Safe, reliable cooling for hydrogen fuel cell systems on commercial vehicles

BLUEPOWER: battery/hydrogen synergy

FAUN’s BLUEPOWER solution is an excellent example. This innovative technology combines battery-electric power with a hydrogen fuel cell range extender. BLUEPOWER is a big step toward FAUN’s target of producing only hydrogen vehicles by 2030.

BLUEPOWER vehicles are suitable for a wide range of applications and have been operating with one prototype since 2019 and 20 trucks in operation in 2021. In hardworking RCV applications, they typically collect 20 tonnes of recyclables per day.

The heat exchange challenge

In developing BLUEPOWER, FAUN faced the challenge of achieving reliable separation between the two closed loops built into the hydrogen fuel cell skid. It was vital to avoid corrosion and cross-contamination between internal and external cooling loops. FAUN was also seeking a product offering efficiency, competitive pricing and reliably short lead times.

Based on their satisfaction with SWEP as a supplier, FAUN’s partners recommended SWEP’s brazed plate heat exchangers as the heat exchange solution for BLUEPOWER. SWEP´s brazed plate heat exchangersdelivered the right technology, with fast support and impressive results from  performance tests in the field.

 

 

SWEP’s ideal solution for BLUEPOWER

FAUN selected SWEP’s B10TSH model. This all-stainless steel brazed plate heat exchanger is designed for use where there is a risk of corrosion, which makes it ideal for the BLUEPOWER application. The B10TSH has a high flow rate and excellent heat transfer, yet has dimensions that comply with tough space requirements.

Compactness is of course a major advantage on a closely integrated fuel cell skid designed for use in a commercial vehicle.

FAUN’s BLUEPOWER RCVs have been operating efficiently and reliably for some time now, with their SWEP´s brazed plate heat exchangers performing entirely as expected.