Hydrogen Compressors for Mobility & Refueling
Diaphragm compression solutions for hydrogen mobility, fleet fueling, and temporary refueling applications
What Is Hydrogen Mobility?
Hydrogen mobility is the use of hydrogen to power vehicles and transportation equipment, either through fuel-cell electric powertrains (energy carrier) or internal combustion engines (fuel).
Hydrogen can support transportation on land, at sea and in the air, including passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, buses, trucks, industrial equipment, trains, vessels and emerging aviation applications.
Reliable hydrogen mobility infrastructure depends on the ability to compress hydrogen to the pressure required for storage, transfer, and vehicle fueling, typically 350 bar or 700 bar. PDC Machines supplies the high-pressure compression equipment that enables this critical step.
How Does PDC Support Hydrogen Refueling Projects?
PDC specializes in diaphragm compression for all applications within hydrogen mobility. For commercial hydrogen refueling projects, first PDC works with customers and end-users to understand the specific requirements of the application, then we customize a system for the exact scope of work, normally with station integrators, packagers, gas suppliers, engineering firms and project developers around the world.
For smaller demonstration, fleet and pilot applications, SimpleFuel offers a limited-capacity, all-in-one solution combining on-site hydrogen generation, compression, storage and dispensing.
Depending on project requirements, PDC Machines can provide:
- Consulting on how to integrate the compressor into the fueling station
- Bare diaphragm compressor units
- Packaged hydrogen compression systems
- Skid-mounted compressors with piping, controls and instrumentation
- Compression engineering and application support
- Replacement parts, field service and long-term aftermarket support
Compression expertise, not a one-size-fits-all station
Drawing on decades of hydrogen compression experience, PDC provides application-specific consulting to help customers select, configure and integrate the right compressor solution for their fueling requirements.
Hydrogen Mobility Applications We Support
PDC Machines’ compressors play a pivotal role in various hydrogen mobility applications. As a leading manufacturer of oil-free high-pressure compressors, PDC offers cutting-edge solutions that cater to the unique needs of various end-uses.
Light Duty Vehicles
Typically 700 bar fueling with up to 10 kg tank
Medium Duty Vehicles
Typically 350 bar fueling with up to 25 kg tank
Heavy/Medium Duty Trucks
350 or 700 bar with up to 100 kg tank
Material Handling
350 bar with up to 2.5 kg tank
Mining
Hydrogen compression for mining vehicles, haulage equipment and other demanding off-road applications.
Port Vehicles
Compression supporting hydrogen-powered cargo-handling vehicles, terminal trucks, cranes and other port equipment.
Agricultural Equipment
Hydrogen fueling applications for tractors, farm machinery and other agricultural vehicles.
Rail
Hydrogen compression for locomotives, regional trains and light-rail applications.
Marine Transport
Hydrogen as fuel for marine transport, such as boats and ferries
eVTOL, Aircraft and Drones
High-pressure hydrogen compression for emerging aviation, unmanned aircraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing applications.
Hydrogen Compression Pressures for Mobility
Hydrogen mobility projects require different compression pressures based on the vehicle, fueling protocol, storage configuration, and overall station design.
- 350 bar (5000 psig)
For these applications typical storage tube pressures between 450 – 550 bar - 700 bar (10,000 psig)
For these applications typical storage tube pressures between 820 – 1000 bar
PDC works with customers and project partners to evaluate inlet pressure, flow, duty cycle, storage strategy, and required discharge pressure before selecting the appropriate compressor configuration.
Why PDC Machines’ Diaphragm Compression for Hydrogen Mobility?
Hydrogen mobility applications require compression equipment that can maintain gas purity, achieve high discharge pressures and operate reliably under demanding fueling cycles. Diaphragm compressors are well suited for these requirements because the process gas is isolated from the hydraulic system.
Oil-Free Hydrogen Compression
The diaphragm design separates hydrogen from hydraulic oil, helping preserve the gas purity required for fuel-cell and mobility applications
High-Pressure Capability
Single-stage and multistage configurations support the high compression ratios required for hydrogen storage and vehicle fueling.
Leak-Tight Gas Handling
The diaphragm compressor design is suited to applications where hydrogen containment and process integrity are critical.
Flexible System Integration
Compressors can be supplied as bare units or integrated packages for incorporation into larger hydrogen production, storage and refueling systems. We offer modifications for low and high ambient temperature conditions.
Global Service and Support
PDC supports installed equipment with field service, scheduled maintenance, training, spare parts and technical assistance.
Proven Hydrogen Mobility Experience
With more than 1,000 hydrogen compressors installed globally, PDC Machines has extensive experience supporting hydrogen fueling and mobility applications. Our diaphragm compressors are used in demonstration projects, fleet depots and commercial hydrogen refueling stations serving passenger vehicles, buses, trucks and material-handling equipment.
Build the Right Compression Solution for Your Hydrogen Mobility Project
Whether you are developing a fleet fueling station, demonstration project, retail HRS, or emerging mobility application, PDC can help define and deliver the optimal compression scope to make your project a success.