2Extend 2.0 project

identify and qualify new and/or modified materials for more durable fuel cell components,
define a universal, practical and cross-application load profile for fuel cell components,
develop a universal test setup and test scenario for the qualification of fuel cell components, and
qualify the HRB with up to 40,000 operating hours.

The four specific work packages will deliver far-reaching innovations in the areas of bearing systems, EC motors (partial discharges), durability and qualification cycles. To this end, state-of-the-art test facilities for the qualification of fuel cell components are being set up and operated at Pierburg Pump Technology in Neuss and at ZBT in Duisburg. Material optimisation and testing as well as the development and validation of a new test procedure or process for ageing are being carried out at the Plastics Institute in Lüdenscheid.

Pierburg and ZBT are contributing their expertise in research and development and their user knowledge in the fields of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. The Plastics Institute is contributing more than 30 years of experience in the properties, selection, modification, processing and testing of plastic materials. Together, they can and will take an important step towards long-lasting fuel cell systems.

Project title:

H2Extend 2.0 – Development to increase the service life of the high-voltage hydrogen recirculation fan

Project partners:

Pierburg Pump Technology (Neuss)
Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid (KIMW)
ZBT – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center

Project period

01.06.2024 to 31.05.2027

Funding code

EFRE-20800250

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