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The subject of this study is a centrifugal compressor for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). Recently there is a growing interest in FCEVs since they are considered a realistic solution to environmental regulations for passenger cars to reduce emissions. Water vapor is the only byproduct of a reaction in the Proton Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack which generates electricity with oxygen from the surrounding air and hydrogen from a fuel tank. Auxiliary systems called Balance of Plant (BOP) serve to provide air and hydrogen to the stack in a correct ratio. The compressor is one of key components of this system because compression of the intake air brings an increase in efficiency and power density of the FCEV. This paper presents the characteristics of a 10 kW class centrifugal compressor with an oil-free bearing system. It consists of a shaft, two airfoil journal bearings and a pair of thrust bearings.

Fuel cell vehicle is loaded with translating equipment, which converts chemical energy to electrical energy. The equipment has maximum power efficiency at a specific temperature when several operating conditions are met. To control the coolant temperature, the existing system uses a wax-type thermostat, which operates as the wax elements contracts and expands. However, there are several problems with the wax-type thermostat; it is impossible to measure real-time temperature and high pressure drop. To mitigate these problems, we developed a DC motor-driven 3-way valve that can control real-time temperature and low pressure drop. Application of the 3-way valve will improve fuel cell vehicle power and fuel efficiency.