Greene Tweed Develops Composite Impeller to Lower Hydrogen Compression Costs

Greene Tweed has designed a composite impeller for hydrogen compression that operates at higher speeds than traditional metal designs, potentially lowering costs. Conventional metal impellers limit operational speed, necessitating multiple compressor stages, which increases capital intensity.

The new composite impeller, made from carbon-fibre-reinforced PEEK, achieved a tip speed of 688 m/s in testing, nearly double that of typical metallic impellers. This design could enhance compression efficiency per stage, thereby reducing equipment size, costs, and maintenance needs. Greene Tweed is collaborating with centrifugal compressor OEMs to incorporate this technology into commercial hydrogen compression systems.