Stuttgart, Germany – Fuel cells are finding their way onto the roads around the world. For Bosch, the next milestone in this development is a major order for electric air compressors with integrated power electronics. These compressors govern the fuel-cell system’s oxygen supply. Bosch has signed a long-term agreement with cellcentric to supply this high-tech component.

Dr. Uwe Gackstatter
President of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division
Fuel cells make commercial vehicles climate neutral
In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen to produce electrical energy as well as water and heat. Running a fuel-cell powertrain on hydrogen that is green – in other words, produced using renewable energy – makes the vehicle climate neutral. As the electric air compressor supplies the required amount of filtered air, it is one of the core components of a fuel-cell system.
Bosch offers the air compressor in two power classes – 20 and 30 kilowatts. The 30-kilowatt class is rated for voltages from 450 to 850 volts, while the 20-kilowatt class is rated for either 250–450 volts or 450–850 volts. The compressor wheel reaches speeds of more than 100,000 rpm. “The combination of a high-speed electric motor with integrated power electronics enables easy system integration at competitive manufacturing costs,” Gackstatter says.
In addition, the silicon carbide semiconductors used in Bosch power electronics make this powerful component particularly efficient. It is features such as these that cellcentric was looking for.
Air path of a fuel cell-electric driveFuel cell control unit
The component is distinguished by its modular structure: The high-speed electric motor with integrated or optionally separate power electronics forms the core, while the variable aerodesign provides the desired flexibility.
Possible aerodesign variants are as follows:
- Single-stage compressor with turbine. This enables the stack’s exhaust air to be used for energy recovery and increases the compressor’s efficiency.
- Two-stage compressor that enables a higher pressure ratio.
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