Design and Experimental Study of Centrifugal Compressor in Fuel Cell Vehicle

Abstract

A high-speed centrifugal air compressor structure supported by aerodynamic pressure bearings and driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor was proposed. The integration of air lubrication and permanent magnet synchronous motor is realized, which meets the fuel cell system's requirements for oil-free and efficient. Based on the analysis of the principle of aerodynamic pressure bearing and high-speed motor, the parameters of each component were designed, and the prototype of the air compressor was developed. When working at 10×104rpm, it can provide compressed air with a maximum pressure ratio of 2.3, and the overall efficiency is close to 80%, which achieves high-speed and stable operation, has higher efficiency and wider and flat working characteristics. Finally, the feasibility of the design was verified by bench test.