Rheinmetall Automotive erhält Auftrag für Brennstoffzellen-Komponenten

Der Technologiekonzern Rheinmetall ergänzt das Produktportfolio seiner Automobilsparte konsequent in Richtung neuer Antriebsformen. Zu den derzeitigen Entwicklungsaktivitäten gehören neben Produkten für batterieelektrische Fahrzeuge auch Komponenten für alternative Antriebskonzepte, wie die Brennstoffzelle. Der Automobil­zulieferer Rheinmetall Automotive entwickelt dazu ein spezielles Rezirkula­tions­gebläse für innerhalb der Brennstoffzellen-Stacks noch nicht verbrauchten Wasserstoff, besondere Kühlmittelpumpen für Spannungslagen von 400V und 800V sowie elektrische Ventile.

Through its subsidiary Pierburg, Rheinmetall Automotive has now won an order from a well-known German vehicle manufacturer. Pierburg supplies electric cathode valves, which will be used in future in fuel cell vehicles of the premium manufacturer.

This innovative generation of electric flap systems, developed at the Pierburg plant in Berlin, will be used in the regulation of fresh and exhaust air mass flows as well as in the high-density shut-off of fuel cell stacks. The production start of the vehicles is planned for 2022.

Pierburg was able to benefit from its many years of experience as a developer and manufacturer of throttle valves and control valves, which made it possible to enter the development of fuel cell cathode valves several years ago.

In view of the meanwhile wide range of performance of fuel cell stacks and the resulting air mass requirements, cathode valves with a diameter of up to 57 millimeters were developed in addition to a very compact and lightweight all-plastic valve with a weight of only 300 grams and 25 millimeter bore diameter. Thus, the cathode valves can provide air volumes up to 750kg / hour and absolute boost pressures up to 400kPa.

The specially selected and combined materials guarantee the necessary resistance to hydrogen and ultrapure water. The new cathode valve includes an electric motor drive with a very high power reserve. On the water-enriched exhaust side of the cathode, it provides the necessary security that even under freezing conditions no functional impairment can occur.

For use as a shut-off valve (Stack Isolation Valve), a large number of features have been developed, especially with regard to micro-leakage. These include the use of a highly stable elastomer as a sealing element.

www.rheinmetall-automotive.com

  Fordern Sie weitere Informationen an…