As hydrogen fuel cells see increased use in applications like long-distance trucks and stationary power systems, managing the water vapor produced during their operation is critical for efficiency. The new exhaust air system from Purem by Eberspaecher is designed to address this challenge by effectively removing water condensate from the system.
Water Management and Acoustic Solutions
The system is comprised of individual components which can be configured to meet specific application requirements. Key components include:
- Water Separators: These are designed to handle high mass flows with low back pressure and high separation efficiency. They work to protect the compressor unit and fuel cell stack by separating condensate from the anode and cathode paths. The collected water can then be removed or recycled.
- Silencers: To comply with noise emission regulations, the system integrates specialized silencers for both intake and exhaust air paths. These components are designed to withstand the high humidity and water condensate inherent in fuel cell vehicle systems.
Customization and Validation
The modular design of the exhaust air system allows it to be adapted for a wide range of fuel cell systems with varying performance spectrums and installation space constraints.
Purem by Eberspaecher collaborated with development service provider AVL to test the system's acoustic performance. The silencers were installed in a demo truck, and initial test results confirmed a reduction in noise emissions. The company has stated that further trials are being planned for the test track based on these results.
