ZF Unveils Groundbreaking Hydrogen Recirculation Blower for Fuel Cell-Powered Commercial Vehicles

ZF Unveils Groundbreaking Hydrogen Recirculation Blower for Fuel Cell-Powered Commercial Vehicles

(IN BRIEF) ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions has unveiled its Hydrogen Recirculation Blower at IAA Transportation 2024. The blower, which works with ZF’s Fuel Cell Air Compressor, improves hydrogen efficiency and performance in fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles. This innovation is part of ZF’s full-flex e-mobility portfolio, aimed at advancing decarbonization in the transport industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 18-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — At the IAA Transportation 2024 event, ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) presented its newest innovation: the Hydrogen Recirculation Blower, which enhances the performance and energy efficiency of fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles. This latest addition to ZF’s full-flex e-mobility portfolio is designed to optimize hydrogen consumption and boost the efficiency of fuel cell systems, marking a significant advancement in fuel cell technology.

The Hydrogen Recirculation Blower works in tandem with ZF’s previously announced Fuel Cell Air Compressor, creating a synergy that maximizes fuel cell system efficiency. The air compressor delivers oxygen to the fuel cell stack, while the blower recirculates unused hydrogen, ensuring that the hydrogen fuel is efficiently used. Together, they form a critical part of ZF’s expanding Balance of Plant (BoP) portfolio, which supports the efficient operation of fuel cell systems in commercial vehicles.

The new Hydrogen Recirculation Blower leverages ZF’s expertise in system integration and air bearing technology. The blower’s ultra-high-speed motor can reach speeds of up to 100,000 RPM, and its air bearing system eliminates the need for lubrication, preventing contamination of the fuel cell stack and ensuring long-term durability. These features contribute to a reduction in the vehicle’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and extend the operational life of the fuel cell system.

“ZF has applied its deep knowledge in system integration and air bearing systems to develop this cutting-edge Hydrogen Recirculation Blower,” said Dr. Christian Brenneke, Head of Innovation & Development at ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “This innovation, combined with our Fuel Cell Air Compressor, demonstrates our commitment to driving decarbonization and advancing e-mobility technologies for a sustainable future.”

The Hydrogen Recirculation Blower’s compact and lightweight design, combined with an integrated inverter supporting 800 V high-voltage systems, ensures high efficiency and media mass flow. It also includes an integrated water separator and does not require active cooling, reducing complexity in system assembly and offering packaging advantages.

ZF’s innovative Hydrogen Recirculation Blower is poised to set new standards in the commercial vehicle sector, supporting the industry’s shift towards cleaner, more efficient fuel cell technology and decarbonization.

About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and startup companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

With some 168,700 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €46.6 billion in fiscal 2023. The company operates 162 production locations in 31 countries. For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com

About CVS Division
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division is helping shape the future of commercial transportation ecosystems. Our mission is to be the preferred global technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry. Powerfully combining ZF’s commercial vehicle systems expertise, extensive technology portfolio and global operations, the division serves the full commercial vehicle industry value chain. As the automotive industry progresses towards an increasingly autonomous, connected, and electrified (ACE) future, ZF’s CVS division innovates, integrates and supplies components and advanced control systems that help make commercial vehicles and fleets operate more safely and sustainably. CVS unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter being formed following ZF’s acquisition of WABCO in Spring 2020

Media Contacts:

Frank Discher
Head of News, Content & Media, Commercial Vehicle
Solutions
Phone: +49 7541 77960770
email: frank.discher@zf.com

Florian Laudan
Head of Communications, Commercial Vehicle
Solutions
Phone: +49 151 20000276
email: florian.laudan@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF Friedrichshafen AG