Continental has created a line for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) cooling systems using synthetic rubber and a mixture of other materials.
The new product is designed to reduce the transfer of ions into the cooling circuit which should help to improve the life of certain powertrain components. Ions in the cooling circuit can cause material degradation over time. This leads to reduced efficiencies and increases the chance of potential issues with the fuel cell.
Harald Kreidner, head of research and development at ContiTech business area original equipment solutions (OESL), said: “Permeation resistance, anti-static and high pressure are challenging requirements. We are combining our material expertise so we can tailor elastomers, thermoplastics and metals for use in hydrogen powertrains.”
Mark Klein-Hietpas, director CV sales in the OESL business area at Continental said: “In the OESL business area, we have decades of experience as a system partner for media circuits and engine mounts in combustion technology. Our customers benefit hugely from this experience and the joint development of lines, splices and mounting components for hydrogen and battery drive systems in commercial vehicles.
“As with combustion technology, we have also succeeded in finding the materials and material compounds that can cope with the sometimes contradictory requirements for hydrogen and battery circuits. Our research and development in this area bridges the gap and transfers and adapts existing technologies to new forms of drive systems.”
Since hydrogen atoms have a low density, traditional hose solutions are unable to provide an effective barrier to prevent their release. Continental claims its solution creates a thermoplastic barrier layer. This is said to improve safety by minimising the possibility of creating a flammable hydrogen-air mixture around hydrogen-carrying lines. It’s also suggested this will help to extend range by reducing fuel loss. Continental is making its OESL department within ContiTech independent to be able to offer support to manufacturers developing new technologies.
