AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
grown rapidly over the same period. Tis has been supported by an improving infrastructure for hydrogen, which will be essential for sustained growth. As manufacturers look to embrace fuel cell technology and deliver solutions for more applications, there is a need for greater development capacity. Te process of identifying the most suitable fuel cell chemistry and creating a working prototype can be complex and time-consuming.
PROOF OF CONCEPT Te components required to build a bench-top proof of concept will have some common features with the finished design, but there is a need for greater data collection and variation of parameters. Te initial design stages need visibility and control of mass flow, pressure and temperature associated with gases and water. Te variety of sensors as well as valves used during design development and testing will be essentially the same as the prototype, but their form, size and weight will be considerably altered for the final build. It is this dramatic difference between concept and prototype that requires considerable expertise and knowledge to deliver project expectations. Furthermore, the goals of a proof of concept are substantially different to those of the finished article, which
demands a minimal footprint, optimised efficiency and high performance. Depending on the application and the fuel cell chemistry, cooling circuits may be needed. In bench-top trials, this heat can be transferred to the atmosphere, but in final designs, it can be used for climate control so additional components will be required.
SOURCING EXPERTISE Finding all of the measurement and control devices for these diverse applications can be a challenge, but by working together with a team of designers experienced and knowledgeable in fuel cell technology it can be easily overcome. Bürkert, for example, has over 60 years’ experience in creating control and regulating system modules for liquids and gases.
Component selection is a very
important aspect of developing fuel cells. Based around a product range that offers low power consumption, a wide operating temperature range and excellent chemical resistance properties, Bürkert’s experts can create bespoke solutions for a range of applications. Clearly, when dealing gases such as
hydrogen and oxygen, safety must be at the forefront of any design and safety shut-off valves need to meet exacting standards of operation. Similarly, pressure regulating systems and the proportional valves that comprise the control infrastructure must deliver precision and reliability.
MOVING TO PROTOTYPES During the development of bench concepts, mass flow controllers in combination with flow control valves enable initial goals to be achieved. Once the system’s parameters have been determined, the flow measurement aspect can be removed for the production phase, instead using control valves that are calibrated to deliver the pre-determined flows. Having developed the proof of concept,
the process moves onto prototypes where bespoke components need to be developed and fit within a certain space. Bürkert’s Systemhaus network assigns a dedicated team of experts in design, materials and the specific industry to see the project through from cradle to launch. Tis crucial process may involve many iterations in design and also needs to take account of mass production considerations. Troughout the project, continuous communication and the presence of a dedicated design team is essential for milestones to be met and the delivery of a successful product.
RACING PEDIGREE Bürkert has extensive experience in developing fuel cell technology and has been involved with the Forze Hydrogen Racing Team for several years, developing various solutions for gas metering and the monitoring of pressure and temperature. Te Forze V had many improvements from Bürkert that helped to double the performance of the fuel cell compared to that on the Forze IV, while also delivering a 10% weight reduction. Since then, the company has continued
to support the team, working on components for the Forze V, which will accelerate the 800kg car from 0-100km/h in less than 4 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 210km/h and only leaving water behind it.
Te fuel cell industry will continue to expand over the coming years as more solutions are developed for both stationary power sources and the transport sector. By working with market-leading suppliers, OEMs and system integrators will continue to overcome many challenges and make considerable contributions to decarbonising our environment.
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www.engineerlive.com Bürkert’s Systemhaus network assigns a dedicated team of experts in design,
materials and the specific industry to see the project through
Tony Brennan is with Bürkert.
www.burkert.co.uk
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