Holistic portfolio
Hydrogen solutions
Hydrogen solutions for mobile and stationary applications
Hydrogen
Hydrogen (H2) plays a central role in decarbonization, i.e. a CO₂-neutral society. Hydrogen makes it possible to store and transport ecologically generated electrical energy in the long term. This means that applications, for example for mobility or for reconversion into electrical energy and heat, can be operated in a CO₂-neutral manner.
Please note that the integration of videos is implemented via the external video service YouTube. By clicking on the button, you agree that the external content is activated and personal data is also processed in the USA.
A level of data protection comparable to the EU cannot be guaranteed if US authorities access data of EU citizens. You can revoke your consent by leaving the accessed page. When you return to the page, you can decide again whether you wish to give your consent. You can find further information on data protection at Privacy / Legal Notice and in the privacy policy of YouTube/.
Future technology
Fuel cell
Sustainable products, systems and services for hydrogen applications are at the heart of current hydrogen activities.
These are based on decades of experience in the field of exhaust and acoustic technology.
In addition to mobility applications, our components are also used in new segments such as stationary applications.
For example, Purem by Eberspächer has been manufacturing exhaust valves in large series for combustion engines for many years.
With the Cathode Isolation Valve (CIV) and the Gas Control Valve (GCV), our company is expanding its portfolio to include components for fuel cell systems – based on proven technology and expertise from the combustion engine sector.
Fuel cell Balance of Plant components
The Gas Control Valve (GCV) is generally used to control the air flow and back pressure in the cathode path of a fuel cell system.
When used as a bypass valve, it regulates the fresh air supply from the inlet directly to the outlet, thereby controlling the air mass supplied to the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas train.
Product features:
- Reliable control: Continuous opening and closing of air paths within the cathode path of a fuel cell system, thanks to electrically operated valve orifice.
- Convertible: Can be used both as a bypass valve and as a control or throttle valve to increase the back pressure in the system.
- High tightness: The sealing solutions ensure low leakage (internal and external).
- Wide range of applications: In stationary, train, aircraft, ship or vehicle applications.
The CIV is used as a control valve to control the back pressure in the system in order to be able to react to special load situations and compensate for the inertia of the fuel cell system.
The Cathode Isolation Valve (CIV) is used in the cathode path of a fuel cell system and serves to hermetically seal the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack when the system is switched off.
The airtight seal ensures that the conditions in the stack remain constant during shutdown. This prevents premature ageing of the fuel cell membrane and enables the system to be restarted quickly. The high leakage requirements necessary for this are met by a specially developed sealing concept.
Product features:
- The electric actuator of the CIV also allows infinitely variable adjustment of the diaphragm position.
This means that the CIV can theoretically also be used as a bypass or throttle valve. - The actuator integrated into the housing enables the compact design, which means that the CIV can also be installed in tight spaces.
- The sealing solutions guarantee tightness (internal and external).
- Can be used for system outputs of up to 300 kilowatts.
The separation of condensate, consisting of water droplets and wall film from the air in the cathode path, is one of the most important tasks to ensure safe operation of the fuel cell and to protect sensitive components such as the compressor unit.
Utilizing many years of CFD expertise combined with extensive design and testing expertise, Purem by Eberspächer water separators are designed for high separation efficiency with low pressure drop over a wide range of operating conditions.
The separator can be used at various positions within the fuel cell system and can be flexibly adapted to different customer installation spaces and performance classes thanks to its modular design.
Product features:
- Efficient separation of air and water: High separation efficiency under different boundary conditions.
- Wide range of applications: High separation efficiency over a large flow range.
- Continuous water discharge: Optional customized design for continuous dewatering.
- Low pressure loss: Optimized mixer concept ensures minimal flow resistance.
- Compact design: Space-saving and modular plastic housing.
- Flexible integration: Can be adapted to different installation positions in the cathode air path – horizontally and vertically, even without a separate drainage unit.
Our innovative silencer solutions are specially designed for air intake and exhaust systems in fuel cell vehicles. They effectively reduce noise emissions from the compressor and flow noise generated throughout the entire system.
We use innovative absorption materials that are particularly resistant to water and high humidity.
Product features:
- Broadband sound attenuation: Use of water-resistant absorption materials for effective noise reduction across a broad frequency spectrum.
- Optimized frequency filtering: Specially tuned multi-Helmholtz silencer for targeted attenuation in critical frequency ranges – ideal for air intake.
- Lightweight construction: Compact design with high-quality plastic components for minimal weight.
- Efficient flow: Large inner diameter and no perforated inner pipe ensure low back pressure.
- Durability: High resistance to erosion protects the absorption material and ensures long-lasting performance.
- Powerful: Suitable for systems with an output of up to 300 kW.
The acquisition of Eberspaecher Vairex expanded the Group's product portfolio with regard to cathode air compressors and the associated control units for fuel cell systems. The compressors work on the basis of side channel compressor technology. They control the power generated by the fuel cell through precise air flow and pressure supply. Eberspaecher Vairex products are therefore a key component for the performance of fuel cells and are already being used in stationary and mobile applications.
Product features:
- Compact & robust design: Lightweight and robust construction – ideal for mobile and stationary fuel cell systems in demanding environments.
- Quiet & smooth: Low noise and vibration levels, no pressure pulsations – for more comfort and system stability.
- Oil and maintenance free: No risk of contamination, no filters, no scheduled maintenance – maximizes uptime and ensures long-term reliability.
- Low cost: Fewer parts, no valves or timing – compared to conventional compressors or blowers, regenerative compressors reduce system complexity and therefore overall cost.
Read more at:
www.eberspaecher-vairex.com
The hydrogen recirculation blower (HRB) is used to recirculate unconverted hydrogen from the anode exhaust gas area back into the fuel cell stack to increase fuel utilization. The use of the HRB reduces hydrogen consumption and increases the efficiency of the system.
It also ensures recirculation across the entire operating map and supports gas mixing and moisture distribution in the stack.
The Purem by Eberspächer hydrogen recirculation blower is continuous when stationary and can therefore be ideally combined with a passive ejector unit.
Purem by Eberspächer concept:
- Based on Eberspaecher Vairex side channel blowers for the air supply
- Highly impermeable to hydrogen (prevention of leaks)
- Corrosion-resistant materials (hydrogen-compatible)
- Vibration and shock resistant design
Tradition rethought
Hydrogen engine
The hydrogen engine also plays an important role in the mobility of tomorrow in addition to conventional combustion engines. The main product is gaseous water. That sounds clean at first, but a hydrogen engine also requires exhaust gas aftertreatment: Nitrogen oxides are produced in the lean combustion process with excess air. These have to be treated by catalytic selective reduction. In addition, small quantities of carbon-based pollutants can be emitted through the combustion of engine oil.
The hydrogen engine is mainly used in commercial vehicles, off-road and non-road vehicles, but also in stationary applications.
As a strong supplier of exhaust systems for conventional combustion engines, Purem by Eberspächer offers the perfect addition to the existing product portfolio with the right exhaust gas purification system.
Are we convinced of this approach? As a founding member of the Allianz Wasserstoffmotor [Hydrogen Engine Alliance], Purem by Eberspächer has positioned itself clearly in relation to the technology and is regarded as a technology leader.
Holistic view
Comprehensive portfolio through partnerships
With strategic partnerships, Purem by Eberspächer expands its own expertise and thus creates entry into new business areas. The targeted pooling of expertise and market knowledge creates approaches and solutions with added value. In addition to systems and components for hydrogen applications, the focus is therefore also shifting to scalable production, safe and cost-effective storage and transportation of the energy source. As part of our strategic partnership with Topsoe and AMBARtec, we are shaping the future.
Do you want to shape progress together?
Get in touch with us!