Rheinmetall AG has secured substantial orders for fuel cell components in the two-digit million euro range. For hydrogen recirculation blowers and cathode flaps, leading fuel cell manufacturers have resorted to the business.
The order package represents another step forward in the Group’s hydrogen strategy as it continues to grow into alternative motor technologies. For years, Rheinmetall has been assisting in the optimization of hydrogen consumption, supporting the transition to environmentally acceptable forms of energy for many types of cars as well as stationary equipment.
The order for the high-voltage version of the hydrogen recirculation blower is estimated to be worth several million euros. In 2024, full-scale manufacturing will begin.
Additional orders for more than 300,000 cathode valves from two fuel cell manufacturers indicate a lifetime sales figure in the two-digit euro-million range. Starting in 2023, manufacturing lines at Rheinmetall’s Berlin facility will be upgraded for increased full-scale output quantities based on previously provided and satisfactorily validated samples of these valve systems.
Rheinmetall AG is an industrial partner of the new Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre in Duisburg, which is part of Germany’s national hydrogen strategy. Sensors and Actuators, a branch of the Group, is creating solutions to provide the industry with high-quality hydrogen products, allowing for more efficient and dependable fuel cell use.
The hydrogen recirculation blower is one of these components, which was developed with funding from Germany’s Federal Transport Ministry and NOW, the country’s National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Organization.
The hydrogen recirculation blower is mounted on the anode side of the fuel cell, allowing for more efficient hydrogen use. It allows for the regulated return of wasted hydrogen to the stack, resulting in increased efficiency and, as a result, a longer range for the vehicle. Furthermore, the blower ensures a more uniform hydrogen dispersion in the cell, resulting in longer operational life.
The valve systems (cathode flaps) bought from Rheinmetall manage the flow of fresh and exhaust air mass streams, as well as isolate the cathode side of the fuel cell stacks from the ambient environment at the input and exit locations.
The system’s extremely low leakage has been successfully demonstrated thanks to a unique design. Operating periods of up to 12,000 hours are now possible, and a new generation presently under development will provide at least 30,000 hours of service life in commercial vehicles, marine, and stationary applications.
In the past, Rheinmetall has received orders for certain components from well-known OEMs. The business is presently in advanced discussions with other clients about mobile and stationary uses for fuel cell technology, which will provide new growth opportunities and pave the way for further nominations.
According to Rheinmetall, the orders demonstrate the market potential for hydrogen components while also showing the company’s competence in developing forward-thinking solutions in close collaboration with clients.
