Advanced Fuel Cells for Transportation Applications: Final Report

US Transportation Collection1998PDFTech ReportArthur D. Little, Inc.United States. Department of EnergyArthur D. Little, Inc.United StatesFuel cell vehiclesFuel cellsAir compressorsTechnological innovationsElectric vehiclesAlternate fuelsElectric batteriesProtonsProton Exchange MembranesPEMDE-AC08-96NV11982This document summarizes the work performed under the Department of Energy(DOE) contract number DE-AC08-96NV11982 by Arthur D. Little, Inc. This Research and Development (R&D) contract was directed at developing an advanced technology compressor/expander for supplying compressed air to Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM) fuel cells in transportation applications. The objective of this project was to develop a low-cost high-efficiency long-life lubrication-free integrated compressor/expander utilizing scroll technology. The goal of this compressor/expander was to be capable of providing compressed air over the flow and pressure ranges required for the operation of 50 kW PEM fuel cells in transportation applications. The desired ranges of flow, pressure and other performance parameters were outlined in a set of guidelines provided by DOE. The project consisted of a design, fabrication and test of a prototype compressor/expander module.120