Donaldson highlights alternative power filtration

Donaldson Company, Inc. is showcasing its future-focused technologies at IAA Transportation 2024, taking place in Hanover, Germany, Sept. 17-22. Key highlights include alternative power filtration systems; non-diesel fuel filtration technologies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and longevity; and venting solutions designed to support customers in their environmental commitments and compliance with regulations.

Donaldson will present alternative power technologies for hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles, plus solutions for alternative fuel-powered internal combustion engines. (Source: Donaldson)

Donaldson said it has more than 25 years of experience working with fuel cell manufacturers, enabling it to tailor its ePTFE membrane support options for specific applications. According to the company, its ability to create thinner, more durable and efficient ePTFE skeletons can help to maintain higher current density in a fuel cell’s proton exchange membrane (PEM), and can therefore reduce the number of cells required in a stack.

The company also noted that its latest fuel filtration technologies are being developed to help the next generation of transport solutions maintain high productivity levels to further reduce the transportation sector’s dependence on fossil fuels. For example, hydrogen fuel can suffer from contamination from oil, water, other gases and sulphur compounds. Donaldson’s high-pressure (<420 bar) and low-pressure (<25 bar) filters are designed to help address this.

Similarly, particulates and chemical contaminants in air can adversely affect fuel cell function and lifespan. Donaldson said it has leveraged its portfolio of proprietary filtration media to develop tailored solutions through its range of cathode air filters. Multiple layers – including activated carbon, an acid and base layer, and a dust filter – are typically used to screen out sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ammonia, while allowing for customization to safeguard against butane, toluene and other unwanted compounds.

Donaldson offers both fuel cell and battery venting solutions. (Photo: Donaldson)

The Tetratex membrane is being shown to help visitors understand how it can integrate directly into a fuel cell’s housing to create vent assemblies that meet specific application requirements. Also on show will be the high-pressure Dual-Stage Burst, enabling a pressure relief of 25 liters/sec @ 300 mbar after a series of pins pierce its Tetratex ePTFE membrane.

Also on hand is Donaldson’s Dual-Stage Jet, its latest battery-venting solution, which was launched earlier this year at The Battery Show in Stuttgart, Germany. To enhance EV safety, it offers fast degassing capabilities at rates of approximately 100 liters/sec @ 100 mbar in an emergency. The new medium-pressure solution offers an intelligent poppet and cap design that can be immediately jettisoned to produce a large opening for gas to escape should an emergency occur.

Other technology on display includes the company’s range of humidifiers, water separators and coolant ion exchangers suited for use in new power technologies.