Rheinmetall supplying cathode flaps for fuel cells

Through its subsidiary Pierburg, Rheinmetall said it has recently received two orders for supplying cathode flaps to fuel cell manufacturers. The orders, from customers in Europe and North America, encompass a lifetime volume of over 300,000 components. Together they are worth a figure in the double-digit million-euro range, the Rheinmetall said.

Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Pierburg has received two orders for cathode flaps to fuel cell manufacturers in Europe and the U.S. (Photo: Rheinmetall)

Based on previously delivered, successfully verified samples, the production lines at the Rheinmetall plant in Berlin will be adapted for full-scale production runs starting in 2023.

Hydrogen is seen as a key element in the transition to climate-neutral forms of energy and mobility. Rheinmetall began developing products for fuel systems over 20 years ago. The Düsseldorf-based Group continues to pursue its development efforts in this domain and is currently working on a series of innovative balance-of-plant components. Besides components for regulating the flow of hydrogen, Rheinmetall’s portfolio also includes various cathode-side valve solutions.

The valve systems ordered from Rheinmetall regulate the flow of fresh and exhaust air mass streams and insulate the fuel cell stacks on the cathode side at the inlet and outlet points from the ambient atmosphere. Achieved through a special design, the system’s very low leakage has been successfully proven.

Specially selected and combined, the materials guarantee the necessary resistance to hydrogen and ultra-pure water. The cathode flaps incorporate an electric drive with high reserve capacity. Enriched with water, the exhaust side of the cathodes assures the necessary degree of safety, meaning that they function reliably even under freezing conditions, the company said.

Operating times of up to 12,000 hours are already attainable, while a new generation currently in development will result in a service life of at least 30,000 hours in commercial vehicles, maritime and stationary applications.

To meet various customer requirements regarding utilization, installation space and interfaces in the best possible way, the production valves are based on a modular principle. This means that the valves can be used in fuel cells with an electrical output of up to 200 kW, the company said. In addition, Rheinmetall offers numerous variations of the basic design, covering the complete range of available of electric actuators and interfaces.