Fuel Cell Compressors
Rotrex was one of the pioneers in the development of air compressors for fuel cell systems and close corporation with some of largest fuel cell producers has resulted in class leading and cost effective solutions.
The first systems were introduced to the market more than 10 years ago and since then more than 1200 fuel cell compressors have been sold. All critical components are produced in Denmark in high-tech facilities where assembly, testing and final quality inspections also takes place.
The technology and key benefits
The compressors are based on our patented high speed traction drive, which is spinning a high efficient centrifugal compressor. The result is a class leading air compressor, that offers unmatched reliability.
Key benefits
- Clean Oil-free, linear and non-pulsing air supply
- Ultra-compact, lightweight and flexible integration
- Automotive design – high resistance to shock/impacts
- Class-leading efficiency
- Unmatched reliability
- Cost effective solution
Compressor specifications
Below you can find specifications for our generation 1 and generation 2 systems. Our firstly developed generation 1 systems are best suited for research and development in laboratory environments, whereas the generation 1 systems are developed and optimized for mobile applications in the field.
| Generation 1 | Generation 2 |
 |
 |
Generation 2 systems
| Characteristic | EK10AA | EK40AA* |
| Suitable fuel cell power range | 20 – 100 kW | 100 – 400 kW |
| Recommended air mass flow range | 0,025 – 0,080 kg/s | 0,1-0,3 kg/s |
| Recommended pressure ratio range | 1,4 – 2,2 | 1,4 – 2,8 |
| Physical dimensions (LxHxW in mm) | 321 x 155 x 188 | 450 x 250 x 220 |
| Weight (operational) | ≈ 13 kg | ≈ 30 kg |
| Internal drive ratio | 1 : 8.44 | 1 : 7.5 |
| Maximum motor shaft speed | 16.600 RPM | 16.000 RPM |
| Maximum impeller speed | 140.000 RPM | 120.000 RPM |
| Rated motor power | 13 kW | 40 kW |
| Enclosure rating | IP67 minimum | IP67 minimum |
*Preliminary design in development – will soon be available. Contact us for more details.
Generation 1 systems
| Characteristic | EC15 | EC30 | EC38 |
| Suitable fuel cell power range | 75 – 200kW | 120 – 300 kW | 180 – 500kW |
| Recommended air mass flow range | 0,08 – 0,22 kg/s | 0,12 – 0,36 kg/s | 0,12 – 0,55 kg/s |
| Recommended pressure ratio range | 1,4 – 2,4 | 1,4 – 2,6 | 1,4 – 2,6 |
| Physical dimensions (LxHxW in mm) | 350 x 250 x280 | 545 x 260 x 270 | 545 x 260 x 270 |
| Weight (operational) | ≈ 16 kg | ≈ 38 kg | ≈ 39 kg |
| Internal drive ratio | 1 : 12,67 | 1 : 9,5 | 1 : 7,5 |
| Maximum motor shaft speed | 17.500 RPM | 12.650 RPM | 12.650 RPM |
| Maximum impeller speed | 216.000 RPM | 120.000 RPM | 90.000 RPM |
| Rated motor power | 17 kW | 59 kW | 59 kW |
| Enclosure rating | IP67 minimum | IP67 minimum | IP67 minimum |
Custom-made Fuel Cell Compressors
Besides our standard compressors, we also have the possibility to develop custom-made compressors to suit your specific demands. Contact us if you are interested in more information about this possibility.
Contact us for more information
Are you interested in more information ? Please contact us at contact@rotrex.com or use the form below
Test and Flow-Rigs
A vital tool in our customer support process is our series of in-house test and flow-rigs, each purpose built to offer the highest level of quality products on the market.
Testing ranges from flow rigs manufacturing the most accurate compressor maps according to SAE standards to durability rigs designed for continuous operation under maximum loads.
With our new Fuel Cell compressor we have created a test cell simulating a Fuel Cell system with a wide-range, fully variable DC supply which makes it possible to set the parameters to the customer’s exact specifications and verify the performance accordingly.
If you are interested in our fuel cell compressors and would like to know more about what we can offer, or even test and confirm your target operation points, please send an inquiry to support@rotrex.com.
Why Rotrex and Fuel Cells?
Rotrex has existed for more than 20 years and develops, produces and markets centrifugal superchargers for a wide range of industries based on patented traction technology for OEM, OES, and aftermarket companies worldwide.
For the past decade, fuel cell applications has been part of our business, with references to the majority of global Fuel Cell companies.
Please send us an email if you want to know more: support@rotrex.com
