Eaton to supply innovative fuel cell tech to SAIC

SOUTHFIELD, MICH. -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has announced its innovative Fuel Cell Cathode Blower will be used in a fuel cell vehicle demonstration program being prepared by Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC) for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

"Protecting and improving the environment are among Eaton’s highest priorities," said Glenn Gouldey, vice president technology and planning – Eaton’s Automotive Group. “As a result of this commitment, we look forward to working in collaboration with SAIC to help bring innovative fuel cell technology to the automotive industry in China."

Eaton’s Fuel Cell Cathode Blower is an electrically driven Eaton roots-style supercharger adapted for fuel cell applications. The small-scaled supercharger is mated to a highly efficient brushless motor and moves air through the fuel cell stack where the oxygen in the air is combined with hydrogen to generate electricity that is then used to power the vehicle. Fuel Cell vehicles do not generate any emissions.

The Eaton supercharger used for this application is small scale (size M24) fifth generation positive displacement design that features twin intermeshing three-lobe rotors that are twisted 60-degrees. They spin at high speeds and pump air efficiently and with industry-leading noise and vibration characteristics.

Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation, New Energy Vehicles Division (SAIC/NEV), a leading supplier of hydrogen powered automobiles, is planning to supply 20 hydrogen-powered automobiles to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The vehicles will be used to transport dignitaries at the event.

With sales of $1.6 billion in 2007 and 11,000 employees around the world, Eaton’s Automotive Group supplies the automotive industry with critical components that reduce emissions and fuel consumption, and improve vehicle stability and performance. Principal products include engine valves and valve train components, transmission and engine controls, superchargers, locking and limited slip differentials, cylinder heads and fluid conveyance components.