This engineering and research union could push the limits of current filtration technology
Parker Hannifin and The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft have renewed their partnership to continue their development of air adsorption technology for fuel cell humidification applications.
Fuel cells create electricity without fossil fuel combustion, using a hydrogen reaction to produce water and heat as byproducts. However, for this to occur, the air entering the fuel cells cannot have contaminants.
Parker, which has developed membrane filtration solutions for many applications including fuel cells, first partnered with Fraunhofer in October 2022. Then, they produced a test rig that allows filters to remove gases such as NOX, SOX, ammonia and volatile organic compounds. The removal of these contaminants is helpful for reducing carbon emissions by allowing fuel cells to operate longer and more efficiently.
“The progress we've made with the test rig has provided invaluable insights, and we are excited to build on this foundation to develop even more effective filtration solutions,” said Burkhard Hartmann, R&D officer at Parker’s Engine Mobile Filtration Europe (EMFE) Division in Stuttgart. “By simulating real-world conditions, we can optimise our filter media to meet the rigorous demands of fuel cell applications, ensuring the best performance and durability for our customers.”
The renewed partnership between Parker and Fraunhofer will focus on the development and implementation of new, specialised air filter test rigs, evaluations of fuel cell humidifiers and performance simulations to understand the effects of fibre dimensions and humidifier permeability.
“This ongoing collaboration with Parker demonstrates the powerful synergy between applied research and industrial expertise,” said Doctor Gunther Kolb, the head of business division energy at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems. “The advancements we have achieved so far underscore the potential of combining Fraunhofer's research capabilities with Parker’s filtration technology.
“We look forward to continuing our work together to create more efficient and reliable fuel cell systems.”
