Air Supply System for the Fuel Cell of a Mobile Robot

An air supply system has been developed for the fuel cell of a mobile robot, named ROBHAZ, using a rotary vane pump with a muffler. Research is concentrated on the design of the system, not only decreases the sound pressure level to an affordable range but also provides appropriate air flow rate for the fuel cell with the maximum output of 500W. At the same time, it has small volume; outer diameter of 80mm and total length of less than 150mm; which enables its installation into the limited space of the robot system. The muffler was designed to have concentric pipes to form a dual muffler which corresponds to the intake and outlet of the pump, respectively. DC motor was assembled inside the inner muffler to save the space. Developed device is thought be a satisfactory air supply system for a fuel cell.