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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.

This paper proposes the several methods for recovering the performance of degraded fuel cell stack for FCEV. Recovery procedure is focused on the reduction of oxidized layer and desorption of sulfonated anion formed on the surface of platinum catalyst during automotive operation at cathode side. As a result of application of recovering methods, it is possible to partially rehabilitate the performance of fuel cell stack by ca. 20-30%. In additions, it is expected that the durability of fuel cell can be improved ultimately with an application of recovery process.