Ariel Corp. is entering the hydrogen mobility market with its latest compressor, the KBH. Ariel teamed up Hoerbiger to package its first commercial KBH compressor which will ship to H2Mobility in Germany later this year. This marks the 70,000th compressor shipped by Ariel since its founding in 1966.
The KBH
The vertically-oriented reciprocating compressor is designed to meet the required pressure and mechanical availability demands that are not currently available in the hydrogen mobility market. The KBH high-flow compression solution can handle various inlet and outlet pressures for multiple hydrogen applications. It is capable of compressing hydrogen gas to pressures up to 7250 psig (500 barg) with over 250 kg/hr for trailer filling, hydrogen mobility, and other hydrogen storage and transport needs.
To maintain high gas purity, the KBH does not require cylinder lubrication and features the latest advanced materials to ensure optimal compression efficiency and reliability. To validate performance and component life, a KBH compressor is currently in operation at Ariel’s hydrogen test facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Running on 100% hydrogen, it is accumulating run hours at its full rated speed and discharge pressure.
What’s in a Name?
Ariel named the KBH compressor in honor of Karen Buchwald Wright and in memory of her late son, Hunter N. Wright. Karen Buchwald Wright previously held the position of President and CEO and currently serves as Ariel’s Board Chair. She is the daughter of Ariel’s founder, Jim Buchwald. Hunter N. Wright, who worked for Ariel starting in 2015 as Director of Corporate Quality before being promoted to President, passed away in 2021 after battling cancer.
