Rheinmetall wins order for fuel cell components
Rheinmetall helps transform from petrol and diesel engines to alternative drive forms in various sectors.
The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has won the fifth order for supplying fuel cell components, this time from a European customer in the industrial sector.
The aggregated value of this order for cathode and shut-off valves for industrial applications is in the lower two-digit million-euro range. Including this order, booked at the end of June 2022, the total order volume for cathode flaps is approaching the three-digit million-euro mark.
The latest order demonstrates the massive market potential for hydrogen components and Rheinmetall’s expertise in developing forward-looking solutions in close cooperation with customers.
Destined to serve as bypass and high-sealing performance shut-off valves for fuel cells, the components ordered here are flap systems with integrated electronics and a large bore diameter (>55mm). The components meet the most stringent sealing requirements for fuel cells with an output of >300kW for use in the industry.
Due to its longstanding experience as a maker of commercial vehicle air control valves with long service life, large bore diameters and extremely low leakage, Rheinmetall competed successfully for an important order.
Based on previously delivered and successfully verified valve samples, the company’s production lines at its Berlin plant will be adapted for higher-volume production starting in 2024. Rheinmetall will supply the serially produced parts directly to the customer. The supply of spare parts will be demand-driven.
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. The system’s very low leakage has been successfully proven through a special design. 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 and off-road, rail, maritime and stationary applications.
