Wanted: Innovation for Hydrogen Compressors

Piston Compressors Are Versatile and Vary Widely 

Much like other processes involving hydrogen, it is not clear which technology will prevail. They are versatile, vary widely, and can regulate flow rates. “This makes it possible to repeatedly compress hydrogen to gradually increase the pressure – and do it very elegantly,” Schneider said. But the way seals have been designed so far, they wear out too quickly. What is needed is a new idea, an innovation that charts a new course.

In all probability, the seal for high hydrogen compression would have to be completely reimagined. “Here we are talking about the famous green field,” Schneider said. The functionality would have to be impressive, and none of the options are today. Engineers won’t be getting a finished drawing – they have to set out on their own. “You don’t see much of that.” That means Freudenberg Sealing Technologies can play to its own strengths as a company: a knowledge of materials as well as expertise in design and scaling. And most of all, an inventive spirit. 

Wanted: The Right Combination of Material and Design   

The design and the choice of material, will likely be the crucial challenges. A combination is needed that produces little wear at high pressures and temperatures, and at sliding speeds up to 5 meters per second. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has extensive materials expertise, in part due to projects involving high-performance plastics in recent years. Testing is a watchword since the solutions are only possible when there is cooperation with customers. That’s another reason why Schneider is thankful that companies have been approaching him. One thing is clear: “The solution will take time.” It will require tests and trial runs. “With their own tests, it is impossible for customers to know why something doesn’t work – that is our job.” In turn, engineers cannot do their development work without an error analysis onsite when the compressor is in operation. “With our know-how and our technology, we can assess and analyze a great deal ahead of time,” Schneider said. 

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is imposing a restriction of its own on the product, stipulating that it be PFAS-free. That means it will do without per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. “When we are doing the development work, we want to seize the opportunity to keep the production process clean, including the production of materials,” Schneider said. That is just being consistent with the energy source’s promise of a clean future. Schneider is convinced that this promise will soon be a reality. “Hydrogen is here to stay.”