Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are set to start making an entry in the global market as countries search for low emission solutions to reduce pollution, and make a positive impact on environment.

When considering battery driven electric vehicles, a question could be posed, “What happens to the batteries after their useful life span”?? One can only imagine the problems associated with disposing of them.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells however, do not pose the same environmental issues.

A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Fuel cells are often compared to batteries. Both convert the energy produced by a chemical reaction into usable electric power. However, the fuel cell will produce electricity as long as fuel (hydrogen) is supplied, but unlike batteries, without losing its charge.

Fuel cells are a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity for buildings, and as an electrical power source for electric motors propelling vehicles. Fuel cells operate best on pure hydrogen. But fuels like natural gas, methanol, or even gasoline can be reformed to produce the hydrogen required for fuel cells. Some fuel cells even can be fuelled directly with methanol, without using a reformer.

In the future, hydrogen could also join electricity as an important energy carrier. An energy carrier moves and delivers energy in a usable form to consumers.

Renewable energy sources, like the sun and wind, can’t produce energy all the time. But they could, for example, produce electric energy which can be used to produce hydrogen via a process of “Electrolysis of water.”

The Hydrogen so produced, can be compressed and stored until it’s needed. This Hydrogen, in its compressed state, can also be transported (like electricity) to locations where it is needed.

KME are agents for Rix compressors, making us first-choice supplier for capital equipment and service parts on Hydrogen booster compressors, which will be required to charge any fuel station or storage vessel.

Engineering News recently reported on the expected introduction of FCEV’s and in South Africa, we certainly are economically well placed considering our locally mined platinum and iridium. Read the full article here: https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/fuel-cell-electric-vehicles-set-to-make-strong-entry-visiting-experts-2019-07-15

RIX Gas / Air compressors feature stout crosshead construction with totally oil-free compression. Gases commonly compressed include Oxygen, Hydrogen, Argon, Helium, Nitrogen, Air, Natural Gas, CO2, Hydrocarbon mixes and various other rare gases. The RIX compressor ranges specific to Hydrogen gas compression are as follows:

• 2DS Series
• 2JS Series
• 2M Series
• 2TX Series
• 4VX Series

RIX Capabilities:

• ½ HP to 500 HP (0.38 kW to 375 kW)
• High pressures, up to 8000 psig (550 bar)
• Breathing Air / Oil-Free Air
• Oxygen
• Nitrogen
• Hydrogen, Helium, Argon, CO2, Syngas (etc)
• Custom Packages Heavy Duty 24/7 Operation
• We specialize in non-lube / oil-free applications

Since 1878, RIX Industries has been engineering and manufacturing compressors for military, industrial and commercial applications. Over that long period of time, Rix have developed a world-wide reputation for producing a line of extraordinary, high quality products.

Contact KME today to find out more about Rix Hydrogen and gas compressor solutions.